Physical fans in gaming phones are experiencing their most significant boost to date.

      Xiaomi's Redmi K90 Max might bring built-in cooling fans from the realm of specialized gaming phones to more widespread use.

      Xiaomi appears ready to mainstream active cooling in smartphones with the upcoming Redmi K90 Max. While integrated fans are not entirely new, they have predominantly been found in high-end gaming devices until now. With Xiaomi preparing to enter this space, the technology could finally find a broader audience.

      What do we know about the cooling system in the Redmi K90 Max?

      In a recent series of teasers shared on Weibo, Xiaomi President Lu Weibing has revealed that the Redmi K90 Max will include a new cooling mechanism featuring a substantial 18.1mm fan and a redesigned duct that purportedly enhances airflow by 40%. The company asserts that this configuration can lower temperatures by as much as 10 degrees Celsius within just 100 seconds under load.

      The motivation behind this new system is to provide users with improved sustained performance. Although modern flagship processors can deliver significant power, they typically manage this only in brief bursts before thermal throttling occurs. Active cooling aims to maintain consistent performance during extended gaming sessions, instead of fluctuating dramatically.

      What sets Xiaomi's approach apart?

      While Xiaomi has previously experimented with gaming features, incorporating a physical fan into the Redmi K series represents a significant change, indicating it won’t be a mere experimental model. Instead, this could suggest that the company recognizes active cooling as a feature that more users might desire.

      Other brands have already ventured into this technology. Devices like the Oppo K13 Turbo Pro, Honor Win, and RedMagic 11 Pro all come equipped with internal fans, but they have primarily targeted the gaming enthusiast market. Here is where Xiaomi distinguishes itself. The Redmi K series is positioned closer to the mass-premium category, rather than being confined to a niche gaming lineup. If executed effectively, built-in fans could appear in more mainstream smartphones.

      With features like a 165Hz display, a next-gen flagship chipset, and gaming-centric optimizations also included, the Redmi K90 Max is not solely focused on specifications. It has the potential to bring physical fans into greater prominence in a way that specialized gaming devices have not achieved thus far.