Xiaomi is opening a new chapter in its premium smartphone lineup, introducing the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max in China . The two new models combine powerful hardware, advanced photography capabilities, and an upgraded approach to screen privacy , while also bringing back a feature that made a big impression on the previous generation: the second screen on the back.
Xiaomi has already confirmed that at least one of the two models will be making its way to the international market later this year. This development is particularly interesting, as the Xiaomi 17 Pro series has not been available outside of China.
A screen that "hides" data from prying eyes
The most important innovation of the Xiaomi 18 Pro is found in the front screen. The company adopts hardware-based privacy display, similar in philosophy to that presented by Samsung on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but with a different approach to its use.
The feature can be automatically enabled for specific apps, limiting the visibility of content to people next to the user. Interestingly, it's not just limited to the main app image. It can cover notifications, floating windows, and split-screen content, while the rest of the screen continues to function normally.
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Even more practical is the ability to automate by location. The user can, for example, set the function to activate at work and deactivate when returning home. At the same time, special scenarios are provided for places where screen protection can be particularly useful, such as airports or elevators.
The system can also use the front camera to detect potential peeks from third parties and suggest activating privacy mode. This is an approach that transforms privacy protection from a manual choice to a more automated operation.
The second screen on the back is back
Design-wise, the two smartphones retain many elements from their predecessors. On the back, there is again a small screen around the camera system, which can be used to display notifications, view information, take selfies with the main camera, and even simple entertainment applications.
See also: Xiaomi 17T Pro: Specs and price leak
This particular choice differentiates Xiaomi from several competitors, as the company attempts to utilize the back surface not only aesthetically but also functionally.
Two sizes, two different batteries
The Xiaomi 18 Pro has a 6.4-inch, while the 18 Pro Max goes up to 6.9 inches. The larger device also gets a larger battery, with a capacity of 8,500 mAh, compared to 7,000 mAh .
Both models use high-silicon batteries, with a silicon content of around 32%. This technology allows for greater energy density without necessarily increasing the physical dimensions of the battery. For users, this potentially translates into longer battery life, especially on devices with large screens and demanding processors.
Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and 200MP cameras
Inside are Qualcomm's new chips. The 18 Pro is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, while the Pro Max uses the more powerful Extreme. Despite the differences in name and performance, the differences between the two versions are expected to be relatively limited in everyday use.
In terms of photography, however, Xiaomi is significantly raising the bar. Both models feature a 200-megapixel main camera, with Light Fusion 960 and 960L sensors respectively . The system is complemented by a 200MP telephoto lens with a 75mm focal length, based on Samsung's HP5 sensor.
The telephoto lens also offers a minimum focusing distance of just 12cm, paving the way for closer shots with increased detail. The trio is completed by a 50MP ultrawide camera, creating a highly versatile photography system.
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Xiaomi strengthens the new flagship generation
The launch of the Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max comes at a time of intense competition in the Chinese premium smartphone market, as corresponding new offerings have appeared from companies such as Vivo and Oppo.
Prices for the two models start at 5,999 yuan, around $900, while the new family also includes the Xiaomi 18 Fold. The company is expected to complete the range with the basic Xiaomi 18 and the top-of-the-line 18 Ultra, which are expected to follow later.
The biggest interest, however, will now turn to the international release. If Xiaomi takes the same philosophy around the privacy display, large batteries and 200MP cameras abroad, the 18 Pro series could be one of the most characteristic examples of the direction the company is taking in the premium category.
