Xiaomi 16 Leaks Reveal 7,000mAh Battery, Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, and Leica Cameras – But Will It Get a Periscope Lens?

The latest Xiaomi 16 leaks reveal a huge 7,000 mAh battery, Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, upgraded Leica camera, and periscope zoom sneak peek. We have covered everything you need to know.

The upcoming Xiaomi 16 is shaping up to be a compact yet powerful flagship, if fresh Xiaomi 16 leaks from credible tipsters are to be believed.

Early reports hint at a massive 7,000mAh battery, the next-gen Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. It’s likely branded Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, and Leica-tuned triple cameras. It’s also possible that it might include a floating telephoto lens.

However, conflicting reports have thrown uncertainty over whether it will feature a periscope zoom camera, a key feature many flagship buyers now expect.

Here’s everything expected we know so far.

Compact Flagship With Massive Battery

According to trusted Chinese tipsters, Xiaomi is testing a 6.3 to 6.4-inch flat AMOLED display on the vanilla Xiaomi 16.

This design is a departure from last year’s slightly curved Xiaomi 14, likely aiming for a cleaner, more professional aesthetic.

More impressively, the device is rumored to house a 6,800–7,000mAh battery. This could be the largest we’ve seen in a compact flagship, especially one that weighs around 181g.

This power cell will reportedly support 100W fast charging, possibly paired with 50W wireless charging. This would place it ahead of rivals like the Galaxy S25 and iPhone 17 in terms of endurance.

This move mirrors recent trends we’ve covered in other devices like the Vivo T4 Ultra, which also touts a high-capacity battery in a compact form.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (Elite 2) at the Core

According to our information, the Xiaomi 16 is expected to be one of the first devices to debut with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, also tipped as the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2.

While Xiaomi has yet to confirm this, internal code names and tipster references support the claim.

The chipset is expected to bring:

  • Up to 30% better GPU performance
  • 25% more CPU efficiency
  • Enhanced AI processing for imaging and predictive performance
  • Support for LPDDR6 RAM and UFS 4.1 storage

This aligns with Xiaomi’s strategy of being a launch partner for Qualcomm’s flagship chipsets. This is similar to its approach with the Xiaomi 13 and 14 series.

With AI-powered imaging and cooling improvements on the table, Xiaomi could be eyeing performance parity with the upcoming OnePlus 13s and Samsung’s next-gen Exynos/Qualcomm hybrids.

Triple Leica Cameras With Floating Telephoto– But Where’s the Periscope?

One of the most talked-about aspects is the camera system. Leaks suggest, though we cannot confirm yet, the Xiaomi 16 will feature:

  • A 50MP main sensor (possibly Sony IMX or OV50H)
  • A 50MP ultra-wide
  • A 50MP telephoto or macro lens, possibly with a floating lens mechanism

While the Xiaomi 15 had a similar 50MP trio, the 16 is expected to use larger sensors. This brings an improved low-light and portrait photography.

Notably, the floating telephoto lens could offer better stabilization and macro focus, similar to what we’ve seen in the Jovi V50 5G series ( launched in the Brazilian market).

However, confusion remains over whether the vanilla Xiaomi 16 will include a periscope lens. Some leaks suggest a 5x optical periscope lens may debut on the Pro or Ultra variants instead. 

If that’s the case, Xiaomi could face criticism for segmenting key camera features across its lineup.

We’ve seen a similar dilemma recently with the OPPO Find N5 Flip, where high-end features are reserved for the top model, frustrating fans of compact designs.

Design Tweaks and Software Enhancements

We also learned that in terms of design, Xiaomi may introduce a dual-tone matte finish, reportedly inspired by the Mi 11 Ultra and Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro.

A centered camera module and reduced bezel size also appear likely based on early mock-ups and leaked case designs.

On the software front, the Xiaomi 16 is expected to run HyperOS 3.0, with tighter integration between devices, privacy upgrades, and on-device AI suggestions.

This will likely debut alongside Xiaomi’s next-gen AIoT platform.

Launch Timeline: When to Expect It

Xiaomi is likely to unveil the Xiaomi 16 series in September 2025 in China, followed by a global launch in Q1 2026.

This would mirror the rollout of the Xiaomi 14 series and help it compete with rivals like the iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

How It Stacks Up Against Rivals

Here’s how the Xiaomi 16 may compare against top contenders:

Feature Xiaomi 16 (Leak) OnePlus 13s Galaxy S25 (Expected)
Display
6.4″ flat AMOLED
6.7″ curved AMOLED
6.2–6.5″ Dynamic AMOLED
Battery
6,800–7,000mAh, 100W
5,400mAh, 100W
5,500mAh, 65W
Processor
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 / Exynos 2500
Cameras
50MP x3, Leica tuned
50+64+50MP Hasselblad tuned
50MP wide, ultra-wide, telephoto
Price (est.)
₹59,999 – ₹64,999
₹59,999 (expected)
₹89,999+

Should You Wait for the Xiaomi 16?

If you’re considering an upgrade, here’s what to think about:

  • Power users will love the massive battery and high-end chipset
  • Photography fans might want to wait for clarity on the periscope lens
  • If you want a sleek flagship now, consider the OnePlus 13s
  • For foldable lovers, the Samsung Z Fold 7 could offer a different experience altogether
  • Budget-conscious buyers should check out the Realme C73 5G for a practical, affordable upgrade
  • The Vivo S30 Pro Mini could also appeal to fans of compact flagships
  • Looking for something radically different? Huawei’s tri-fold phone might change the game altogether

Final Thoughts

If Xiaomi nails the camera setup and pricing, the Xiaomi 16 could be a compact flagship champion.

With the best of Qualcomm, Leica optics, and a massive battery under the hood, it’s easily one of the most anticipated Android launches of the year.

But Xiaomi has to tread carefully. Leaving out the periscope zoom lens in the base model could alienate pro users.

This is especially true when rivals like the Poco F7 recently teased its launch and Vivo X Fold5s launch also leaked are stepping up their game.

 

Disclaimer: This article is independently written and published by gadgetsy.in staff after thorough research and analysis from publicly available resources and tipsters. Pricing may vary from region to region and availability.

Santosh is an experienced tech writer with over 5 years of experience covering the fast-evolving world of technology. From breaking exclusive stories to reviewing the latest gadgets, she brings deep insight in tech gadgets market and has a passion for making tech accessible to all. When she's not writing, you'll find her exploring new games or tinkering with the latest devices.
Santosh Shah

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