Redmi readying one of the cheapest 5G phones yet (Update: New information)

Update: May 1, 2020 (11:00 AM ET): New information has emerged from XDA-Developers regarding the potential upcoming affordable 5G phone. The report on the upcoming Redmi K30i provides more credence to the rumor that the device would feature a 48MP primary camera rather than 64MP model offered by the Redmi K30 5G.

A reliable tipster on the XDA forums noticed an interesting sting of text in the latest version of the MIUI Camera app. In it, “picasso,” which is Xiaomi’s codename for the Redmi K30 5G, is mentioned. It’s followed by “REDMI K30i 5G” and “AI QUAD CAMERA:48MP QUAD CAMERA,” further enforcing the idea that the K30i 5G is a real device with that aforementioned camera specs.

Original article: April 21, 2020 (2:04 AM): The Redmi K30 5G is the cheapest 5G phone on the market right now, retailing for just 1,999 yuan (~$284) in its home market of China. But it looks like the Xiaomi sub-brand wants to go even lower.

According to Twitter tipster Xiaomishka and ITHome, the Redmi K30i is coming at the end of April. This new Redmi K30 variant is tipped to swap out the K30 5G’s 64MP main camera for a 48MP main shooter.

It’s believed that the Redmi K30i will otherwise be identical to the Redmi K30 5G. So that means a Snapdragon 765G processor, a 4,500mAh battery, 120Hz LCD screen, and quad rear cameras.

The Redmi K30i is set to retail for just 1,799 yuan (~$254), which would make it the cheapest 5G phone of 2020 so far. Unfortunately, the K30 5G wasn’t available outside China, so hopefully the Redmi K30i launches in other markets.

An apparently leaked memo obtained by ITHome suggests that Xiaomi is going even lower later this year. The memo notes that they’ll launch a 1,599 yuan (~$226) 5G phone in June, and a 999 yuan (~$141) 5G phone in November. If the memo is indeed legitimate, then it points to 5G becoming truly affordable for all later this year.