Is a 120x zoom camera worth the premium price?

The Essentials

• Xiaomi introduced a new smartphone featuring a 5x Leica periscope telephoto lens and an enormous 6500mAh silicon-carbon battery.
• The device starts at an effective launch price of ₹54,999 for the 256GB storage configuration.
• You get an assured 60% buyback value if you choose to trade the device back within one year of purchase.

The Pulse

Xiaomi built this phone around a massive 6500mAh silicon-carbon battery that retains eighty per cent capacity even after 1,600 charge cycles. This heavy-duty power pack directly targets working professionals who face battery depletion during long commutes or back-to-back virtual meetings. The processing unit runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 8500-Ultra chip that easily clears a two-million milestone score on AnTuTu benchmarks while staying cool through a dedicated vapour-liquid separation path.

How much does the new Xiaomi phone cost in India? The smartphone starts at an effective launch price of ₹54,999 once you apply the flat ₹5,000 instant discount available across major Indian bank credit and debit cards. For this price, you receive a camera system sporting a 50-megapixel Leica periscope lens capable of 120x ultra zoom and close-up telemacro shots. The front interface introduces a pill-shaped interactive capsule called HyperIsland that organises background updates like media playback and timers without interrupting your work.

The Snapshot

The Big Picture

Premium upper mid-range smartphones in India usually force buyers to choose between top-tier performance or elite camera arrays. By combining a specialised Leica periscope telephoto lens with an exceptionally large battery capacity, this package directly challenges the market dominance of the OnePlus 12 series. Device manufacturers are slowly realising that Indian consumers now demand serious hardware longevity alongside flagship-grade photography, driving a shift toward dense silicon-carbon chemistry over traditional lithium-ion packs. This evolution sets a brand new benchmark for value within this competitive price bracket.

The India Prospective

The upfront cost becomes significantly easier to manage thanks to immediate financial partnerships. Launch offers slash ₹5,000 via credit cards or EMI transactions from major local institutions including HDFC Bank, SBI Card, and Axis Bank. Furthermore, a guaranteed 60% buyback plan within one year protects your investment against rapid depreciation, while the bundled three-month JioHotstar premium access satisfies immediate entertainment needs on local cellular networks.

The Inside Intel

The main camera setup uses a highly unusual 1G + 6P hybrid lens layout. This means Xiaomi has paired a single high-purity glass element with six precision plastic elements. To prevent the glare and ghosting reflections often caused by bright overhead office lights or intense Indian sunlight, the lens architecture is treated with a specialised magnesium fluoride coating and a spin-coated infrared filter.

The UDHQ. Take

Unbox Daily HQ. believes this handset is a compelling option for corporate professionals who require extreme battery endurance without sacrificing premium photography. Paying an effective price of ₹54,999 is entirely justified because the 6500mAh battery completely eliminates the need to carry a heavy power bank to the office. The standout camera optics and the assurance of a one-year buyback make it a highly practical investment for long-term daily use. This is one of the most practical premium phones available for mobile workers this year.

Best for: Mobile professionals with heavy workloads who cannot afford to look for a charging port during the day

Who Is This For: Perfect for 28 to 45 year old corporate workers in busy metropolitan hubs who need elite camera tools and unmatched battery lifespans

The Checkout

Xiaomi India – Official Page

The Source

Xiaomi India