Xiaomi MIX 5 Can Beat Apple with 3D Face Recognition Technology Under the Screen

JAKARTA - The latest rumors have shocked the smartphone world: Xiaomi has the potential to be the first to release 3D facial recognition technology (3D facial recognition) completely hidden under the screen. This feature is rumored to be present in the Xiaomi MIX 5, which is likely to be launched before the iPhone 18 series in September 2026.

Xiaomi's MIX series, known for its radical design innovations, last released a new model in August 2021 in the form of the MIX 4. The phone introduced Xiaomi's first under-display camera, although the quality is still not perfect.

This information comes from well-known tipsters such as Digital Chat Station and Smart Pikachu on Weibo. They say Xiaomi is developing a phone with a quad-curved screen (curved on four sides), an under-display front camera, and a 3D face unlock system that is also completely hidden. If true, this will be the world's first smartphone to combine these two advanced technologies on a mass scale.

The launch of MIX 5 is predicted to occur at Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun's annual event - a moment that is usually used to announce the most innovative products. This means the debut could be earlier than the iPhone 18, which will only be released at the end of 2026.

Apple Still Behind?

Apple is indeed testing under-display Face ID for the iPhone 18 Pro series, but the challenge is huge: ensuring that the infrared sensor and dot projector remain accurate even though they are covered by the screen layer.

Analysts such as Ross Young and Mark Gurman predict that this feature will only be ready in 2026-2027. Meanwhile, HONOR also has 3D face recognition, but still uses a small cutout on the screen.

If Xiaomi succeeds, this will be a major blow to Apple, which has dominated secure face recognition technology. The concept of an under-display camera has been developed for a long time, such as on the Vivo Apex or ZTE Axon series.

In addition to these main features, rumors say the MIX 5 will use the latest flagship processor, a large battery, and a full-screen design without interruption. The MIX series has always been a showcase for Xiaomi's experimental technology, so expectations are very high.

There is no complete specification or exact date yet, but this rumor is getting stronger ahead of 2026. Smartphone fans are now looking forward to: Will Xiaomi really seize the "true full-screen" crown from Apple? We'll wait for official confirmation in the next few months.