A New Ultra? Mystery Flagship P1S Stirs Buzz Before Xiaomi 16 Series Launch

Nick Papanikolopoulos

July 2, 2025

Xiaomi’s next big flagship, the 16 Ultra, was already getting attention—expected, really. But then a strange new twist: a second model popped up in GSMA databases, quietly, almost unnoticed. Two versions, in fact—one global (25128PNA1G), one for China (25128PNA1C). That detail alone? It hints at something bigger. Xiaomi isn’t just tweaking specs here. They’re preparing something else entirely.

Internally, it’s labeled the P1S. That codename, dry as it sounds, might signal a more ambitious device: a high-end sibling to the already premium 16 Ultra. And maybe—just maybe—a new naming tier. Not quite “Pro Max,” perhaps “Ultra Max” or “16S Ultra.” The naming isn’t clear yet. But what’s increasingly likely is this: Xiaomi’s next play isn’t just about power. It’s about positioning.

Xiaomi 16 Ultra… and Then Some?

Xiaomi’s strategy over the past few years has been relatively consistent: roll out flagship lines, then iterate. A base, a Pro, an Ultra. Sometimes a T or S. But this time, things feel a bit off-pattern.

If the P1S is indeed a 16 Ultra Max—and that’s the most likely bet—it suggests Xiaomi wants to push further into the niche Apple and Samsung already crowd: hyper-premium, globally released devices that go beyond enthusiast appeal and into status symbol territory.

That’s speculative, sure. But looking at past moves, like the China-only Ultra phones or the elaborate concept models, this feels like a natural evolution. Some folks I spoke to (okay, just a few phone nerds on Discord) are betting it could even carry exclusive finishes or high-grade materials. Ceramics, titanium—stuff that feels luxurious even when specs stay largely the same.

So What’s Actually Different?

Nothing official, of course. Xiaomi’s not talking. But here’s what seems likely:

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite (or 8 Elite 2): Same core chipset as the other 16 models.
Camera upgrades: Possibly a periscope lens refresh, better sensors, or proprietary imaging software tuned for low-light detail.
Design cues: Unique colors, maybe a matte or textured finish. Small changes, but enough to differentiate.
Cooling: Advanced thermal systems to manage performance under stress—gaming, 4K video capture, whatever pushes the silicon.

Read Also: Xiaomi Just Embraced the Apple Ecosystem—and It Actually Works

And then there’s software. Xiaomi’s global variants usually drop some of the more aggressive customization found in the Chinese versions. So while China’s P1S might get the company’s custom XRING O1 chip, the global model likely won’t. Instead, it’ll rely on Snapdragon smarts plus some light MIUI (or HyperOS?) tuning.

Is This for Everyone? Probably Not.

Let’s be honest: most people won’t buy the P1S. It’s a niche product, a flex from Xiaomi to say “we can build this too.” But that doesn’t mean it’s not important. Devices like this—rare, premium variants—shape brand perception. They make headlines. They raise expectations for everything below them in the product line. And they keep hardcore Android users interested. Think of it like a concept car that you can actually buy. That’s the P1S. Or whatever they call it.

Xiaomi 16 Ultra: When and How Much?

The appearance in GSMA’s IMEI database suggests it’s nearly ready to launch. Xiaomi typically drops its major flagships toward the end of Q3 or early Q4. The P1S could debut alongside the 16 Ultra, or follow it by a few weeks. Pricing? No leaks yet. But if the 16 Ultra already skirts the $1000 line, the P1S could easily push $1200 or more—especially if it includes higher-end components or materials. Global availability is all but certain now, though whether North America sees it is still a question.

Disclaimer: We may be compensated by some of the companies whose products we talk about, but our articles and reviews are always our honest opinions. For more details, you can check out our editorial guidelines and learn about how we use affiliate links.

Follow Gizchina.com on Google News for news and updates in the technology sector.

Source/VIA :

VIA