Xiaomi 16 series could debut Nokia OZO Audio
Xiaomi is reportedly preparing a big step forward in smartphone sound quality. According to XiaomiTime, the upcoming Xiaomi 16 lineup will be the first to feature Nokia’s OZO Audio natively, bringing professional-grade sound capture to mainstream smartphones.
OZO Audio is one of Nokia’s most underrated technologies. Originally designed for professional VR cameras, it evolved into a 360° spatial audio solution with features like Audio Zoom and wind noise suppression. It allows phones to record not just sharp video but also focused, immersive sound, giving creators and vloggers an edge without external gear.
Nokia’s OZO has been used on some Nokia-branded devices under HMD Global, but with HMD losing market traction, the tech seems to be finding new life through partnerships—similar to Leica’s move from Huawei to Xiaomi. Well, Nokia has been licensing OZO Audio solutions to Asus, oppo and others, so the decline of HMD has nothing to do with OZO coming to Xiaomi.
Xiaomi 16: The first with OZO baked in
The Xiaomi 16 family, expected to arrive with HyperOS 3, will reportedly integrate OZO Audio at a system level, a first for Xiaomi. The lineup will include:
- Xiaomi 16
- Xiaomi 16 Pro
- Xiaomi 16 Pro Max
- Xiaomi 16 Ultra
If true, Xiaomi could take a lead role in elevating audio quality on Android flagships, not just focusing on camera hardware but on the overall multimedia experience.
Rolling out to older devices
The reports also suggest OZO Audio might not remain exclusive to the new models. Several current Xiaomi flagships, like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, 15 series, and 15S Pro, could receive OZO through a HyperOS 3 update, making this a wide ecosystem upgrade.
With most smartphone makers focusing on megapixels and AI features, Xiaomi’s embrace of Nokia’s OZO Audio shows that sound quality is finally getting attention. This also reflects a larger trend: Nokia’s advanced technologies may outlive HMD’s struggle in the smartphone market by powering other brands’ premium experiences.
If Xiaomi really delivers on this promise, their 2025 lineup could stand out not just for visuals, but for audio quality that rivals professional gear—something we’d love to see more of.
