Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 5 Max: First Dimensity 9500s Phone with 9,000 mAh Battery

Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Turbo 5 Max in China, featuring MediaTek's new Dimensity 9500s chipset and an enormous 9,000 mAh battery that supports 100W fast charging.

Xiaomi has officially launched the Redmi Turbo 5 Max in China, marking the debut of MediaTek's new Dimensity 9500s chipset in a commercial smartphone. The flagship device combines cutting-edge mobile processing with an unusually large battery capacity, positioning itself as a powerhouse for users who prioritize endurance alongside performance.

At the heart of the Redmi Turbo 5 Max lies MediaTek's latest 3 nm system-on-chip, the Dimensity 9500s. This chipset represents MediaTek's continued push into premium mobile processing, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration that includes one high-performance Cortex-X925 core, three Cortex-X4 cores, and four efficiency-focused Cortex-A720 cores. The GPU is an Immortalis-G925 MC12, while AI processing is handled by the MediaTek NPU 890. This combination promises flagship-level performance for gaming, multitasking, and AI-driven applications.

What truly sets the Redmi Turbo 5 Max apart from competitors is its massive 9,000 mAh battery. This capacity significantly exceeds what most flagship smartphones offer, with many high-end devices typically featuring batteries in the 4,500-5,000 mAh range. Xiaomi pairs this enormous power reserve with 100W wired fast charging, allowing users to quickly top up even this substantial battery. The combination addresses one of the most common pain points for smartphone users: the need to frequently recharge throughout the day.

The device features a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2,772 x 1,280 pixels, resulting in a tall 20:9 aspect ratio. The screen supports a 120 Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming, along with 3,840 Hz PWM dimming to reduce eye strain in low-light conditions. Xiaomi claims a peak brightness of 3,500 nits, which would place it among the brightest smartphone displays available, though real-world testing will be needed to verify these claims.

On the camera front, the Redmi Turbo 5 Max sports a triple rear camera setup headlined by a 50 MP primary sensor from Light Hunted (likely a typo for Light Hunter or similar branding). This is complemented by an 8 MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a 20 MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls. While the camera specifications are solid, they don't push the boundaries of mobile photography in the same way the battery and chipset do.

Storage and memory options cater to different user needs, with configurations starting at 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage for CNY 2,199 (approximately $317). Users can upgrade to 16 GB RAM or expand storage to 512 GB for CNY 2,799 (around $403). These prices position the Redmi Turbo 5 Max as a compelling value proposition, especially considering the flagship-level specifications.

The device will be available in four color options, though specific color names weren't provided in the initial announcement. Design details remain limited, but the focus appears to be on functionality and performance rather than radical aesthetic choices.

Currently, the Redmi Turbo 5 Max is launching exclusively in China. However, industry watchers expect it to reach global markets as the Poco X8 Pro Max later in 2026. This follows Xiaomi's established pattern of rebranding Redmi Turbo devices for international markets under the Poco brand. If this pattern holds, the global version would likely maintain the core specifications while potentially adjusting pricing and availability for different regions.

The timing of this launch is particularly interesting, coming shortly after the release of the Poco X7 Pro, which effectively serves as the predecessor to what will likely become the Poco X8 Pro Max. The Turbo 5 Max represents a significant generational leap, especially in terms of battery capacity and processing power.

For power users, mobile gamers, and anyone frustrated with the limited battery life of modern smartphones, the Redmi Turbo 5 Max offers an intriguing solution. The combination of MediaTek's latest chipset with an oversized battery could set a new standard for what users expect from their daily drivers. However, the device's size and weight will likely increase substantially due to the 9,000 mAh battery, which may be a trade-off some users are unwilling to make for extended battery life.

As the smartphone market continues to mature, manufacturers are increasingly looking for ways to differentiate their offerings. Xiaomi's approach with the Redmi Turbo 5 Max—prioritizing battery capacity alongside cutting-edge processing—represents one possible direction for the industry, particularly as 5G and increasingly demanding applications continue to tax smartphone batteries.