Xiaomi RedMagic K90 Ultra Features Battery Bypass Charging to Combat Overheating

Xiaomi has unveiled its latest gaming smartphone, the RedMagic K90 Ultra, which includes a novel charging technology designed to tackle the persistent issue of overheating. This new feature, dubbed “bypass charging,” aims to alleviate thermal stress on the battery and internal components, particularly during demanding tasks like gaming and high-speed charging.

Innovative Charging Solution

The RedMagic K90 Ultra’s bypass charging system fundamentally alters how the device is powered when plugged in. Instead of solely channeling power into the battery, the system intelligently distributes the incoming charge. A dedicated chip directs a portion of the power directly to the phone’s main components—such as the processor and display—while only a smaller amount charges the battery. This mirrors the functionality seen in some laptops, where the device can be used while charging without excessively stressing the battery.

Combating Thermal Throttling

Overheating is a significant concern for high-performance smartphones, especially those designed for gaming. When a device’s internal temperature rises beyond a certain threshold, it triggers “thermal throttling,” a protective mechanism where the processor intentionally reduces its performance to prevent damage. The RedMagic K90 Ultra’s bypass charging aims to mitigate this by reducing the heat generated during both charging and intensive use. By supplying power directly to the motherboard, less heat is produced by the battery itself, contributing to a cooler operating environment.

Integrated Cooling System

Complementing the bypass charging is an active cooling system, featuring a built-in fan. This fan, with an 18.1mm diameter, works in conjunction with a sealed air duct to manage airflow within the chassis, creating a vortex that moves 0.42 CMF of air. Xiaomi claims this system can reduce internal temperatures by up to 10°C in just 100 seconds when operating at maximum capacity. While the fan itself is not entirely new to the mobile market, its integration with the bypass charging technology presents a more comprehensive approach to thermal management.

Addressing Battery Longevity

The continuous cycle of charging and discharging a battery, especially during demanding tasks, can degrade its overall lifespan. By bypassing the battery during intense usage while plugged in, the RedMagic K90 Ultra reduces this strain. This approach can help preserve the battery’s health and maintain its capacity over a longer period, a key consideration for users who rely heavily on their devices for extended gaming sessions or other power-intensive activities.

Historical Context of Gaming Phone Cooling

While the RedMagic K90 Ultra’s combination of features is noteworthy, the concept of active cooling in smartphones is not entirely novel. Nubia, the brand behind RedMagic, pioneered the inclusion of turbofans in its devices as early as 2019 with the RedMagic 3. Subsequent models have seen advancements in fan speed and efficiency, alongside the introduction of more sophisticated cooling solutions like vapor chambers and liquid cooling systems, as seen in some high-end phones and PCs. The K90 Ultra’s IP68 rating also signifies robust protection against dust and water, an important consideration for any mobile device.

Key facts

The integration of bypass charging in the RedMagic K90 Ultra represents a significant step in mobile thermal management. For users engaging in prolonged gaming sessions or utilizing fast charging frequently, this technology offers a tangible benefit by reducing heat, preventing performance throttling, and potentially extending the device’s battery life. Whether this feature will become a standard across more mainstream devices remains to be seen, but it highlights Xiaomi’s innovation in addressing a common user pain point.

Source: Xiaomi se ha sacado de la manga un truco para que el móvil no se derrita mientras carga: un ‘bypass’ para saltarse la batería – Xataka (https://www.xataka.com/telefono-movil/xiaomi-se-ha-sacado-manga-truco-movil-no-se-derrita-carga-bypass-para-saltarse-bateria)