Xiaomi is making bold moves in mobile photography again — and if the latest leaks are true, the upcoming Xiaomi 16 Ultra could shake up the flagship space in a big way. According to trusted tipster DCS on Weibo, the device will feature a 200MP periscope telephoto sensor, a first of its kind in the smartphone world. The sensor, reportedly Samsung’s S5KHPE, is far more than a numbers game — it could mark a real step forward in zoom quality, video clarity, and low-light detail.
S5KHPE: Not Just More Pixels
The 200MP sensor isn’t simply about packing in pixels. It’s backed by a 1/1.4-inch sensor size and 0.56μm pixels, along with 14-bit processing and dual-engine noise reduction at the hardware level.
Put simply? You’re looking at sharper shots with more accurate colors, better performance in low light, and notably smoother video. It also supports 4K pixel binning, which should make a difference for both professional content creators and everyday users who care about quality.
Zoom Gets Serious
Xiaomi is supposedly implementing Zoom Anyplace technology, combined with advanced hybrid zoom— all within a periscope design that avoids making the phone bulky. That means clearer, more stable images at various zoom levels, without the shaky or overly digital feel some telephoto cameras still produce.
This kind of zoom flexibility has long been a weak point for smartphones trying to compete with DSLRs or mirrorless setups. If Xiaomi delivers on this, the 16 Ultra could genuinely close that gap further.
It’s Not Just About the Camera
While the telephoto lens is stealing headlines, there’s more to the Xiaomi 16 Ultra than zoom. It’s expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chip, bringing top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and photography. A 50MP SmartSens primary sensor complements the 200MP periscope camera, creating what looks like a very capable imaging setup overall.
In short, this device is shaping up to be a full flagship experience — not just a camera phone. Xiaomi seems to be aiming at both professionals and enthusiasts who don’t want compromises in hardware or design.
