Recent leaks from credible sources suggest that Xiaomi has revised its camera strategy for the upcoming Xiaomi 16, the direct successor to last year’s Xiaomi 15. According to Indian tipster Kartikey Singh, Xiaomi’s original plan to equip the device with a dedicated periscope telephoto module has been scrapped in the latest prototype version.
Instead, the Xiaomi 16 is expected to feature the same ISOCELL JN5 sensor used in the Xiaomi 15, which supports up to 2.6x optical zoom and macro photography. While this may disappoint users expecting an improved zoom experience, other aspects of the device appear to be receiving notable upgrades.
Thinner bezels, larger battery in focus
The Xiaomi 16 may feature significantly thinner bezels, reportedly enabled by LIPO display technology, previously seen on devices like Vivo’s recent flagships. The phone is expected to retain a compact 6.3-inch form factor but will house a considerably larger battery—around 7,000 mAh—according to the same source. This would mark a substantial improvement in battery life over its predecessor and could give Xiaomi a competitive edge in the compact flagship category.
New main sensor: Omnivision QV50Q
Camera upgrades appear to be focused on the primary shooter. Singh reports that the Xiaomi 16 will debut a new 50 MP 1/1.3-inch Omnivision QV50Q sensor. This sensor is expected to offer improved HDR performance through LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) technology and enhanced autofocus efficiency. These enhancements should result in more consistent photography output, especially in challenging lighting environments.
However, the ultrawide and secondary cameras are said to remain unchanged from the Xiaomi 15.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Elite onboard
Powering the Xiaomi 16 is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Elite chipset, likely offering better energy efficiency and thermal performance. While not as cutting-edge as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, this SoC should still deliver top-tier performance for daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
