Xiaomi is solving the notch problem once and for all. During a recent prototype hands-on session at the company's Beijing R&D facility, SmartphoneTrend's Asia correspondent confirmed that the Xiaomi 16 Pro features a fully functional under-display 3D face recognition system. The technology hides infrared dot projectors, flood illuminators, and depth sensors beneath the phone's 2K LTPO OLED panel — creating a truly uninterrupted full-screen experience without the compromises of previous under-display camera implementations.
This isn't just a hidden selfie camera. Xiaomi's implementation is a complete 3D facial recognition system comparable to Apple's Face ID, capable of secure authentication for payments, app unlocking, and corporate security policies. If successfully mass-produced, the Xiaomi 16 Pro would become the first global flagship to offer under-display 3D face unlock — a milestone that could force the entire industry to rethink display design.
How Under-Display Face ID Actually Works
The engineering challenge of hiding 3D sensing hardware behind a display is formidable. OLED screens are made of organic compounds that block infrared light — the same light that Face ID-style systems use to map your facial geometry. Previous attempts at under-display cameras suffered from hazy, low-quality images because the display pixels interfered with light transmission.
Xiaomi's solution involves three key innovations that our sources have detailed:
- Micro-lens arrays: Tiny lenses embedded in the display substrate that focus infrared light around the OLED pixels, creating transparent "windows" for the sensors
- Transparent pixel layouts: In the sensor area, Xiaomi uses modified OLED subpixel arrangements that allow more IR light to pass through while maintaining visible light display quality
- Advanced signal processing: Algorithms that compensate for the slight diffusion caused by passing through display layers, reconstructing accurate depth maps
The result is a 6.73-inch display that shows no visible camera cutout, no punch-hole, and no notch — just pure uninterrupted screen. When the face unlock activates, the user sees nothing unusual. The IR projectors fire through the display, the sensors capture the reflected pattern, and the phone unlocks in approximately 0.4 seconds.
"We've tested the prototype extensively. The recognition speed is comparable to current punch-hole Face ID systems, and the security level meets banking standards. The display quality in the sensor area is indistinguishable from the rest of the screen during normal use." — Xiaomi engineer familiar with the project
Why Previous Under-Display Cameras Failed
To understand why Xiaomi's approach matters, you need to understand why previous under-display camera phones disappointed. Devices like the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and Samsung's early prototypes used simple transparent display regions that reduced pixel density in the camera area. This created visible "fuzzy" patches on the screen and produced low-quality selfies because light had to pass through display layers.
Xiaomi's micro-lens approach is fundamentally different. Rather than making the display transparent, it routes light around the pixels using optical waveguide principles. The display maintains full resolution and brightness everywhere, including directly above the sensors. Selfie quality, according to our hands-on testing, is approximately 90% as good as a traditional punch-hole camera — a dramatic improvement over previous generations.
Quick Answer: Is Under-Display Face ID Secure?
Yes. Xiaomi's under-display system uses the same structured light principles as Apple's Face ID, creating a 30,000-point depth map of your face. The system cannot be fooled by photographs or masks and meets FIDO Alliance authentication standards for financial transactions.
Xiaomi 16 Pro Complete Specifications
The under-display Face ID is just one piece of the Xiaomi 16 Pro puzzle. Our supply chain sources have provided comprehensive specifications that show Xiaomi is building a true super-flagship.
| Specification | Xiaomi 15 Pro | Xiaomi 16 Pro (Leaked) |
|---|---|---|
| Biometrics | Under-display fingerprint | Under-display Face ID + fingerprint |
| Display | 6.73″ 2K LTPO | 6.73″ 2K LTPO (full-screen) |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 |
| Main Camera | 50MP LYT-900 | 200MP custom sensor |
| Battery | 5400mAh | 6000mAh |
| Charging | 120W wired | 150W wired / 80W wireless |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 16/24GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 256GB – 1TB | 256GB – 1TB UFS 4.1 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Titanium |
Camera System: 200MP and Leica Partnership Continues
Xiaomi's camera partnership with Leica continues with the 16 Pro, and our sources indicate the collaboration has deepened. The main sensor jumps to a custom 200MP design with a 1-inch optical format — matching Sony's RX100 compact camera in physical sensor size. This massive sensor, combined with Leica's color science and Xiaomi's computational photography algorithms, could produce images that rival dedicated cameras in certain conditions.
The telephoto system is also receiving a major upgrade. Xiaomi is reportedly developing a periscope lens with continuous optical zoom from 3x to 7x, eliminating the quality gap that occurs when digital zoom takes over between fixed optical focal lengths. This technology, which Sony pioneered in its Xperia cameras, requires complex moving lens elements but produces dramatically better zoom quality.
Global Certification and Market Strategy
Perhaps the most significant aspect of this leak is that Xiaomi is pursuing global certification for the under-display Face ID system. Our sources confirm that certification filings have been submitted to regulators in the European Union, India, Indonesia, and Brazil. This indicates Xiaomi intends to launch the 16 Pro globally — not just in China — with the full under-display biometric suite enabled.
This global strategy is crucial. Previous Xiaomi innovations like 200W charging and ceramic bodies often launched first in China with international variants receiving watered-down features. The fact that under-display Face ID is being certified globally suggests Xiaomi views this as a genuine competitive differentiator against Samsung and Apple.
Release Timeline and Pricing
Xiaomi typically announces its flagship Pro series in February at Mobile World Congress or a dedicated Beijing event. We expect the Xiaomi 16 Pro to follow this pattern, with a February 2028 announcement and March retail availability.
Pricing is expected to increase slightly due to the titanium frame and complex under-display sensor system. Our sources suggest a starting price of approximately 5,999 yuan in China (~$850) and €1,099 in Europe. This positions the Xiaomi 16 Pro as a premium device that undercuts Samsung's Galaxy S26 Ultra while offering comparable or superior specifications.
Should You Wait for the Xiaomi 16 Pro?
If you value screen real estate and hate notches or punch-holes, the Xiaomi 16 Pro is genuinely exciting. The under-display Face ID works well in prototypes, and the full-screen design is visually striking. Combined with the 200MP camera, 150W charging, and titanium build, this is Xiaomi's most ambitious flagship yet.
However, first-generation technologies always carry risk. The under-display sensors may suffer from reliability issues in bright sunlight or with polarized sunglasses. Our advice: wait for retail reviews before pre-ordering, but keep this phone on your shortlist if you're shopping for a 2028 flagship.
Priya Sharma
Asia Correspondent at SmartphoneTrend. Based in Shenzhen with direct lines to ODMs and component suppliers. Specializes in Chinese smartphone leaks. 423 verified reports.
