Xiaomi 16, the company's next-generation smartphone, is likely to undergo a major transformation. According to leaks from reliable tipster Smart Pikachu, Xiaomi 16 display may be quite large. If this happens, Xiaomi 16 would be unlike its predecessors, which had a 6.36-inch display.
This also aligns with a broader trend in the smartphone industry. Brands, including Samsung with the Galaxy S25 Edge, are going for bigger displays and sleek designs. What is making that possible are new-age materials that are harder to bend or break. This was not possible earlier as screens were known to crack in pockets and other tight spaces.
Though Xiaomi hasn't disclosed the exact dimensions, a Xiaomi 16 leak suggests the smartphone could have a 6.5-inch screen. This would make it one of the "largest" standard Xiaomi flagships to date.
The company reportedly aims to use the larger surface area to integrate horizontally expanded components. This, in turn, would lead to a thinner and lighter device.
Slimmer Xiaomi 16 build and redesigned camera setup?
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Xiaomi 16 redesign is its camera module revamp. The device is said to be ditching the 3x zoom lens found in its predecessors in favour of an ultra-thin periscope lens. This change could allow for better zoom capabilities while maintaining the phone's sleek profile.
The larger frame is also expected to enable Xiaomi to use a thinner battery without compromising on battery capacity, ensuring that users still get long-lasting performance despite the shift in form factor.
What this means for compact smartphone fans
Xiaomi has been gradually increasing the size of its flagship phones since the Xiaomi 12 debuted in 2021 with a 6.28-inch display. The Xiaomi 13, 14, and 15 stuck to a 6.36-inch screen, but the Xiaomi 16 is set to break that pattern.
This change is in line with other Xiaomi devices, such as the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro and Redmi K80 Ultra, which are reportedly expected to move away from their traditional 6.67-inch displays to larger 6.83-inch panels.
While this shift may cater to users who prefer expansive displays and sleeker designs, it could be a disappointment for fans of compact flagships who have relied on Xiaomi for smaller, high-performance smartphones.
With Xiaomi reportedly focusing on specification upgrades over compactness, the Xiaomi 16's design shift marks a clear departure from its predecessors. More details about the device are expected to surface in the coming months as development progresses.
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