Xiaomi is gearing up to revolutionize mobile photography with its upcoming flagship, the Xiaomi 16 Ultra, which is rumored to feature a DSLR-like continuous optical zoom capability. Unlike traditional fixed zoom levels such as 3x or 5x, the 16 Ultra aims to deliver a smooth and seamless zoom experience, allowing users to continuously adjust the zoom level without significant loss in image quality.
This groundbreaking zoom feature will be made possible by integrating a shared CMOS sensor between dual optical zoom segments, minimizing quality degradation when shifting zoom levels. This technology could enable capturing photos at any zoom level—1x, 3x, 4x, 5x, and in-between—with output quality comparable to DSLR cameras.
In terms of hardware, the Xiaomi 16 Ultra is expected to sport a formidable camera setup including:
- A 200MP periscope telephoto camera with a large 1.28-inch sensor, capable of up to 5x optical zoom
- A 50MP main camera with a 1-inch sensor, designed for superior light capture
- A 50MP Sony LYT-600 ultra-wide-angle sensor
- A 50MP front-facing camera for high-resolution selfies and video calls
Beyond the camera system, the 16 Ultra is tipped to feature a 6.8-inch flat LTPO OLED display with 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, promising an immersive visual experience. It will likely be powered by Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 processor. The battery capacity is rumored to be substantial, ranging between 7,000mAh and 7,500mAh, with support for 100W fast charging.
If confirmed, the Xiaomi 16 Ultra would set a new standard in smartphone photography by combining ultra-high-resolution sensors, innovative continuous optical zoom technology, and high-end flagship performance, making it a formidable contender in the mobile imaging space.