Xiaomi 16 Ultra Camera Leak Hints at Game-Changing 1-Inch Sensor

Rumored partnership with Huawei’s supplier could redefine smartphone photography

Tech enthusiasts, brace yourselves: Fresh leaks suggest Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship, the Xiaomi 16 Ultra, might feature the same groundbreaking 1-inch camera sensor destined for Huawei’s Pura 80 Ultra. If true, this would mark a seismic shift in mobile imaging capabilities, positioning both brands at the forefront of the 2025 smartphone wars.

According to reliable tipster Kartikey Singh (@That_Kartikey), Xiaomi has secured early access to Sony’s next-gen LYT-1 sensor—a massive 1-inch imaging powerhouse previously exclusive to Huawei’s unreleased Pura 80 Ultra. The sensor reportedly boasts 20% larger pixels than Xiaomi’s current 14 Ultra, enabling unprecedented low-light performance and dynamic range. Industry analysts speculate this move could trigger a "sensor-sharing race" among Android giants scrambling for Sony’s limited hardware.

"This isn’t just about megapixels," explains Dr. Elena Rodriguez, imaging tech lead at SmartSens Research. "A 1-inch sensor in a smartphone chassis demands revolutionary lens design and heat dissipation. Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica optics—coupled with this sensor—could finally blur the line between phones and professional cameras."

For deeper technical insights, visit our partners at SmartSens Tech, who recently dissected the sensor’s potential in their flagship analysis.

Why It Matters

Low-Light Dominance: Early tests indicate 2.5x brighter night shots vs. conventional sensors.
Video Revolution: 8K/60fps recording with minimal noise—previously hampered by smaller sensors.
Huawei’s Shadow Play: Despite U.S. restrictions, Huawei’s supply chain influence appears intact, with Xiaomi potentially leveraging shared R&D.

The Catch

While exciting, insiders caution that fitting a 1-inch sensor into Xiaomi’s sleek design may require compromises:

Thicker camera bump (estimated 15% protrusion over Xiaomi 14 Ultra)
Battery trade-offs to manage increased power draw
Limited initial stock due to Sony’s production constraints

Expected Timeline

Xiaomi 16 series launches are tentatively set for October 2025, with pre-orders likely opening in China first. Pricing could hit $1,299—a premium justified by what might be the most advanced camera system ever fitted to a smartphone.

Stay tuned—we’ll update as more leaks emerge.

Xiaomi 16 Ultra

Xiaomi × SmartSens
— Kartikey Singh (@That_Kartikey) June 27, 2025