Emir BardakçıAccording to industrial insider Digital Chat Station, a new smartphone featuring a 6.59-inch display form factor has entered the validation testing phase. The device is tentatively scheduled for commercial release in the first half of 2026. While the report anonymizes the manufacturer, the leaker’s track record and specific terminology strongly correlate with Xiaomi’s product development pipeline.
Form Factor Deviation
The 6.59-inch diagonal specification represents a strategic deviation from Xiaomi’s standard 2025/2026 flagship sizing (typically 6.36 inches for base models and 6.73+ inches for Pro units). This intermediate sizing suggests a dedicated “Mid-Screen” SKU targeting the gap between compact ergonomics and large-format media consumption devices.
Market Positioning & Identity
The specific branding remains unconfirmed. Current market analysis offers two primary technical hypotheses:
- Civi Series Evolution: This may represent the next iteration of the Civi line, shifting towards a slightly larger, performance-oriented panel.
- Xiaomi 17S / 17 SE: A mid-cycle refresh or a “Special Edition” variant of the mainline flagship series designed to capture the sub-flagship price bracket.
Release Timeline
The “H1 2026” release window places this device in direct competition with mid-cycle refresh cycles from competitors. If accurate, the device will likely utilize a sub-flagship SoC (e.g., Snapdragon 8s Gen 5 or Dimensity 8500 series) to differentiate it from the primary Xiaomi 17 lineup.
Source: DCS Weibo
