Xiaomi fans may not have to wait until October for the brand’s next flagship smartphones. According to reliable tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS), the highly anticipated Xiaomi 16 series is expected to launch between September 24 and 26, marking an earlier release compared to last year’s Xiaomi 15 lineup.
The timing of this launch closely follows Qualcomm’s announcement of its next-generation chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite 2 (also referred to as Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5), which is set to debut on September 23. Xiaomi is widely expected to be among the first smartphone makers to feature Qualcomm’s new powerhouse processor in its upcoming devices.
Leaks suggest that Xiaomi will unveil three models this month: the Xiaomi 16, Xiaomi 16 Pro mini, and Xiaomi 16 Pro Max. The ultra-premium Xiaomi 16 Ultra is rumored to arrive later in 2026, continuing the brand’s strategy of staggering high-end releases.
In terms of display sizes, the Xiaomi 16 and 16 Pro mini are likely to sport compact 6.3-inch screens, while the larger Pro Max could feature a 6.8-inch panel. All three models will reportedly run on the Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite 2 chip, ensuring flagship-level performance and efficiency improvements.
Battery upgrades are also expected across the series. The standard Xiaomi 16 may come with a massive 6,800 mAh battery, while the 16 Pro mini could house a 6,300 mAh unit. Additionally, the lineup is rumored to support ultra-fast 100W charging, making it one of the most competitive offerings in the Android flagship market.
With the combination of cutting-edge hardware, upgraded batteries, and faster charging speeds, the Xiaomi 16 series is shaping up to be a strong contender in 2025’s premium smartphone race. The earlier-than-expected launch also indicates Xiaomi’s strategy to stay ahead of rivals by aligning closely with Qualcomm’s chipset rollout.
More details, including official specifications and pricing, are expected to surface as the launch window approaches.