Xiaomi Mi 5 release date, specs rumor: images of device float online

Xiaomi Mi 4, the current lineup of Mi smart phonesXiaomi

While the tech specs of the next Xiaomi flagship have not yet been announced, purported images of the Mi 5 are already spreading online. Speculations suggest that the upcoming iteration will most likely have a 5.0-inch display.

According to Techno Buffalo, alleged photos of the device's front panel have sprouted out of China via the social media site Weibo. The industry follower mentioned that although the front panel image did not reveal much about the upcoming unit's specs, it did seemingly confirm that the Xiaomi Mi 5 will ship out with a 5.0-inch screen, dispelling earlier rumors that the flagship will have a 5.2-inch QHD display.

Meanwhile, GSM Arena reported that if the alleged leaked photos turn out to be what the Xiaomi Mi 5 will look like, then the new company flagship will have more pronounced corners. In addition, there will be a physical Home button, as depicted by a cut-out hole in the front panel. The industry follower also stated that Xiaomi may be planning to incorporate a fingerprint scanner in the button itself.

Gadgets 360 mentioned that a physical Home button has long been part of the rumors surrounding the Mi 5, and the supposed leaked image seemingly confirmed the speculations. If the images are proven true, this would be the first time that Xiaomi has incorporated a physical home button. In addition, it was stated that the Mi 5 may also be the first one in the lineup to incorporate 3D Touch-like controls on its display.

The industry follower added that the chassis itself will be an all-metal frame, and that the Mi 5 will most likely sport a new MiUI based on the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow environment.

Other purported specs of the Xiaomi Mi 5 include a Snapdragon 820 chipset, at least 4 GB of RAM, and a USB Type-C port.