Xiaomi Redmi Note 6: release date, leakage of characteristics and what to expect from the new smartphone

Why Redmi Note 6 is causing such a stir

Xiaomi Redmi Note has long been synonymous with price-performance balance. Each new release in the series draws an army of waiting fans around it - and Redmi Note 6 is no exception. But there is one catch: there are still no official announcements from the company, and rumors and leaks sometimes contradict each other.

If you’re following Xiaomi’s news, you’ve probably noticed that after the Redmi Note 5 in 2018 and Redmi Note 7 in 2019, the logical numbering of the Suddenly was interrupted. The Redmi Note 6 never saw the light of day in the planned time frame, which generated a lot of speculation. Whether it was a marketing move or technical problems, the fact remains that the model with the index “6” has become the most mysterious in the history of the series. In this article, we will analyze all the available data, analyze possible causes of delay and predict whether this smartphone should wait in 2026.

Spoiler: If you're looking for a current flagship at an affordable price, it might make sense to look for newer models, but for collectors and fans of the Redmi Note 6 brand, it's a real "white sheep."

Xiaomi’s official position: why Redmi Note 6 is not released on time

Xiaomi has never commented on the lack of Redmi Note 6 in its lineup, but analysis of the brand’s strategy suggests several valid versions:

• 🔄 Renumbering: After the release of Redmi Note 5 in 2018, Xiaomi decided to switch to a new naming system, skipping the “6” and immediately releasing the Redmi Note 7 in 2019. This may be due to the desire to synchronize the numbering with other series (for example, Mi 6 → Mi 8).
• 📉 Falling demand: By 2018, the budget smartphone market had become oversaturated, and Xiaomi could feel that the release of an intermediate model was not justified economically.
• 🛠️ Technical issues: The Redmi Note 6 prototype was rumored to have critical flaws in cooling or compatibility with Qualcomm's new chips, which forced the company to pull out of the release.

Interesting fact: the TENAA certification database (the Chinese equivalent of FCC) does have a record of a device with the model number M1806E7TG, which many associate with the Redmi Note 6. However, it never officially went on sale.

⚠️ Warning: There are counterfeits on the market under the guise of the Redmi Note 6, relabeled Redmi Note 5 or other models, and it is extremely risky to buy such devices, they do not receive updates and may have problems with the hardware.

Features of Redmi Note 6: what is known from the leaks

Despite the lack of an official announcement, the network has preserved data on the alleged characteristics of the Redmi Note 6. Most of them are based on certification documents and insider information from trusted sources (for example, XDA Developers or GSMArena).

Especially interesting information about the design: according to leaks, Redmi Note 6 was supposed to get a notch in the screen (notch) – novelty for 2018, but not as radical as the iPhone X. Also mentioned the rear panel of glass (unlike the metal in the Note 5), which was later implemented in the Note 7.

However, there are skeptical opinions: some experts believe that the Redmi Note 6 should have been just a rebrand of the Mi A2 Lite (which, incidentally, also came out in 2018 with the Snapdragon 625 and a 5.84 screen).

Redmi Note 5 and Note 7: What Have We Lost (or Acquired?)

Let's be honest: if the Redmi Note 6 were released in 2018, it would have been in the middle of the Note 5 and Note 7. But since that didn't happen, users got a more advanced model at once.

• 🔋 Battery: All three models have a 4000mAh battery, but the Note 7 got Quick Charge 4.0 support (although charging is still 5V/2A).
• 📸 Camera: The transition from 12 MP to 5 MP to 48 MP to Note 7 was revolutionary. Note 6 with its supposed 12+8 MP would look pale against this background.
• 🖥️ Display: The Note 7 screen is not only larger (6.3" vs. 5.99"), but also features a more modern aspect ratio (19.5:9) and Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
• 🛡️ Protection: The Note 7 received IP53 (splash protection) certification, which was not the case with its predecessors.

The Redmi Note 5 is still valued for:

• The ⚡ Snapdragon 625 is one of the most energy-efficient processors of its time (many users still praise its autonomy).
• 🔄 3.5 mm headphone jack (in the Note 7, it also remained, but the trend to exclude it has already been noted).
• 💰 Price: On the secondary market Note 5 can still be found for 5-7 thousand rubles, which makes it an excellent budget option.

The bottom line is that if the Redmi Note 6 comes out now, it will look anachronistic, but in 2018 it could be a decent upgrade for Note 4/4X owners.

