The Chinese tech giant Xiaomi is gearing up for its next big launch – the Xiaomi 16 series – and it might land a little earlier this year, possibly as soon as next month. While we're still waiting for the official reveal, the rumor mill is already spilling plenty of details. The latest leak? All about the cameras.
A fresh tip out of China claims that both the Xiaomi 16 and Xiaomi 16 Pro will pack a seriously upgraded selfie snapper – we are talking 50 MP resolution, 4K60 video recording, a wide field-of-view, and autofocus (which is still rare for front cameras).
More camera upgrades are reportedly coming to the Xiaomi 16 series. | Screenshot by PhoneArena
Compared to the current Xiaomi 15's 32 MP front cam, this is a big jump – and it could even give Xiaomi an edge over rivals if Samsung's Galaxy S26 or OnePlus's upcoming OnePlus 15 series don't step up their selfie game.
On the back, the Xiaomi 16 is rumored to rock a 50 MP main sensor with a 1/1.3" type size. The Pro model gets the same but adds "ultra high dynamic range" and a ToF (time-of-flight) sensor, which helps measure depth and distance by firing out light pulses and timing their return. That's great for more accurate focus, better portrait mode shots, and improved AR features.
If the Xiaomi 16 series delivers these rumored camera upgrades, would you switch to it?
Absolutely, cameras are the top priority for me.
35.71%
Maybe, but I’d need to see real-world reviews first.
50%
No, my current phone’s camera is good enough.
7.14%
Not interested in Xiaomi at all.
7.14%
The leak doesn't reveal anything beyond that. Still, if this information turns out to be true, the upcoming Xiaomi 16 could bring a noticeable boost in camera performance compared to the Xiaomi 15. It probably won't match the leap we expect from the Xiaomi 16 Ultra, which is set to follow up on the current champion in our camera rankings.
But let's not get ahead of ourselves – the standard and Pro models still sound like solid upgrades. Previous rumors also point to a huge 6,800 mAh battery in the Xiaomi 16, while keeping the size at a pocket-friendly 6.3 inches. Both the 16 and 16 Pro are also expected to debut Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset, likely before the end of September – at least in China.
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As usual, global fans might have to wait until MWC 2026 in Barcelona (March 2–5) for the international reveal. And if history repeats itself, don't expect an official US launch – last year's models didn't make it stateside through Xiaomi's own channels.
If you are in the US and want one, your best bet will probably be importing or grabbing the global version on Amazon. Just double-check carrier compatibility first so you don't end up with a gorgeous phone that can't actually make calls.
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Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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