Xiaomi May Launch Its First Wide-Screen Candybar Smartphone With a 16:9 Display
Xiaomi could be preparing to introduce a new type of smartphone featuring a wider display, marking a potential departure from the tall and narrow screens commonly found on modern Android devices.
According to recent reports based on information shared by Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station, an Android smartphone manufacturer is currently testing a wide-screen candybar-style phone. Although the tipster did not directly identify the company, an emoji in the original post has led observers to believe that Xiaomi could be developing the device.
The rumoured smartphone is expected to feature a 16:10 or 16:9 display aspect ratio, making it noticeably wider than conventional smartphones. It could also include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
If the reports prove accurate, Xiaomi would join a growing group of manufacturers exploring wider smartphone designs as an alternative to traditional tall-screen devices.
However, the company has not officially confirmed the project. The phone’s model name, complete specifications, pricing and launch date remain unknown.
Xiaomi Is Reportedly Testing a New Wide-Screen Smartphone
The smartphone industry has largely followed a similar design approach over the past several years. Most Android phones feature tall displays designed to provide more vertical screen space while maintaining relatively narrow bodies.
Xiaomi’s rumoured device could take a different approach.
Instead of following the conventional tall-screen format, the upcoming phone is expected to feature a wider display. This would give it a shape closer to a small tablet or a compact landscape-oriented screen.
The information comes from Digital Chat Station, a well-known Chinese technology tipster who regularly shares reports about unreleased smartphones and upcoming hardware.
According to the reported information, an Android manufacturer is testing a wide-screen candybar phone. The tipster did not explicitly name Xiaomi, but the emoji used in the post has been interpreted as a reference to the Chinese smartphone manufacturer.
This distinction is important because the device has not been officially announced. Xiaomi’s involvement remains an inference based on the leak rather than a confirmed company statement.
Expected 16:10 or 16:9 Display Could Make the Phone Different
The most interesting reported feature is the smartphone’s display aspect ratio.
The device could use either a 16:10 or 16:9 screen, both of which are wider in proportion than the tall displays commonly used in today’s smartphones.
To understand the difference, most modern smartphones have screens with tall aspect ratios, often around 19.5:9 or 20:9. These designs provide additional vertical space for scrolling, reading and using applications.
A 16:9 display has a more traditional widescreen shape, similar to televisions and many computer monitors. A 16:10 screen is slightly taller while retaining a relatively wide appearance.
| Display aspect ratio | General shape | Typical characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| 20:9 | Tall and narrow | Common modern smartphone format |
| 19.5:9 | Tall and narrow | Common in contemporary Android and iPhone designs |
| 16:10 | Wider rectangular | Offers a balance between landscape viewing and vertical space |
| 16:9 | Traditional widescreen | Similar proportions to many televisions and video displays |
The proposed design could provide a different experience for watching videos, browsing websites and viewing documents.
However, the actual experience will depend on the phone’s screen size, resolution, software optimisation and overall dimensions. Xiaomi has not revealed any of these details.
What Is a Candybar Smartphone?
The term candybar refers to a traditional smartphone design featuring a single rigid body without a folding hinge, sliding mechanism or flip mechanism.
Most smartphones sold today already use this general design. The difference with Xiaomi’s rumoured device would be its wider proportions.
Unlike foldable phones, a wide-screen candybar smartphone would not need to open or unfold to provide a broader display.
This could make the design attractive to people who want more screen width without purchasing a foldable device.
The concept also offers manufacturers an opportunity to experiment with different screen proportions while retaining a conventional smartphone structure.
Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner Could Be Included
Another detail mentioned in the leak is a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Most smartphone manufacturers use one of three common fingerprint authentication arrangements: under-display sensors, side-mounted scanners or rear-mounted sensors.
A side-mounted scanner is generally integrated into the power button or placed along the phone’s frame.
This arrangement allows users to unlock their phones by placing a finger on the edge of the device.
For a smartphone with a wider body, a side-mounted sensor could offer a practical alternative to an under-display fingerprint reader.
However, the leak does not provide further information about the scanner’s technology, speed or exact placement.
It is therefore too early to determine whether Xiaomi will use a conventional capacitive sensor or another authentication system.
Huawei Pura X View Has Already Explored a Similar Design
Xiaomi is reportedly entering a design category that other manufacturers have already started exploring.
Huawei’s Pura X View is an example of a smartphone built around a wider display format. Its design demonstrates how manufacturers can offer a broader screen without relying on a conventional tall smartphone layout.
The device has helped bring attention to the possibility of wider smartphones becoming another category within the Android market.
The concept is also related to wider foldable phones. Some foldable devices provide cover screens with broader proportions, giving users a more compact, tablet-like viewing experience when the device is closed.
A wide-screen candybar phone could offer some of those viewing advantages without the additional mechanical complexity of a folding design.
For Xiaomi, this would represent an opportunity to experiment with a different form factor while retaining the familiar structure of a conventional smartphone.
Oppo and Other Brands Are Also Exploring Wider Smartphones
Xiaomi is reportedly not the only manufacturer interested in this design direction.
Oppo is also rumoured to be developing a wide-screen smartphone under its Reno lineup.
Earlier leaks have suggested that the Oppo device could feature a 6.35-inch display, an 8,000mAh battery, dual 200-megapixel rear cameras and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9600M chipset.
