Introduction
2019 marked a turning point for Redmi — the year it became an independent brand, breaking away from Xiaomi’s shadow. In its debut year as a standalone company, Redmi unleashed an aggressive lineup targeting every price segment, from affordable powerhouses to premium challengers.
The focus was clear: value, performance, and vibrant design. And at the heart of every Redmi phone was its display technology — a defining feature that reflected the brand’s evolution.
The Rise of Redmi as an Independent Brand
When Redmi officially split from Xiaomi in January 2019, it wasn’t just a marketing move — it was a statement of intent. Redmi aimed to dominate the budget and mid-range markets globally, using Xiaomi’s resources but its own identity.
From the Redmi Note 7 to the K20 Pro, the brand demonstrated its capability to produce well-built, affordable smartphones with impressive hardware.
2019 Display Trends: LCD Dominance and the Dawn of AMOLED
In 2019, LCD was still king in the mid-range market. Redmi chose to maximize cost efficiency by offering high-quality LCDs across its Note and entry-level lines, reserving AMOLED for its new K20 flagship series.
This strategic division allowed Redmi to:
- Maintain low prices in its volume sellers (Note and 8 series)
- Experiment with high-end tech like AMOLED and in-display fingerprint sensors in the K20 line
Overview Table of Redmi’s 2019 Major Models
| Phone Model | Launch Date | Display Type | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 8 Pro (Global) | Sept 2019 | LCD | Pearl White, Electric Gray, Jade Green, Twilight Orange |
| Redmi Note 8 (Global) | Aug 2019 | LCD | Crystal Blue, Pearl White, Nebula Purple, Onyx Black |
| Redmi Note 7 Pro (China/India) | Feb 2019 | LCD | Nebula Red, Dream Blue, Bright Black |
| Redmi Note 7 (Global) | Jan 2019 | LCD | Onyx Black, Dream Blue, Nebula Red |
| Redmi K20 Pro (China) | May 2019 | AMOLED | Flame Red, Glacier Blue, Carbon Black |
| Redmi K20 (China) | May 2019 | AMOLED | Flame Red, Glacier Blue, Carbon Black |
| Redmi 8 (Global) | Oct 2019 | LCD | Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue, Onyx Black |
| Redmi 8A (Global) | Sept 2019 | LCD | Ocean Blue, Sunset Red, Midnight Black |
| Redmi 7 (Global) | Mar 2019 | LCD | Onyx Black, Dream Blue, Nebula Red |
| POCO F1 (Global) | Aug 2018 / Active 2019 | LCD | Graphite Black, Steel Blue, Rosso Red |
Redmi Note 8 Series
The Redmi Note 8 lineup was a defining success story in 2019. It improved upon every aspect of the Note 7, particularly in camera performance and design refinement.
Redmi Note 8 Pro
Redmi’s first phone with the MediaTek Helio G90T chip was a surprise hit. It was the world’s first 64MP quad-camera phone, featuring a 6.53-inch LCD display with sharp color reproduction and HDR support.
Color options such as Jade Green and Twilight Orange gave it a youthful, energetic look.
Redmi Note 8
Targeting mainstream users, the Note 8 balanced performance and design with the Snapdragon 665 processor. Its LCD screen offered great clarity, and the Crystal Blue and Nebula Purple versions became fan favorites worldwide.
Redmi Note 7 Series
The Note 7 series kicked off Redmi’s independent journey. Its success laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Redmi Note 7 Pro
This phone was a performance beast for its price, packing a Sony IMX586 sensor and a Snapdragon 675 processor. The LCD display maintained good color accuracy and brightness.
Its gradient colors — Nebula Red and Dream Blue — helped popularize Redmi’s signature gradient style.
Redmi Note 7
The global bestseller is known as “Little King Kong” for its durability. It used Gorilla Glass 5 on both sides and a sharp LCD panel. Its reliability and colorful design made it an instant hit.
Redmi K20 Series (China)
2019 also marked Redmi’s bold entrance into the flagship segment with the K20 lineup.
