The Xiaomi 16 series brings fresh rumors of larger flat screens, advanced autofocus cameras, and massive batteries. From a mini model for compact phone lovers to ultra versions with revolutionary zoom - will this be the year Xiaomi truly dominates the competition?
Imagine a world where your smartphone isn't just a device, but a true superhero: with a screen bigger than your ego, a camera that captures moments better than your memory, and a battery that lasts longer than your last vacation. Xiaomi, the Chinese tech wizard who always finds a way to surprise us with a mix of innovation and the irony of affordability, is gearing up for a 16th series. Rumors circulating online point to a lineup that will be more diverse than ever—from small but mighty models to ones that could even beat the iPhone in photography. But hey, in the tech world, rumors are like the weather: sunny today, and maybe raining tomorrow with reality.
New screens: flat and bigger, as if Xiaomi were reading our minds
The Xiaomi 16 Pro is said to ditch the curved screens of previous models and return to flat surfaces, which will please anyone who is tired of accidental touches on the edges. Rumors point to an enlarged screen of up to 6.85 inches on the Pro model, which is an increase compared to 6.73 inches on the Xiaomi 15 Pro. To maintain the elegant look, Xiaomi is said to have thinned the edges around the screen, so that it looks just as attractive as its predecessor, without the optical tricks of curvature. Additionally, advanced eye protection technology will be included, which works even at high brightness - as if Xiaomi knows that we spend too much time with our eyes glued to the screen. And for those who like smaller phones? The Xiaomi 16 Pro Mini is coming with a 6.3-inch screen that doesn't sacrifice performance.
Processor and performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 as the heart of the beast
All models in the 16 series are expected to run on the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip, which promises top-notch performance without compromise. This means that even the compact mini model will be just as powerful as its bigger brothers - Xiaomi clearly doesn't want a smaller phone to mean smaller ambitions. Ironically, while other manufacturers are skimping on smaller models, Xiaomi is betting on full power for everything. This will likely be one of the first series of phones to feature this chip, which could set new standards in speed and efficiency.
Cameras: from the selfie revolution to zooms that rival DSLRs
Here's where it gets interesting: Rumors are that the cameras in the 16 series will beat even the iPhone. The Xiaomi 16 and 16 Pro are said to get a new ultra-wide lens with autofocus and a 50-megapixel sensor that supports 4K video at 60 frames per second. This is a big step up from the 32-megapixel selfie cameras without focus in the 15 series, which were, let's admit, a bit of a disappointment. For the Ultra model, there are rumors of a triple camera with 200-megapixel zoom and continuous optical zoom, reminiscent of DSLRs - as if Xiaomi wanted to say, "why carry a camera when you have a phone?". The Pro Max version, on the other hand, promises a massive improvement in the Leica sensors, including a periscope telephoto lens. And let's not forget the Xiaomi 15t Pro, which has already shown off the first live photos with a 50-megapixel main camera and IP69 protection.
Batteries: bigger, as if Xiaomi wanted you to forget about the charger
One of the most exciting rumors is about the batteries: the basic Xiaomi 16 is said to have 7000 mAh, the Pro Mini 6300 mAh, and the Pro Max even 7500 mAh. This is more than its predecessors, such as the Xiaomi 15 Pro with 6100 mAh, and could mean that the phone can last a whole day without charging - ideal for those days when you're on the go and the charger is left at home. Support for fast charging up to 100 W and wireless charging on the Mini model adds even more convenience. Ironically, while other manufacturers talk about thinness, Xiaomi is betting on durability - perhaps because they know that no one likes a low battery percentage at a crucial moment.
A diverse offer: from mini to ultra, for every taste
The 16 series is rumored to be the most diverse yet: the basic 16, the compact Pro Mini, the standard Pro, the Pro Max, and the Ultra. The Ultra model could arrive earlier than expected, perhaps as early as late 2025, with fewer cameras but a greater focus on quality. This is Xiaomi's way of covering all segments of the market - from those who want a small phone with big capabilities to photography enthusiasts looking for top-of-the-line equipment.
Release date and pricing: when and how much?
The Chinese launch of the 16 series is expected in October or November 2025, with a global launch a few months later. Pricing is not yet official, but based on previous models such as the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which retails for around €900 (€990 $), we can expect the base 16 to be around €700 (€770 $), and the Pro model to be up to €1200 (€1320 $). However, these are just guesses.
