Redmi 5G device codename Karna in the works: Expected to feature a 144 Hz refresh rate display, MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ SoC, and a 64 MP IMX686 sensor

Xiaomi sub-brand Redmi has just launched the Redmi 10X and 10X Pro in China, but it looks like the company is in no mood to rest just yet. Russian Xiaomi tracker Xiaomishka has discovered that a new smartphone codenamed Karna is in the works, which will be powered by the new MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ SoC.

According to Xiaomishka, Redmi Karna will feature a 144 Hz display, a 64 MP primary camera, and 5G support. Karna's 144 Hz display is a step-up from the Redmi K30's 120 Hz refresh rate. It is understandable why Redmi is going all out to equip Karna with a 144 Hz panel. The company had to face criticism for equipping the K30 Pro with just a 60 Hz display prompting General Manager Lu Weibing to clarify on the same and convince buyers that this decision had to be taken keeping battery life in mind. Marketing also plays a role here. With most Android OEMs increasingly focusing on high refresh rate displays, Redmi would want to stay ahead of the curve.

Redmi Karna would be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ SoC though it will not be the first phone to feature this chip — that credit goes to the iQOO Z1. The new SoC supports the phone's purported 144 Hz display refresh rate and was recently shown to have achieved a neat 530,000 score on AnTuTu.

Xiaomishka says that Redmi Karna would not offer much surprise in the camera department — it will mostly likely use a 64 MP Sony IMX686 sensor that is present in the Redmi K30. It is not yet clear whether the camera will be equipped with optical image stabilization (OIS) as is the case with the Redmi 10X Pro.

Redmi Karna is expected to be announced sometime in July 2020.