Xiaomi is already developing the next generation of flagship smartphones powered by the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset, the Xiaomi 16 Series. However the most anticipated phone in the series is Xiaomi 16 Ultra, a flagship phone that may well be the only model to be launched in 2026 to boast of a 1-inch camera sensor and the first ever 200MP periscope telephoto lens.
When most manufacturers have begun to move away from the 1-inch sensor to save space, Xiaomi persists in using it for its next generation flagship smartphone. The Xiaomi 16 Ultra also shows the commitment of the brand as it is made dedicated to photography-loving users who want DSLR capabilities in their pocket. A 1-inch sensor made in partnership with one of China’s emerging camera sensor suppliers, the SmartSens, offers a wide dynamic range, better low-light photography, and small depth of field, characteristics of professional cameras.
The Xiaomi 16 Ultra does not stop here. It combines the big sensor and the high resolution 200MP periscope lens, becoming the highest-resolution zoom camera ever to be fitted on a smartphone. This high-end telephoto will provide breathtaking long range magnification, without compromising on details and it will best suit in traveling, animal or nature photography as well as professional type portraits style.
We can expect that Xiaomi will combine next-generation AI improvements and computational photography. Thanks to continued cooperation with Leica, the 16 Ultra will probably give a more polished, DSLR-like shooting experience – instead of spending thousands on a camera complete with interchangeable lenses, all in the palm of your hand.
