Huawei's new zoom patent might inspire the Xiaomi 16 Ultra

Huawei’s just-approved patent on a retractable periscope camera system is making waves in the world of smartphones—and Xiaomi faithful are already speculating on whether this innovation might find its way into the Xiaomi 16 Ultra. Based on details leaked by credible tipper @xleaks7 on X (Twitter), Huawei’s patent has just been accepted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It aims to enhance the quality of zooming by shifting the lens assembly closer to or away from the image sensor through the use of a motor, all without compromising on thickness. As Xiaomi readies its next flagship, have a look at what to expect from HyperOS 2.2 or look through the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s camera advancements.

A new approach to zoom without bulky camera bumps

Smartphones in recent years got thicker with more sophisticated camera setups, specifically with telephoto lenses. Sleek and flush designs once characteristic of flagships gave way to big sensor modules. Huawei’s solution suggests the use of retractable zoom camera, in which there is a motor that moves the camera assembly within the body to adjust focus distance and zooming capability. The lens is retracted when idle, keeping the back surface area clean and smooth.

Might Xiaomi imitate this same design?

This type of zoom solution would be perfectly in line with Xiaomi’s drive to innovate with camera tech in its Ultra series. The Xiaomi 16 Ultra, set to supposedly hit the shelves in late 2024 or early 2025, could use a retractable lens to marry thin form factor with advanced telephoto capabilities. We know Xiaomi already has a penchant for imaging boundaries-pushing—this time around, perhaps Huawei will be an inspiration to follow.

Key advantages of the patent on the retractable camera