Xiaomi’s Redmi sub-brand is partnering with Bose to co-engineer the audio system in the upcoming K90 Pro Max flagship phone. This is according to promo images shared on Weibo. The Redmi Bose partnership marks the first time the Chinese brand has teamed up with the renowned American audio company, and it launches in China on October 23, 2025.
Instead of collaborating with a camera brand, Redmi is betting on premium sound as its differentiator. The K90 Pro Max will feature “Sound by Bose” branding next to its rear camera module, confirming Bose’s contribution to the phone’s acoustic design and tuning. According to leaks and official teasers, the device includes a 2.1-channel audio system with a dedicated subwoofer-style speaker near the camera bump. This extra speaker handles low frequencies, giving the phone deeper bass and a fuller soundstage for music, movies, and gaming.
Redmi executives described this move as an effort to “change the industry’s expectations of smartphone sound quality.” If successful, the Redmi Bose partnership could position the K90 Pro Max as one of the best-sounding Android phones in its segment. Bose has built a strong reputation for exceptional audio quality across its product lineup, from the QuietComfort Ultra headphones to portable speakers.
What Else to Expect
The phone will pack the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor with up to 100W fast charging. It features a triple-camera setup including a periscope telephoto lens. Color options include Flowing Gold White and Denim Blue, with the blue variant featuring nano-leather texture that resists dirt, UV damage, and yellowing.
The K90 Pro Max is expected to launch globally later, possibly under Xiaomi’s Poco F8 Ultra branding. This wouldn’t be Xiaomi’s first audio partnership. The company previously worked with Harman Kardon to co-tune stereo speakers on the Mi 11 and later Redmi Note devices.
Audio Partnerships Aren’t New
Several smartphone makers have teamed up with major audio brands to enhance sound performance. HTC made one of the earliest moves in 2011 when it partnered with Beats by Dr. Dre, even buying a majority stake for $300 million. The partnership integrated Beats Audio tuning in flagships like the HTC Sensation XL.
LG collaborated with Bang & Olufsen on its V-series smartphones, notably the LG V20 and G5 SE. The partnership focused on DAC tuning and branding, giving LG devices an audiophile edge. ASUS worked with Nokia’s OZO Audio platform on its Zenfone 7 and Zenfone 8 series, offering advanced 3D spatial sound. Huawei joined forces with French audio brand Devialet for the Huawei Sound X smart speaker.
The Redmi Bose partnership signals Xiaomi’s intent to elevate audio performance as a key differentiator, similar to how camera partnerships with Leica, Hasselblad, or Zeiss have worked for other brands. Premium smartphone sound can sell phones, and Bose’s tuning could make the K90 Pro Max stand out for users who value immersive multimedia and gaming experiences.
