Xiaomi Mi 5 may launch this week: Here’s what to expect at the July 16 event

Xiaomi has teased a 16 July event on Chinese social networking site Weibo. The device in the teaser is speculated to be the Xiaomi Mi 5.

According to a post on TechnoBuffalo, “The online invitation doesn’t reveal much, but it does offer what could be a first look at the Mi5. We see the super-thin profile of some sort or device with curved corners. It also appears to feature a metal frame or even a unibody design. It’s tough to say for sure, though we won’t have too wait much longer to find out.”

Leaks around the upcoming Xiaomi Mi 5 and Mi 5 Plus just don’t seem to end. Earlier, an image had also surfaced on Weibo revealing the complete specs for the Mi 5 and Mi 5 Plus. Yes, a larger Mi 5 Plus variant is also expected to launch alongside.

Going by the most recent report, the Xiaomi Mi 5 is said to feature a 5.2-inch display, Gorilla Glass 4 protection and 2.5D edges. It will be powered by a Snapdragon 810 chipset, but there is no word on the RAM yet. A previous report had hinted the chipset will be coupled with 4GB of RAM and 16/64GB internal storage. A 3,030mAh battery is expected to power the device, slightly lower than lower than the 3,080mAh battery seen on its predecessor. On the camera front, one can expect a 16MP rear snapper and a 6MP front-facing camera for selfie lovers.

The Xiaomi Mi 5 has been codenamed Libra and will feature the fingerprint scanner technology. A previous report had hinted at a fingerprint scanner, named Sense ID. This sensor is said to work on ultrasound technology rather than on optical which is seen in the current fingerprint sensors.

The larger variant, the Xiaomi Mi 5 Plus, is expected to sport a 6-inch 2K display and a nearly bezel-less display. There was no mention of the processor then, but 4GB of RAM, 32GB onboard storage and 16-megapixel rear camera were expected as some of the other specs.

The company is also known to be working on Lollipop-based MIUI 7 user interface along with Android Open Kang Project (popularly known as AOKP) for the upcoming Mi 5. In a blog post, AOKP had revealed that team Kang members are working with Xiaomi for a new refreshed MIUI 7 that will be

Another Chinese phone maker and Xiaomi rival, OnePlus, is also expected to launch its new flagship the OnePlus 2 on 27 July via world’s first VR product launch.