Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max unveiled with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and privacy screens

It only took a few hours for the first smartphones with Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chipset to be officially unveiled in China. The Xiaomi 18 Pro is the first smartphone with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 on the market, while the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max runs on the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6.

Xiaomi 18 Pro (left) and Pro Max (right)

Aside from the new flagship chips, the Xiaomi 18 Pro series offers larger batteries, hardware-based privacy displays, updated telephoto cameras, and retains the rear screens of its predecessors.

AI functions

Xiaomi is expanding the functionality of its devices with new AI features. Users can now create their own mini-apps for the back screen using the AI ​​assistant Xiao. Xiaomi presented several examples, including an app to remind users to drink water, an egg-cooking timer, and a mini-app with recipe recommendations.

The back also allows users to create custom AI wallpapers, display widgets, and interact with the AI ​​assistant Xiao. Most importantly, it serves as a convenient viewfinder for the three rear cameras.

Cameras

As far as the cameras are concerned, both smartphones feature identical triple-camera setups. The main camera (Light Hunter 960) has a 200-megapixel resolution (equivalent to 23 mm) and a 1/1.28-inch sensor. This is complemented by a 75 mm periscope telephoto lens with another 200-megapixel sensor and a 1/1.56-inch sensor size, offering 3.2x optical zoom. The third module is a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle lens with a 102-degree field of view.

Displays

Xiaomi equips both models with LTPO AMOLED displays featuring 2K resolution and a variable refresh rate of 1–120 Hz. The 18 Pro’s display now measures 6.4 inches, while the 18 Pro Max’s remains at 6.9 inches. Both panels offer a peak brightness of 4,000 nits and are protected by Xiaomi Dragon Crystal Glass 3.

Xiaomi has implemented hardware-based privacy filters this time, preventing prying eyes from viewing the screen content from an angle. The implementation in the Xiaomi 18 Pro series is more powerful than that of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, as it enables location-based actions and hides notifications, floating windows, and split-view app configurations. The feature is also conveniently accessible via the dedicated AI button on the left side.

Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max battery capacities

Otherwise, both Xiaomi phones offer a moderate battery upgrade compared to their predecessors. The 18 Pro has a 7,000 mAh battery (11% more), while the Pro Max is equipped with an 8,500 mAh battery (13% more). Both devices support 100W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 27W reverse wireless charging. They run Xiaomi HyperOS 4 and are IP69 dustproof and waterproof.

The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max are available in black, white, pink, and blue as standard. There is also a special red edition with transparent back elements.

Prices

Prices start at 5,999 CNY (785 Euro/895 US Dollar) for the Pro and at 6,999 CNY (916 Euro/1,045 US Dollar) for the Pro Max in their 12/256 GB configurations.

Xiaomi also confirmed that a global market launch will follow later this year.

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