Flagship performance face-off between Xiaomi and Sony

The smartphone market in 2025 has no shortage of premium contenders, but few comparisons are as interesting as the Redmi K90 Pro Max going up against the Sony Xperia 1 VI. Both phones deliver flagship performance, high-end design, and cutting-edge technology — yet they target very different audiences. While Sony’s device caters to professionals and creators, Xiaomi’s flagship aims to deliver elite performance at a value price.

At the heart of the Redmi K90 Pro Max is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, built on a 3nm architecture for faster speeds and improved efficiency. Paired with up to 16GB of RAM, it offers serious power for gaming, multitasking, and productivity. The Xperia 1 VI also runs a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is slightly older but still a top-tier chipset known for stability and balanced thermal performance. In synthetic benchmarks, the Redmi edges ahead, but both perform flawlessly in daily use.

The display comparison reveals two different philosophies. The Redmi K90 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,500 nits of peak brightness. It’s perfect for gamers and media enthusiasts who love vibrant, expansive visuals. The Xperia 1 VI, on the other hand, uses a 6.5-inch 4K OLED panel with Sony’s signature 21:9 aspect ratio — a delight for movie lovers and creators who prefer cinematic accuracy over sheer brightness.

Battery life is another area where the Redmi K90 Pro Max shines. With a massive 7,560mAh cell, it comfortably outlasts most rivals, including Sony’s 5,000mAh unit. Xiaomi’s 100W wired and 50W wireless charging further solidify its advantage, delivering a full charge in under 30 minutes. In contrast, Sony’s phone offers slower charging but compensates with cooler operation and better longevity over repeated cycles.

When it comes to cameras, the Xperia 1 VI maintains Sony’s long-standing dominance in optical quality and creative control. It features a triple-camera setup with real optical zoom and advanced manual modes. The Redmi K90 Pro Max, while also boasting three 50MP sensors, relies heavily on computational photography and AI enhancements. Its images are crisp and detailed, but professionals may still prefer the Xperia’s colour accuracy and manual flexibility.

Design preferences will vary by user. The Redmi K90 Pro Max embraces bold styling and a large footprint, appealing to those who want a big-screen experience. The Xperia 1 VI retains Sony’s understated elegance, with a slimmer, more comfortable profile for one-handed use. Both are built from premium materials, though Sony’s IP68 water resistance gives it an edge in durability.

In terms of software, Xiaomi’s HyperOS focuses on speed and modern aesthetics, integrating AI-based resource management and customisation tools. Sony’s Android skin stays closer to stock, offering a cleaner interface with a professional focus. While Xiaomi provides more visual flair, Sony’s software wins in consistency and simplicity.

For UK buyers, pricing makes this comparison even more striking. The Redmi K90 Pro Max is expected to start around £699 for the 12GB/256GB version, significantly undercutting the Xperia 1 VI, which retails near £1,200. That difference alone positions Xiaomi’s flagship as one of the best value propositions in the high-end segment.

In real-world use, the Redmi K90 Pro Max impresses with its combination of raw performance, exceptional battery life, and fast charging. The Xperia 1 VI counters with unmatched camera precision, superior display calibration, and brand prestige. For creators and photographers, Sony remains the more refined choice. For users seeking flagship power at a fraction of the price, Redmi’s offering is difficult to beat.

In conclusion, the Redmi K90 Pro Max and Xperia 1 VI highlight two distinct interpretations of a flagship phone. The Redmi delivers maximum performance and endurance at a disruptive price, while the Xperia focuses on finesse, craftsmanship, and optical mastery. For most UK buyers looking for high-end performance without a high-end price tag, Xiaomi’s K90 Pro Max emerges as the smarter choice.