Black smartphone with prominent rear camera module and glowing orange details, part of the Xiaomi 18 Pro Series.

Xiaomi Unveils 18 Pro Series with Leica-Enhanced 200MP Cameras and Advanced Privacy Features

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Written by John Oliver

2026-09-25

Xiaomi has launched its latest flagship smartphones, the Xiaomi 18 Pro series, prominently featuring Leica-branded triple-camera systems. Both models are set to reach global markets, excluding the US, marking a first for Xiaomi’s Pro lineup. These phones debut Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chips.

Xiaomi 18 Pro Series: Revolutionary Camera Technology

The lineup elevates its camera capabilities with a remarkable 200MP main camera and an equally high-resolution 200MP periscope telephoto lens, a significant upgrade from the previous 50MP models. These advancements are complemented by faster apertures and a 50MP ultrawide camera. The main camera utilizes a Type 1/1.28 (74.4mm²) sensor with LOFIC technology, enhancing highlight handling and dynamic range. A Leica Summilux lens design contributes to this impressive setup, featuring precision glass and plastic elements with seven stops of shake correction (CIPA-rated).

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Innovative Displays and Design in the Xiaomi 18 Pro Series

Both models incorporate a hardware-level Privacy Display, reminiscent of Samsung’s privacy feature on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, limiting off-axis viewing per app while preserving notification privacy. The rear of the phones hosts a secondary display, capable of showcasing notifications, widgets, and serving as a live viewfinder for the high-quality rear cameras, facilitating main-camera selfies and vlogging.

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Photo taken using Xiaomi 18 Pro Max with its telephoto lens, showcasing image quality.
Xiaomi provided this image sample, which was taken with the 18 Pro Max telephoto camera.

The primary displays vary with the 18 Pro featuring a 6.4-inch panel, while the Pro Max boasts a 6.9-inch screen. Both models support 120Hz LTPO AMOLED displays, offering 4000-nit peak brightness and compatibility with Dolby Vision and HDR10+. The innovative display and design are among the standout features of this smartphone series.

Person holding blue Xiaomi smartphone displaying a video call, with four white phones nearby showing widgets.
A blue Xiaomi smartphone in a hand displays a video call on its screen. Nearby, four white Xiaomi phones are shown with their rear screens featuring widgets such as an animal icon, car charging status, water reminder, and weather information.

Performance and Availability of Xiaomi’s New Series

The 18 Pro includes the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, while the 18 Pro Max is powered by the premium Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, making the devices a powerhouse in performance. Pricing begins at CNY 5,999 (approximately $895) for the 18 Pro and CNY 6,999 (approximately $1045) for the Pro Max. A global rollout for the Xiaomi smartphones is anticipated later this year, although specific dates are yet to be announced.

Gray Xiaomi 18 Pro and blue 18 Pro Max with large rear cameras, held in hands.
Xiaomi 18 Pro in gray and 18 Pro Max in blue, each held in a hand, showing large rear camera modules with glowing accents; model names displayed nearby against a white background.

Source: dpreview.com

Frequently asked questions

What new camera technology is featured in the Xiaomi 18 Pro series?

The Xiaomi 18 Pro series features a 200MP main camera and a 200MP periscope telephoto lens, upgraded from the previous 50MP models, with a Type 1/1.28 sensor and Leica Summilux lens design.

What privacy features are included in the Xiaomi 18 Pro series?

The Xiaomi 18 Pro series incorporates a hardware-level Privacy Display which limits off-axis viewing per app while preserving notification privacy.

What are the display specifications of the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max?

The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch 120Hz LTPO AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 4000 nits, and it supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+.