Redmi K20 Pro
With the Snapdragon 855, pop-up camera, and AMOLED full-screen display, this phone shattered expectations. It was Redmi’s first model to combine AMOLED with premium materials.
The Flame Red and Glacier Blue finishes created a sense of movement, reflecting light beautifully.
Redmi K20
A slightly toned-down version with the Snapdragon 730, the K20 delivered a near-flagship experience. It shared the same AMOLED panel and design, while being more affordable.
Outside China, it was marketed as the Mi 9T, helping Redmi reach broader global markets.
Redmi 8 Series (Global Entry-Level)
The Redmi 8 and 8A brought big-battery innovation to budget smartphones. Both housed massive 5000mAh batteries and used LCD displays optimized for power efficiency.
Redmi 8
It stood out with its “Aura Mirror Design”, offering reflective finishes like Ruby Red and Sapphire Blue. Its LCD panel provided solid brightness for outdoor use.
Redmi 8A
Simpler but durable, the 8A catered to first-time smartphone users. The Ocean Blue version was especially popular across Asia and Europe.
Redmi 7 Series (Entry-Level Continuation)
Before the 8 series, the Redmi 7 was the go-to phone for affordability. It featured a 6.26-inch LCD screen and stylish gradient colors. Despite its modest specs, it proved that good design didn’t require a flagship price.
POCO Series (Global Market)
Though launched in 2018, the POCO F1 remained a strong seller through 2019. With a Snapdragon 845 and LCD panel, it outperformed phones double its price. Its continued popularity proved Redmi’s strategy of offering power at a lower price worked brilliantly.
Regional Variations
Some Redmi phones had different names or specs depending on region.
For instance:
- K20 = Mi 9T in global markets
- Note 7 Pro was limited mainly to China and India
Such changes optimized Redmi’s market reach and compliance with regional regulations.
Color Palette and Design Language
Redmi’s 2019 design philosophy celebrated color. The year saw a boom in gradient finishes, glassy textures, and reflective patterns. Each color told a story:
- Dream Blue – youthful and trendy
- Flame Red – bold and energetic
- Glacier Blue – cool and futuristic
This emphasis on visual appeal became a major selling point globally.
Display Technology Comparison
| Feature | LCD | AMOLED |
|---|---|---|
| Color Accuracy | Good | Excellent |
| Brightness | High | Higher |
| Energy Efficiency | Moderate | Better (especially on dark themes) |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Fingerprint Integration | Rear-mounted | In-display capable |
Redmi’s 2019 approach — using LCD for value models and AMOLED for flagships — was both practical and strategic.
Strategic Insights: Redmi’s Product Segmentation
Redmi built a clear three-tier strategy in 2019:
- K Series – Flagship performance, AMOLED displays
- Note Series – Mid-range powerhouse, LCD displays
- Number Series – Entry-level phones, big batteries, and durability
Meanwhile, the POCO brand (under Redmi’s umbrella) kept appealing to power users who wanted flagship specs on a budget.
Conclusion
2019 was a milestone year for Redmi. As an independent brand, it mastered the art of segmentation — AMOLED for the ambitious, LCD for the masses — and crafted some of the most memorable phones of the decade.
From the vibrant Note 8 Pro to the sleek K20 Pro, Redmi’s 2019 lineup showed that affordability and innovation can coexist beautifully.
FAQs
1. What was Redmi’s first AMOLED phone?
The Redmi K20 and K20 Pro, launched in May 2019, were Redmi’s first phones with AMOLED displays.
2. Why did most Redmi phones in 2019 use LCD screens?
Because LCD offered a balance of cost, durability, and brightness, perfect for Redmi’s value-driven strategy.
3. Which 2019 Redmi phone had the biggest battery?
The Redmi 8 and 8A, each packing a 5000mAh battery.
4. What were the most popular Redmi colors in 2019?
Dream Blue, Flame Red, and Glacier Blue topped the charts globally.
5. Did POCO belong to Redmi in 2019?
Yes. POCO operated under the Xiaomi ecosystem but shared design and production ties with Redmi’s engineering teams.
