Emir BardakçıXiaomi’s next flagship, the 16 Ultra, was already generating significant interest, but there’s a new twist: a mysterious P1S model has appeared in the GSMA database, complete with global (25128PNA1G) and Chinese (25128PNA1C) identifiers. This strongly suggests Xiaomi is preparing a more premium or specialized variant, likely to appeal to high-end consumers and tech enthusiasts.
P1S: A Premium Addition to the 16 Series
Market leaks indicate the Xiaomi 16 family could expand to include a new “Pro Max” model—potentially the P1S. But we think its naming may not be Xiaomi 16 Pro Max. It could be Xiaomi 16 Ultra Max or Xiaomi 16S Ultra. This fits Xiaomi’s established practice of launching differentiated products tailored for various markets. The presence of both global and China-specific model numbers also hints at an international launch, reinforcing Xiaomi’s focus on global expansion.
Initial industry speculation points to upgraded camera hardware, a larger battery, or the use of unique materials that set the P1S apart from the standard Ultra. Xiaomi has consistently used such strategies to segment its product lines and address niche demand at the upper end of the market.
Anticipated Specifications and Features
While Xiaomi has yet to confirm concrete details, it’s expected the P1S model will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset, in line with the rest of the 16 series. The P1S could also feature enhanced camera , exclusive color variants, and improved cooling solutions—features that typically appeal to advanced users and professionals.
Notably, Xiaomi’s proprietary XRING O1 processor is unlikely to be included in the global P1S, as previous communications positioned it as China-exclusive. Global variants will almost certainly rely on Qualcomm’s platform, possibly with tailored software optimizations.
Launch Timeline and Positioning
The appearance of the P1S model in certification databases signals that an official launch is imminent. With the Xiaomi 16 series expected to debut later this year, the P1S will likely be introduced alongside or shortly after the main lineup. This new variant will cater to consumers seeking premium design, advanced features, and best-in-class performance.
Pricing details have yet to emerge. Still, given its anticipated positioning above the Ultra, the P1S is expected to command a significant premium and target the upper end of the smartphone market.
So what would have been the regular 16 Ultra will be renamed as a new, more expensive premium model, and the new 16 Ultra will be a stripped-down version — that way, Xiaomi can squeeze out every last penny.
It’s a shame they’re resorting to these practices.