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The Redmi Note 7 was a logical development of the lineup, offering users a leap in camera performance and design.The 2018 release of the Note 6 could blur that progress.

Possible release dates of Redmi Note 6: real prospects

As of this writing (2026), the chances of a Redmi Note 6 being released are near zero, but let’s look at hypothetical scenarios in which it might happen:

1. Limited batch for collectors (similar to iPhone 4S in 2022) Probability: 5%. Xiaomi doesn't practice such promotions, but in theory it could be a marketing ploy for the anniversary of the Redmi Note series.
2. It's a rebranding under a different name, like the POCO M2 (which, by the way, was based on the Redmi 9) and odds are: 15%. In that case, the device would have been branded differently, and we would never have known that it was originally planned as the Note 6.
3. Output in selected regions (e.g., India or China only) 20% probability. Xiaomi often tests new models in local markets before global release.
4. Fake or leaked from partners: 60 percent chance, and most of the new mentions of the Redmi Note 6 in 2023-2026 are either errors or attempts to draw attention to other models.

When it comes to specific dates, it is:

• 📅 2018 (planned release): September–October (traditional time for Redmi Note announcements).
• 📅 2026 (hypothetical release): only in the case of a special event (e.g., Xiaomi Fan Festival in April).

By comparison, the Redmi Note 13 was released in January 2026, and the Redmi Note 14 is not expected until late 2026 – early 2026.

⚠️ Warning: If you see news of the Redmi Note 6 coming soon on questionable resources (especially with a request for pre-order), it's 100% fraud. Xiaomi never announces products through third-party sites.

What to buy instead of Redmi Note 6: current alternatives in 2026

If you were counting on the Redmi Note 6 as a budget smartphone with good specs, here are a few modern alternatives from the Xiaomi lineup:

If you are fundamentally important model with the index "6", pay attention to:

• 📱 Redmi 6 (2018) — budget model with Helio P22 and screen 5.45. Price on the secondary market: 3-5 thousand ₽.

Tip: Check for update support before buying: For example, Redmi 6 no longer even gets security patches, and Redmi Note 12 will be updated until at least 2026.

How to distinguish a fake Redmi Note 6 from the original (if it suddenly appears)

You can already find a Redmi Note 6 on the market, priced at 8,000-12,000 rubles, 99 percent fake or re-labeled devices, and here's how to recognize them:

• 🔍 Check IMEI: Dial *#06# and compare the number to the data on the box. Then check it on IMEI.info. The original Redmi Note 6 (if it existed) would have had the model number M1806E7TG.
• 📦 Packaging: The original Xiaomi boxes have: Holographic logo sticker. Serial number matching the sticker on the phone. Manufacturer's address: Xiaomi Communications Co., Ltd.
• 🔧 Software features: Settings → Phone must specify MIUI 9/10 (newer versions are unlikely for a non-existent model). CPU model: Snapdragon 636 or 660 (checked in AnTuTu Benchmark).

It is especially dangerous to buy such devices on Avito or AliExpress without the possibility of verification, most often under the guise of Redmi Note 6 sold:

• 📱 Re-flashed Redmi Note 5 with a modified logo.
• 📱 Clones on MediaTek Helio P23 with low-end screen.
• 📱 Other brands (such as Ulefone or Doogee) are in a Xiaomi case.

If you have a “original” device, you should:

1. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Run a performance test in Geekbench or AnTuTu.
3. Evaluate the autonomy: the original Snapdragon 636/660 should hold a charge of at least 6-8 hours when in active use.

The future of the line of Redmi Note: what to expect instead of Note 6

Instead of waiting for the Redmi Note 6, it makes sense to look at current and future models in the series.

• 📱 Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G (already available) is the flagship Dimensity 7200 Ultra processor, the 200 MP camera, the 2712×1220 screen with Dolby Vision support.

Trends to consider when choosing:

• ⚡ Fast Charging: Even budget models now get 33W support (e.g. Redmi 12).
• 🔋 Autonomy: 5000 mAh batteries are becoming the standard even in compact devices.

Tip: If you want a smartphone for years, look for models with Snapdragon 7+ Gen or Dimensity 9000 series processors, which are not only more powerful, but also longer supported by updates.

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Before buying a new smartphone, check its rating in DxOMark (for the camera) and results in Geekbench (for performance).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Redmi Note 6