Xiaomi 18 Pro series stuns with privacy screen and wondrous rear displays—debuts 'Special Edition,' too

What you need to know

• Xiaomi launched the 18 Pro series in China this week, stating the 18 Pro Max features a 6.9-inch main display and a 2.9-inch rear display.
• The Xiaomi 18 Pro features a 6.4-inch screen and a 2.7-inch rear display; however, both phones feature the new privacy screen with "location-based triggers."
• This privacy screen will automatically hide content on your phone depending on your location, which may carry sensitive information (alerts, floating windows, etc.).
• The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max starts at 6,999 CNY (~$1,042), while the 18 Pro begins at 5,999 CNY (~$900).

The wait is over; Xiaomi's 18 Pro series is here. The Chinese OEM has launched its latest flagship phones for its consumers, and there's new tech and new features to explore.

The Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max debuted in China early this morning (via GSMArena). Getting us started is the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. The device features a 6.9-inch AMOLED front display and a 2.9-inch rear screen. For the moment, we'll focus on the main display, since Xiaomi has equipped it with a proactive privacy screen.

This will sound similar to what Samsung did with the Galaxy S26 Ultra; however, the publication notes one major difference: Xiaomi uses "location-based triggers." This privacy screen will activate depending on where you are to block anything carrying sensitive information (notifications, floating windows, etc.). The rear display now benefits from Xiaomi's AI, Xiao, for mini-app creation, timers, and reminders.

There are three cameras on the 18 Pro Max: a 200MP main lens, a 200MP periscope telephoto sensor, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. The selfie camera reportedly arrives at 50MP. Powering the phone is an 8,500mAh battery with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging capabilities. Xiaomi officially lists the 18 Pro Max with five RAM/storage configurations. Consumers will find an entry 12/256GB up to a 16/1TB option.

The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max starts at 6,999 CNY (~$1,042). The phone is available in China in black, white, blue, and pink; however, there is a Special Edition transparent red option (16/1TB). A global launch is expected, something that Xiaomi mentioned during the Snapdragon Summit. Details about it will likely come at a later date

Xiaomi 18 Pro

There are a few similarities between the 18 Pro and the 18 Pro Max, but we'll begin with what separates them. The Xiaomi 18 Pro features a slightly smaller 6.4-inch AMOLED main screen and a 2.7-inch rear display. The OEM opted for Qualcomm's "more efficient" Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 for the 18 Pro and a 7,000mAh battery with similar charging capabilities.

For what remains continuous, the 18 Pro features the same triple camera array as the 18 Pro Max: a 200MP main lens, a 200MP periscope telephoto sensor, and a 50MP ultrawide camera. Additionally, Xiaomi placed its new privacy screen with location-based triggers on the 18 Pro, too. Other tools, such as Xiao AI and the mini-app creation for the rear display, remain on the 18 Pro.

Xiaomi lists the 18 Pro with the same color assortment as the 18 Pro, including the red transparent Special Edition. The phone starts at 5,999 CNY (~$900). Consumers in China will find it in four RAM/storage configurations: 12/256GB, 12/512GB, 16/512GB, 16/1TB.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon Summit is going on. Yesterday (Sept. 22), Xiaomi's SVP and president of international business, Adam Zeng, took the stage to tease the 18 Pro series. Adam Zeng said that the Xiaomi 18 Pro series will be the first phones to feature Qualcomm's Dual 8 Elites: the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and the 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. Each chip is designed for a different purpose. While both are strong, Qualcomm says the 8 Elite Gen 6 is "built for efficiency," while the 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 is more focused on "peak performance."