These specifications remain unconfirmed and should not be treated as official product details.
Other manufacturers, including Doogee and Coolpad, have also introduced or previewed devices with wider screen designs.
Meanwhile, Huawei is reportedly exploring another device under its Osta sub-brand.
The growing number of reports suggests that smartphone manufacturers are considering alternatives to the conventional tall-screen format.
However, it remains uncertain whether wide-screen smartphones will become a mainstream category or remain limited to selected models and markets.
Potential Advantages of a Wide-Screen Smartphone
A wider display could offer several practical benefits, depending on how manufacturers design the hardware and software.
Better Video Viewing Experience
A 16:9 display matches the proportions of many commonly used video formats.
This could allow some videos to occupy more of the screen without requiring as much cropping or unused display space.
However, the benefit would depend on the content format and the screen’s actual dimensions.
More Horizontal Space for Reading and Browsing
A wider screen could make websites, documents and certain applications easier to view.
Users may be able to see more content horizontally, reducing the need to scroll or move between different sections of a page.
This could be useful for reading articles, viewing spreadsheets and working with documents.
Potentially Improved Multitasking
A wider display may also provide more room for applications that use side-by-side layouts.
For example, some productivity applications could display additional controls, menus or information without compressing the main content.
Nevertheless, software optimisation will be essential. A wider screen alone does not guarantee a better multitasking experience.
Possible Disadvantages of the Wider Design
Despite its potential advantages, a wider smartphone could also introduce practical challenges.
One-Handed Use Could Become Difficult
Modern smartphones are designed to balance screen size with comfortable handling.
A wider body could make it more difficult for users to reach the opposite side of the display with one hand.
This may be particularly noticeable for people with smaller hands.
Application Compatibility
Many mobile applications are optimised for tall smartphone displays.
A wider screen could create unused space or unusual layouts if applications are not properly adapted.
Xiaomi would need to ensure that its software handles the different proportions effectively.
Video Content May Not Always Fit Perfectly
Although a 16:9 display could be suitable for many videos, not all online content uses the same aspect ratio.
Vertical videos, social media clips and other formats may still require adjustments or display unused space.
The final experience would depend on how applications handle different content formats.
Will Xiaomi Launch the Wide-Screen Phone in 2027?
There is currently no confirmed launch date for Xiaomi’s rumoured wide-screen smartphone.
The available reports suggest that the device is still being tested. This means there is no guarantee that it will enter commercial production or become available to consumers.
Some industry reports suggest that several manufacturers could introduce wider smartphone designs around 2027. However, this should not be interpreted as confirmation of Xiaomi’s launch schedule.
The company has not announced a model name, product launch event or official development timeline.
It is also unclear whether the phone would be sold internationally or initially limited to China.
For Pakistani consumers, there is currently no confirmed information about local availability, pricing, warranty arrangements or registration requirements.
Any estimated Pakistani price at this stage would be speculative.
What Pakistani Smartphone Buyers Should Know
Xiaomi has an established presence in Pakistan, where its smartphones attract customers across different price segments.
A wider smartphone could appeal to people interested in watching videos, reading content and using productivity applications on a different type of display.
However, buyers should not make purchasing decisions based on an unconfirmed leak.
Before considering the device, consumers should wait for Xiaomi to reveal its official specifications, price and availability.
If the phone eventually reaches Pakistan, its local price will depend on factors such as the international launch price, exchange rates, applicable taxes and distribution arrangements.
Customers should also check official warranty coverage and device registration requirements before purchasing an imported smartphone.
At present, there is no confirmed evidence that Xiaomi plans to release this particular device in Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Xiaomi making a wide-screen candybar smartphone?
Xiaomi is reportedly testing a wide-screen candybar smartphone, according to information shared by Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station. However, the tipster did not directly identify Xiaomi, and the company has not confirmed the project.
What display aspect ratio will the rumoured Xiaomi phone have?
The smartphone is expected to feature either a 16:10 or 16:9 display aspect ratio, according to the leak.
Will Xiaomi’s wide-screen phone have a fingerprint scanner?
The leak suggests that the device could feature a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. Its exact technology and placement have not been confirmed.
Is the Xiaomi wide-screen phone foldable?
No. The rumoured device is described as a candybar smartphone, meaning it would have a conventional single-body design rather than a folding mechanism.
When will Xiaomi launch its wide-screen smartphone?
There is no confirmed launch date. The device is reportedly in the testing stage, and Xiaomi has not announced an official release schedule.
Will the new Xiaomi phone launch in Pakistan?
There is currently no confirmed information about its availability in Pakistan, local pricing or launch arrangements.
Conclusion
Xiaomi could be preparing to experiment with a different smartphone design by developing a wide-screen candybar device.
The reported 16:10 or 16:9 display would distinguish it from the tall and narrow screens used by most modern smartphones. A side-mounted fingerprint scanner is also expected, although the remaining hardware specifications are unknown.
The development comes as Huawei, Oppo and other manufacturers reportedly explore wider smartphone designs.
Whether this approach becomes a significant industry trend will depend on consumer demand, software compatibility and how effectively manufacturers balance screen width with everyday usability.
For now, Xiaomi’s wide-screen smartphone remains an unconfirmed project based on a tipster leak. Consumers should wait for an official announcement before treating its design, specifications, launch date or availability as final.