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Written by
Ameer Hamza
Introduction
Xiaomi’s next flagship — the Xiaomi 16 series — looks ready to be a big move for the brand: Qualcomm announced the chipset patnership and sources report huge batteries and Leica-tuned camera hardware on the Ultra model.
If the reports are true, the series will release in China in October 2025 and reach global markets in early 2026, making it one of the most important Xiaomi releases of the year. OnePlus 15 series also rumoured to launch in 2025 which can compete Xiaomi 16 Series.
First Things to Know
- Rumours are coming Qualcomm has publicly confirmed Xiaomi will be first to release a phone with the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (Qualcomm has not yet officially announce), a next-gen Snapdragon focused at improved CPU/GPU performance.
- Sources suggest the Xiaomi 16 Ultra’s battery ranges from 7,000–7,500mAh, with fast wired and wireless charging reportedly available — a strong move toward top-tier smartphone battery life.
- Software will launch as HyperOS 3, Xiaomi’s Android-based interface said to be built on Android 16, providing smoother UI and improved system stability.
These features — premium Android processor, a high-capacity battery, and camera upgrades — are the main base of Xiaomi’s target: long-lasting performance and top photography for users.
Xiaomi 16 Series 2025: Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 and HyperOS Performance
Xiaomi’s choice to launch its 16 series with Qualcomm’s next Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset — expected to be announced in late September — is important for performance benchmarks and AI-driven features. Qualcomm is placing the new platform as its most advanced yet for flagship Android devices, focusing on faster CPU/GPU performance and more powerful on-device neural processing. These upgrades could benefit mobile photography, gaming, and generative AI tools.
“Qualcomm’s focus on AI processing and edge computing will shape flagship experiences next year,” a company spokesperson said during its Q3 FY25 earnings call.
Industry analysts say early adopters can expect noticeable gains over the previous generation in both speed and power efficiency.
Xiaomi 16 Series 2025 Battery Life and OLED Display Details
Rumors of a 7,500mAh battery on the Ultra position Xiaomi to challenge battery norms for high-end handsets. Sources suggest support for 100W wired and fast wireless charging, which would mitigate long top-up times despite the large cell. For users in high-CPC markets — the US, UK, Canada and Australia — this kind of battery is attractive for heavy daily use, mobile photography sessions, and extended gaming on a likely 120Hz OLED display that insiders expect across the lineup.
Xiaomi 16 Series 2025 Camera: Leica Tuning and Periscope Zoom
Mobile photography is still a top feature. Leaks and hardware analysis shows Leica-tuned systems throughout the Xiaomi 16 Pro and Xiaomi 16 Ultra, with a likely triple 50MP array and an upgraded periscope zoom module on the Ultra. These updates fit with broader mobile photography trends supporting bigger sensors and special telephoto cameras for long-distance and low-light performance. If true, Xiaomi is focusing more on Xiaomi camera tech targeted toward camera lovers. (Sources: Android Headlines, Notebookcheck)
Software and ecosystem: HyperOS 3 (Android 16)
HyperOS 3 — Xiaomi’s Android-16-based layout— is expected to release with the 16 series. Early leaks show smoother animations and enhanced system connection with Xiaomi’s ecosystem, and more AI features that could be supported by the Snapdragon platform. For long-term owners, a cleaner HyperOS design with prompt Android updates would make daily use easier and apps more stable. (Source: Gizchina.com, Notebookcheck)
Xiaomi 16 Series 2025: Rumoured Specifications
Xiaomi 16 specs (rumor)
- Display: 6.36″ OLED, 120Hz
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite 2
- RAM/Storage: 8/12GB · 128–512GB
- Battery: ~6,800mAh
- Charging: 100W wired, 50W wireless
- Cameras: Triple 50MP (main, ultra-wide, tele)
- OS: HyperOS 3 (Android 16)
Xiaomi 16 Ultra specs (rumor)
- Display: 6.8″ OLED, 120Hz
- Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite 2
- RAM/Storage: 12/16GB · 256–1TB
- Battery: ~7,000–7,500mAh
- Charging: 100W wired, 50W wireless
- Cameras: 50MP main, 200MP periscope zoom, ultra-wide
- OS: HyperOS 3 (Android 16)
Note: All specs are based on leaks/rumors.
How the Xiaomi 16 compares to the 15 series
Early comparisons highlight two main areas of improvement: battery life and camera hardware. Performance gains are predicted from the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, while software refinements in HyperOS 3 are expected to refine the overall user experience versus the Xiaomi 15 series. Expect modest design progress but valuable internal upgrades designed to put Xiaomi against Samsung and other premium Android models.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Xiaomi 16 series be released?
Rumors point to an initial Chinese launch in October 2025, with a global rollout planned in early 2026.
What chipset will power Xiaomi 16?
Qualcomm has confirmed the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 will debut in a Xiaomi device, making the Xiaomi 16 series among the first phones to ship with this new chipset.
How big are the batteries in Xiaomi 16 phones?
Batteries are expected to range from roughly 6,500mAh on larger models up to about 7,000–7,500mAh for the Ultra, with fast charging options.
What camera features will Xiaomi 16 have?
The Xiaomi 16 series is rumored to include Leica-tuned cameras, a triple 50MP main system on some models, and a periscope zoom module on the Ultra for improved low-light and long-range photography.
What software will the Xiaomi 16 run?
The series is expected to launch with HyperOS 3, Xiaomi’s next interface built on Android 16, focusing on UI polish and system stability.
Disclaimer: Reporting collected from Qualcomm and industry leaks; we’ll update as Xiaomi confirms final specs ahead of the October 2025 launch. Stay Updated Tekznology!
