Introduction
Xiaomi’s next flagship, the Xiaomi 16 Ultra, is already creating buzz months ahead of its expected launch in early 2026. Recent leaks suggest the company may replace Sony’s LYT-900 sensor with a SmartSens alternative for its primary camera, a significant move that could alter the brand’s imaging trajectory. Could this be a strategic leap or a risky experiment in the flagship segment?
SmartSens Sensor to Replace Sony LYT-900?
According to a report by Gadgets360, tipster Kartikey Singh has claimed that Xiaomi is likely to use the SC5A0CS sensor from SmartSens in the upcoming 16 Ultra, the same sensor used in Huawei’s Pura 80 Ultra. This 1-inch image sensor would serve as the replacement for the widely acclaimed Sony LYT-900, featured in the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
If true, this would mark the first time Xiaomi has moved away from its traditional partners—Sony, Samsung, and OmniVision—for flagship-grade camera sensors.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra: A Tough Act to Follow
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra launched in India in March 2025 with a Leica-branded quad rear camera setup, featuring:
- 50MP Sony LYT-900 primary sensor (OIS)
- 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens
- 50MP Sony IMX858 telephoto lens (OIS)
- 200MP ISOCELL HP9 periscope camera
It set a new benchmark for smartphone photography, aided by Leica optics and top-tier hardware. The SmartSens SC5A0CS will have big shoes to fill, and Xiaomi’s decision will likely come under scrutiny by professional photographers and enthusiasts alike.
What is SmartSens and the SC5A0CS Sensor?
SmartSens is a rising Chinese image sensor manufacturer known for supplying components to security and automotive cameras. The SC5A0CS is a 1-inch sensor also used in the Huawei Pura 80 Ultra, with promising specs such as:
- High pixel count with improved light sensitivity
- Enhanced low-light performance
- Advanced HDR and AI-assisted imaging
While not as established in smartphones as Sony, SmartSens’ entry into Xiaomi’s premium line-up could reshape the imaging sensor landscape, especially in the context of Chinese tech independence from Japanese and Korean suppliers.
Expected Specs of Xiaomi 16 Ultra
Though official specs are yet to be confirmed, early rumors suggest the Xiaomi 16 Ultra will include:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 SoC
- Up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM
- 1TB UFS 4.1 storage
- 6.73-inch WQHD+ LTPO AMOLED 120Hz display
- 5,500mAh battery with 100W wired & 80W wireless charging
- IP68 dust and water resistance
Like its predecessor, it is expected to run Android 15 out of the box, layered with Xiaomi’s HyperOS interface.
Price Expectations and Launch Timeline
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra was priced at ₹1,09,999 for its 16GB + 512GB model. We expect the Xiaomi 16 Ultra to carry a similar price tag or slightly higher due to the upgraded chipset and new sensor tech.
The launch is expected in early 2026 in China, followed by a global debut including India, possibly by Q2 2026.
Conclusion
Xiaomi’s potential shift to a SmartSens camera sensor for the 16 Ultra is a bold move in the premium smartphone space. While the SC5A0CS has shown promising results in Huawei’s lineup, the change from Sony’s proven LYT-900 sensor may be viewed as a gamble. If successful, it could set a new standard for in-house or regional sensor development in smartphones.
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What do you think? Can SmartSens outperform Sony in Xiaomi’s next big thing?
