Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro was released in China in October, the Phone featuring the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. As we near 2025, rumors about Xiaomi’s next-generation numbered series smartphones have surfaced online. The rumored Xiaomi 16 will feature an improved telephoto camera. This year, the Chinese company had reserved this feature solely for the Xiaomi 15 Pro model. The Xiaomi 15 duo has a Leica-tuned triple rear camera setup, with a 50-megapixel primary sensor.

On Weibo, tipster Smart Pikachu claimed that the Xiaomi 16 will come with a periscope telephoto camera. This could increase the versatility of the handset’s camera unit. The periscope telephoto camera would allow users to photograph subjects that are much further away without sacrificing quality.

In 2024, Xiaomi only offered the periscope telephoto feature in the 15 Pro model. It has a triple rear camera unit that includes a 50-megapixel Light Hunter 900 main camera, a 50-megapixel 5x periscope telephoto camera with 10x lossless zoom, and a 50-megapixel ultra wide-angle lens. The standard Xiaomi 15 includes a 50-megapixel Light Fusion 900 sensor, a 50-megapixel telephoto camera, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide angle shooter.