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Xiaomi 16 Pro goes flat
Leaks suggest Xiaomi is moving away from the quad‑curved display of the 2024 model: the upcoming Xiaomi 16 Pro is expected to feature a larger flat panel in the 6.8″–6.85″ range (up from the 6.73″ screen on the 15 Pro). According to tipster Smart Pikachu, the new approach favors a flat display with much slimmer bezels to preserve a similarly refined look while addressing user complaints about extreme curvature.
Display and eye protection
The 16 Pro is rumored to share a 6.85″ LTPO OLED panel with the 16 Ultra, offering a “2K+” resolution and adaptive refresh for power efficiency. Xiaomi plans to counterbalance the change from curved to flat by tightening the bezel profile, so the visual footprint should remain comparable to the 15 Pro. Notably, the new screen will include improved eye‑protection tech designed to function even at high brightness levels—details on implementation (hardware vs. software, PWM changes or new filters) remain unconfirmed.
Performance and camera upgrades
Under the hood, both the Xiaomi 16 Pro and 16 Ultra are expected to run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, targeting top‑tier performance for gaming, content creation, and AI tasks. Camera rumors position Xiaomi aggressively, with leaksters claiming imaging hardware that could outclass the iPhone in certain scenarios. The front camera setup sees a meaningful refresh: Xiaomi 16 and 16 Pro reportedly upgrade to a 50MP selfie sensor paired with an ultra‑wide autofocus lens capable of 4K @ 60fps video—an improvement over the 15 series’ 32MP fixed‑focus selfie modules.
New lineup strategy: mini Pro and battery improvements
Xiaomi may expand its flagship family this cycle. Alongside the 6.8″ 16 Pro, a smaller 6.3″ “16 Pro mini” (name unconfirmed) could debut, using the same Elite 2 chipset and a main 50MP 1/1.28″ sensor. Battery claims indicate a 6,300mAh cell for the mini Pro—bigger than the 15 Pro’s 6,100mAh—and the standard (vanilla) model is expected to continue with an even larger battery option, reinforcing Xiaomi’s emphasis on endurance.
Comparisons and advantages
Compared with the Xiaomi 15 Pro, the 16 Pro’s flat display may appeal to users who prefer less accidental touch and easier case compatibility, while slimmer bezels should retain a premium, edge‑to‑edge feel. The combination of Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 performance, higher‑resolution selfie video, and upgraded battery options could make the 16 series compelling for mobile creators, gamers, and power users.
Use cases and market relevance
For photographers and vloggers, the 50MP selfie with autofocus and 4K@60fps will be a standout for on‑the-go content capture. Gamers and multitaskers will benefit from the Elite 2 platform and the LTPO panel’s adaptive refresh. Strategically, swapping the quad‑curve for a refined flat panel signals Xiaomi’s responsiveness to market feedback and its intent to compete on both hardware balance and feature set in the flagship segment.
Bottom line
While many details remain leaks, the Xiaomi 16 Pro appears positioned as a pragmatic evolution: a larger, flatter LTPO OLED display, stronger cameras (including a beefy 50MP selfie system), top‑tier performance with Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, and improved battery options across the lineup. If these specs land, Xiaomi will strengthen its appeal to users seeking flagship camera capabilities and long battery life without the quirks of highly curved displays.
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