Camilla Jessen
This wasn’t what anyone expected from Xiaomi.
This wasn’t what anyone expected from Xiaomi.
The race for next year’s smartphone crown has begun, and Xiaomi has stepped forward as a serious contender.
The tech giant has just revealed details about its upcoming flagship, the Xiaomi 16 — and it looks like Samsung may finally have some real competition.
Snapdragon Collaboration Continues
Despite earlier rumors about a self-developed chip, Xiaomi is sticking with its long-standing alliance with Qualcomm.
That means the Xiaomi 16 will be among the first devices to feature the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor, putting it firmly in the high-end category — especially when it comes to AI performance and graphics.
Xiaomi and Qualcomm have now collaborated for 15 years, a partnership the company says gives users access to “the latest performance and efficiency without compromise,” according to Giga.
Battery and Charging Raise the Bar
The Xiaomi 16 is expected to pack a 6,800 mAh battery, far exceeding not just the current Xiaomi 15, but also competitors like the OnePlus 13T.
On top of that, the company promises ultra-fast 100-watt charging.
That combination could change expectations for how long a flagship phone lasts — and how fast it gets back to full power.
Leaked images show a design with sharper lines and new back materials, setting it apart from earlier models.
While the camera setup looks like an evolution of Xiaomi’s current style, the frame and finish appear far bolder than what Samsung has offered in its recent releases.
With powerful hardware, next-gen battery tech, and a bold new look, the Xiaomi 16 is shaping up to take serious market share — especially in Europe, where users are increasingly open to alternatives to the classic brands.