Is the smartphone world growing tired of all the Pro, Pro Max, and Ultra branding? Not quite yet, as rumors suggest that the Xiaomi 16 Ultra might be getting an even more premium edition.
The twist? It’s not just a regular upgrade-it could come in two distinct versions, and one of them may go beyond just a China-exclusive and global variant.
The device in question, currently listed as the P1S, has been spotted in the GSMA certification database, a global registry that verifies mobile model numbers, network compatibility, and other regulatory approvals. While this may sound like behind-the-scenes paperwork, it’s actually a goldmine for uncovering potential details about future devices.
The Xiaomi P1S is rumored to have two versions: one for China and one for international markets. This hints at a potential specialized variant aimed at high-end users. As for the specs, the P1S is likely to run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset, consistent with the other Xiaomi 16 series phones. The Chinese variant could also come with Xiaomi’s proprietary XRING O1 processor, which the company has said will be exclusive to local devices.
So what about the name? While many have speculated it could be called the Xiaomi 16 Pro Max, it seems a bit too close to Apple’s naming style. A more plausible name could be the Xiaomi 16 Ultra Max or Xiaomi 16S Ultra, which would still carry that premium appeal. The global and Chinese versions further support the idea of an international release, so it’s looking like we may see this model outside of China as well.
Industry whispers hint that the P1S could feature notable upgrades, such as an improved camera setup, a bigger battery, and possibly even more premium materials. These upgrades could make it the top-tier option in the Xiaomi 16 series, targeting those who need extra power or professionals who want the best of the best.
Speaking of cameras, if you’re like me and have a soft spot for camera-centric flagships, the Xiaomi 16 Ultra is definitely on your radar. The regular Xiaomi flagship (think Xiaomi 15) usually drops in the fall, while the Ultra model typically lands around Q1 of the following year. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra, for example, was released globally in March 2025, after first debuting in China in February.
So, could the P1S feature a camera upgrade? As much as I’d love to see a major leap, I’m keeping my expectations in check-until more leaks surface. The Xiaomi 16 Ultra will certainly pack top-tier camera hardware, but the P1S might focus on other areas, such as materials or battery life.
Speaking of battery, rumors suggest that the regular Xiaomi 16 could feature an astonishing 6,800mAh battery with 100W fast charging. If that’s true, what could the P1S possibly offer? There’s talk of a 9,000mAh battery, thanks to advancements in silicon-carbon technology, which could make it the phone to beat in terms of battery life.
All in all, it looks like Xiaomi might have something big brewing for their 16 Ultra lineup. With so many possibilities, we can only wait and see what this new model will bring to the table!