Leica stays on board, but Xiaomi builds its own imaging ecosystem
Xiaomi has been working with Leica for several years. The partnership has produced more than 2022 devices since 20 and stands for an image language characterized primarily by lighting and color ambiance.
In the future, however, Xiaomi aims to gain even more control over image processing and is introducing its own imaging brand with the Xiaomi 16 series. This isn't a solo effort, as other manufacturers such as Huawei (XMAGE), Vivo (BlueImage), and OPPO (LUMO) have long since established their own image brands that act as a link between sensors, lenses, ISP, and software.
At Xiaomi, imaging branding will likely take on the same role, while Leica will continue to take care of calibration, look and feel, and exclusive shooting modes.
First hints of the hardware with a flat display, Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 and Leica quad camera
There are no official specs for the Xiaomi 16 Ultra yet. However, according to leaks, there are likely to be some exciting changes. Unlike the previous Ultra models, the new generation will again feature a flat 6,8-inch LTPO display with 2K resolution and an adaptive 120 Hz refresh rate. This makes perfect sense for a smartphone with a camera focus, as curved displays regularly suffer from unwanted reflections, which are more of a nuisance than a help when taking photos.
The processor will most likely be Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite 2. As is expected every year at the Qualcomm Summit in late September, Xiaomi could once again secure pole position and be the first to launch a device with the new chip.
An upgrade is also expected for the camera setup. A quad setup with Leica optimization is being discussed, and there are hints of a veritable revolution in the telephoto range. Xiaomi is said to be working on a 200 MP periscope telephoto lens, the most powerful of its kind in a smartphone to date. This will reportedly include a new 1-inch 50-megapixel main sensor from SmartSens, which is expected to boast particularly high dynamic range and strong low-light performance.
The setup will likely be rounded out by a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle camera (Sony LYT600). All sensors are expected to work seamlessly together, including special Leica modes and color calibration. Initial leakers are already talking about significant improvements over its predecessor.
There are also rumors about the battery, which is said to have a capacity of up to 7500 mAh, combined with 100 watts of wired and 50 watts of wireless charging. Whether this ultimately turns out to be true remains to be seen.
Market launch in 2025?
Xiaomi may deviate from its usual release cycle this year. In recent years, the main series has usually been introduced in stages. The Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro were released at the end of October 2024, the 15 Ultra followed in February 2025, followed by the 15S Pro in May. With the Xiaomi 16 series, things could now move a little faster. The Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 will be presented from September 23rd to 25th, and it's quite possible that Xiaomi will unveil the complete series around the Xiaomi 16, 16 Pro, and even the 16 Ultra immediately afterward.
Initial rumors point to a bundled launch. Whether the Xiaomi 16 Ultra will be available immediately remains to be seen. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra was unveiled on February 27, 2025, and initially went on sale in China on March 3. However, if Xiaomi picks up the pace, the 16 Ultra could be available in 2025, at least in its home market. An international market launch would then be realistic in early 2026.
Source: DigitalChatStation / mydrivers.com (1, 2)
