Xiaomi 16 Series Leak Suggests Revival of Secondary Display

The Xiaomi 16 series is shaping up to be one of the company’s most intriguing smartphone launches in recent years, with fresh leaks hinting at the revival of a bold design element once thought abandoned. According to newly surfaced images allegedly showing the Xiaomi 16 Pro Max, Xiaomi could be preparing to bring back the secondary rear display – a feature that last appeared on the much-discussed Xiaomi 11 Ultra back in 2021.

The leaked photos, originally shared by industry insider Ishan Agarwal, showcase a redesigned horizontal camera module on the back of the device.

This housing includes two vertically aligned sensors on the left, accompanied by a third sensor and LED flash positioned below. What stands out, however, is the panel space that seems to accommodate a compact secondary display. This small screen, if confirmed, would allow users to preview notifications, camera shots, and other key information without turning the phone around, recalling the striking but polarizing design of the 11 Ultra.

Interestingly, the overall layout of the Xiaomi 16 Pro Max doesn’t just echo Xiaomi’s past – it also bears a striking resemblance to rumors swirling around Apple’s forthcoming iPhone 17 Pro. If the similarities prove intentional, Xiaomi could be seeking to reclaim its reputation for daring aesthetics while at the same time riding a wave of speculation around Apple’s next flagship.

Still, it’s important to temper expectations. Smartphone leaks often blur the lines between prototypes, concept-inspired renders, and the final product. There remains a real possibility that what some perceive as a secondary display may simply be a decorative panel or a borrowed design element meant to mimic Apple’s rumored aesthetic. Xiaomi has not yet issued any official confirmation, teasers, or specifications regarding the Xiaomi 16 lineup, leaving enthusiasts in suspense.

If true, though, the return of the secondary display would mark a fascinating moment in Xiaomi’s product evolution. It would symbolize not only a nod to past innovation but also an attempt to stand out in a crowded market where camera bumps and hardware differentiation are harder to achieve each year. With an official unveiling expected in China next month, all eyes are now on whether Xiaomi will revive one of its most talked-about features or simply play it safe with design familiarity.