Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max unveiled – 8500 mAh, IP69, and dual 200-MP cameras
The Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max feature two 200-MP Leica cameras, an additional AMOLED display on the back panel, and hardware-based privacy protection for the screen. The flagship Pro Max is equipped with an 8500 mAh battery and a new Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6.
Two sizes and a screen with privacy protection
The Xiaomi 18 Pro is equipped with a 6.4-inch AMOLED display, while the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch panel. Both models use Super Pixel 2.0 panels on M11 material with a full RGB subpixel structure, adaptive refresh rates from 1 to 120 Hz, and a claimed peak brightness of up to 4000 nits. The Pro Max also supports coverage of the BT.2020 color space. The bezel width around the screen measures 0.99 mm.
The main change is the Smart Privacy Screen hardware system. It limits viewing angles to make content harder to see from the side, and protection does not need to be enabled for the entire screen. The mode can be assigned to a specific app: in that case, it applies to its notifications, pop-up windows, and the app area in split-screen mode without affecting the rest of the interface.
This distinguishes Xiaomi’s solution from the similar Privacy Display feature in Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. In addition to manual switching, automatic scenarios are supported. The smartphone can activate protection at specified locations, such as the workplace, and also suggest it in airports, elevators, and other public spaces. The front camera can detect when someone else is looking at the screen and offer to enable private mode.
The chassis features a metal frame with subtle rounded edges. Xiaomi offers both models in black, white, Star River Blue, and Ice Peach Pink.
In addition to the four standard colors, Xiaomi released a limited red edition with a translucent back panel. It revives the Transparent Edition design, which the company last used in its flagship series in 2020. The special version is available only with 16 GB of RAM and a 1 TB storage drive.
The rear display now works with more than 100 apps
Like the previous generation, the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max are equipped with an additional AMOLED display next to the cameras. Its diagonal measures approximately 2.7 inches.
The screen can display notifications, widgets, app information, controls, and mini-games. Xiaomi claims support for over 100 app cards. AI can be used to create custom wallpapers and simple personalized cards.
The rear display also serves as a viewfinder when shooting with the main cameras, so you can use the 200-megapixel main camera or periscope telephoto lens instead of the front-facing one for selfies.
Two 200-megapixel Leica cameras
The rear camera setup on the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max is nearly identical. The main Leica camera uses a 200-megapixel sensor with an optical format of 1/1,28 inch and an f/1.67 aperture lens. The Xiaomi 18 Pro features the Light Fusion 960 system, while the Pro Max uses Light Fusion 960L with an emphasis on extended dynamic range.
The second 200-megapixel camera features periscope optics and a 1/1,56-inch format sensor. The equivalent focal length is 75 mm, corresponding to 3.2x optical zoom. Xiaomi also claims 12.8x lossless zoom thanks to the sensor’s high resolution. A floating lens system enables focusing from as close as 12 cm, allowing the telephoto lens to be used for macro photography.
The third rear camera features a 50-megapixel sensor and ultra-wide optics with an equivalent focal length of 17 mm. The front camera resolution is 50 MP.
The camera app now includes a Legendary Moment feature. It preserves raw sensor data and combines on-device processing with cloud-based algorithms. Three styles inspired by classic cameras are available. The AI can also suggest the shooting angle, composition, human pose, and a suitable filter. These are Xiaomi’s claims about processing capabilities; independent tests of the new smartphones’ cameras have not yet been conducted.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Extreme Gen 6
The Xiaomi 18 Pro runs on a 2-nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, while the Pro Max gets the higher-end Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. The maximum frequency CPU reaches 5 GHz.
For the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, Xiaomi claims a performance boost of up to GPU% with energy consumption reduced by up to 40% compared to the previous generation, while individual task speeds NPU are expected to increase by up to 80%. These figures come from the manufacturer and Qualcomm, not from independent testing of the Xiaomi 18 Pro.
The Pro Max features an updated ring vapor chamber and a more thermally conductive chip layout. Xiaomi states that the cooling system enables the smartphone to maintain maximum frame rates in demanding games for up to an hour.
RAM capacity is 12 or 16 GB, and storage is 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB.
Batteries up to 8500 mAh and 100 W charging
The Xiaomi 18 Pro is equipped with a Jinshajiang battery with a capacity of 7000 mAh, while the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max features an 8500 mAh battery. Both batteries utilize silicon-carbon technology with a silicon content of up to 32%.
Smartphones support wired charging up to 100 W and wireless charging up to 50 W. The higher capacity of the Pro Max alone does not allow a conclusion about real battery life – independent tests of the new models have not yet been published.
Both models support UWB, which can be used, in particular, for compatible digital car keys and interaction with smart home devices. The chassis meets three protection classes: IP66, IP68, and IP69.
The Xiaomi 18 Pro features an enlarged linear vibration motor 7514. The Pro Max is equipped with an even larger vibration motor and a three-speaker system. For the flagship model, Xiaomi has also redesigned the cooling system to accommodate the more powerful processor version.
HyperOS 4 and Super Xiao Ai 2.0
Smartphones come with HyperOS 4. The Chinese version of the system uses the Super Xiao Ai 2.0 assistant, powered by Xiaomi’s proprietary MiMo model. It can execute multi-step action sequences, retain contextual memory, and interact with other devices in the Xiaomi ecosystem.
The chassis features a customizable button for AI functions. It can also be used as a standard quick-launch key.
Key differences between the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max
| Specification | Xiaomi 18 Pro | Xiaomi 18 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Main display | 6.4 inches | 6.9 inches |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 |
| Main camera | 200 MP, 1/1,28″, Light Fusion 960 | 200 MP, 1/1,28″, Light Fusion 960L |
| Periscope camera | 200 MP, 1/1,56″, 75 mm, 3.2x | 200 MP, 1/1,56″, 75 mm, 3.2x |
| Battery | 7000 mAh | 8500 mAh |
| Wired charging | 100 W | 100 W |
| Wireless charging | 50 W | 50 W |
| Protection | IP66 / IP68 / IP69 | IP66 / IP68 / IP69 |
| Starting price | 5999 yuan (≈ $895) | 6999 yuan (≈ $1045) |
Prices and release date
In China, the Xiaomi 18 Pro is offered in four configurations:
- 12 GB + 256 GB – 5,999 yuan (≈ $895);
- 12 GB + 512 GB – 6,999 yuan (≈ $1045);
- 16 GB + 512 GB – 7,999 yuan (≈ $1194);
- 16 GB + 1 TB – 8999 yuan (≈ $1343);
- limited red version, 16 GB + 1 TB – 10,000 yuan (≈ $1493).
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max prices:
- 12 GB + 256 GB – 6,999 yuan (≈ $1045);
- 12 GB + 512 GB – 7,999 yuan (≈ $1194);
- 16 GB + 512 GB – 8,999 yuan (≈ $1343);
- 16 GB + 1 TB – 9,999 yuan (≈ $1492);
- limited red version, 16 GB + 1 TB – 11,000 yuan (≈ $1642).
Sales in China launched following the September 23 presentation. Xiaomi also confirmed an international release of the series later in 2026. The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max are expected to appear in Europe this time, whereas last year’s Xiaomi 17 Pro and Pro Max were not officially sold outside China. European prices and the exact date for the global launch have not yet been announced.
