Xiaomi is bringing a touch of nostalgia to its next-generation flagships by adopting Nokia’s OZO Audio technology, once considered a benchmark for immersive sound recording. According to insider reports, the upcoming Xiaomi 16 lineup will feature the audio system, reviving a piece of Nokia’s legacy in modern smartphones.
The series is expected to include three models — Xiaomi 16, Xiaomi 16 Pro, and Xiaomi 16 Pro Max. A top-tier Ultra version is planned for release next year.
What OZO Audio Offers
Originally developed by Nokia for 360-degree cameras, OZO Audio quickly found its way into smartphones. The technology delivers a suite of advanced sound features, including:
- Audio Zoom – isolates the desired sound source.
- Audio 3D – creates a spatial, three-dimensional audio environment.
- Audio Windscreen – reduces wind interference during recordings.
- Audio Framing – guides users to position the camera for optimal sound capture.
Beyond New Flagships
OZO Audio is not entirely new to the smartphone market. It first appeared in the Nokia 8 and later in devices such as the Asus Zenfone 8, Oppo Find X3 Pro, and OnePlus 9 Pro. Now, Xiaomi is joining that list with its upcoming models.
What makes this move even more notable is Xiaomi’s decision to extend OZO Audio to older devices. Through the upcoming HyperOS 3 update, models such as the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Xiaomi 15 series, and Xiaomi 15S Pro will also gain access to the technology.
With this integration, Xiaomi is signaling a stronger focus on audio alongside its already competitive camera systems, turning its smartphones into well-rounded tools for both content creation and high-quality recording.
