After 5 years of silence: Xiaomi MIX 5 project restarted with “Magnetic Lens” tech

According to a new report by Digital Chat Station, a major manufacturer—identified by community consensus as Xiaomi—has initiated the mass production of a new “magnetic lens” system. This technology is tentatively scheduled for commercial deployment as early as this year (2026). The primary vehicle for this innovation is expected to be the long-awaited Xiaomi MIX 5, marking the revival of the experimental flagship series after a five-year hiatus.

The Magnetic Lens Architecture

The “magnetic lens” terminology likely refers to a modular optical ecosystem similar to the concept unveiled by Lei Jun in March 2025 for the Xiaomi 15 series.

• Concept: A system allowing external, high-grade optical elements (potentially with larger sensors like M43) to physically attach to the device’s back panel via a magnetic array.
• Integration: Unlike standard add-ons, this system utilizes the phone’s internal ISP (Image Signal Processor) and computing power to process the image data from the external module, effectively transforming the smartphone into a professional mirrorless camera hybrid.

Xiaomi MIX 5: The “True Full-Screen” Return

The MIX 5 is projected to embody the ultimate “slab” aesthetic, combining several cutting-edge manufacturing technologies:

• Display: A Quad-Curved panel with zero bezels.
• CUP (Camera Under Panel): A next-generation high-resolution under-display camera, eliminating punch-holes entirely.
• Chassis: A Unibody All-Ceramic construction, a signature of the MIX series, potentially utilizing new ultra-thin “BM bezel” processes to remove screen brackets/plastic buffers.

Project Status: TBD

The leaker explicitly tagged this information with “TBD” (To Be Decided). While the component (magnetic lens) is entering mass production, the specific device launch timeline and final integration remain subject to Xiaomi’s strategic product roadmap.

The Xiaomi MIX series has been dormant since the release of the MIX 4 in 2021 (Snapdragon 888+). That device was Xiaomi’s first mass-market attempt at under-display camera technology. The potential 2026 release of the MIX 5 would represent a significant comeback, targeting the ultra-premium “enthusiast” segment that prioritizes experimental hardware over conventional utility.

Source: DCS Weibo