Xiaomi’s flagship numbered series has always been a trendsetter in the smartphone industry. After the successful launch of the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro in October 2024, rumors about the Xiaomi 16 have started surfacing online. These rumors suggest that the next-generation model could come with significant upgrades, particularly in the camera department. Here’s everything we know so far about the Xiaomi 16 and its anticipated features.
Xiaomi 15 Series Details:
Before diving into the details of the Xiaomi 16, let’s recap the Xiaomi 15 series specifications and features:
- Processor: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, the Xiaomi 15 series delivers top-tier performance.
- Display:
- Xiaomi 15: 6.36-inch 1.5K OLED display with a peak brightness of 3,200 nits.
- Xiaomi 15 Pro: 2K resolution OLED display, providing superior clarity.
- Camera:
- Xiaomi 15 Pro: Triple rear cameras with a 50MP Light Hunter 900 primary sensor, 50MP 5x periscope telephoto camera (10x lossless zoom), and 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens.
- Xiaomi 15: Triple rear cameras with a 50MP Light Fusion 900 sensor, 50MP telephoto camera, and 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens.
- Battery:
- Xiaomi 15: 5,400mAh battery with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging.
- Xiaomi 15 Pro: 6,100mAh battery with the same fast-charging specifications.
- Software: Both models run on HyperOS 2 and feature an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
- Price: Starting at CNY 4,499 (approx. ₹52,000). The series is expected to launch in India in March 2025.
Xiaomi 16 Rumored Features:
Improved Telephoto Camera
According to tipster Smart Pikachu on Weibo, the Xiaomi 16 will include a periscope telephoto camera. This feature, previously exclusive to the Xiaomi 15 Pro, is expected to become standard in the Xiaomi 16 series.
- Benefits of Periscope Telephoto Camera:
- Enhanced zoom capabilities with minimal loss of quality.
- Greater versatility for long-distance photography, making it ideal for wildlife and landscape shots.
The inclusion of this feature in the standard Xiaomi 16 model could make it more appealing to photography enthusiasts.
Expected Camera Setup
While specific details are yet to be confirmed, the Xiaomi 16 is rumored to feature:
- A 50MP Light Hunter main sensor.
- A 50MP periscope telephoto camera.
- A 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens.
These improvements aim to elevate Xiaomi’s reputation for offering flagship-level camera technology.
Processor and Software
- Likely to be powered by the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC for unmatched performance.
- Expected to run on an updated version of HyperOS, ensuring smoother and more intuitive user experiences.
Design Enhancements
- A sleeker design with a ceramic or glass back panel.
- IP68-rated durability for water and dust resistance.
Battery and Charging
- Anticipated to feature a battery capacity upwards of 5,500mAh, with support for 90W wired and 50W wireless fast charging.
Xiaomi 16 vs. Xiaomi 15: What’s New?
| Feature | Xiaomi 15 | Xiaomi 16 (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Periscope Telephoto Camera | Exclusive to Pro model | Available on standard and Pro models |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Battery Capacity | 5,400mAh (Xiaomi 15), 6,100mAh (Pro) | Estimated 5,500mAh+ |
| Display | 1.5K (Xiaomi 15), 2K (Pro) | Potentially upgraded resolutions |
| Software | HyperOS 2 | Updated HyperOS version |
Expected Price and Availability:
The Xiaomi 16 series is likely to retain competitive pricing, similar to the Xiaomi 15 series, which starts at CNY 4,499. In India, the Xiaomi 16 series is expected to launch in mid-2025, following its initial debut in China.