Xiaomi 18 Pro Coming September 23: Privacy Screen, 200MP Zoom, and 8500 mAh
The Xiaomi 18 Pro series is expected to launch in China on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will feature an even more useful display on the back than before. Will they be available here as well?
Xiaomi announced on social media that the Xiaomi 18 Pro and the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max are coming. It also shared images, including a view of the back, which again features a massive screen. And thanks to the many screenshots, we are getting a good look at its new functionality.
What the rear screen will be capable of
We see a screensaver, a viewfinder so you can use the main camera as a selfie camera, and a screen where you can track the number of glasses you have drunk during the day. We also see an image of an electric car with some basic information such as the battery level. This is likely not Android Auto, as models for the Chinese market typically do not support it. Xiaomi also builds its own cars, so you are likely looking at the integration with Xiaomi's own vehicles.
In terms of appearance, the yet-to-be-announced 18 Pro does not differ much from the 17 Pro that caused such a stir last year. The back looks virtually the same. That means a rectangular camera module with two camera sensors stacked vertically on the left, and the screen next to it. The Xiaomi 17 Pro was not officially released in Europe but was available here as an import.
Privacy screen, 8500 mAh and a 2nm chip: this is already confirmed
Xiaomi promises that the rear screen has become more versatile because you can use AI to come up with and create your own apps. The front screen will feature a privacy screen similar to what we saw earlier on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. As far as we know, this is the first time a manufacturer other than Samsung has brought this to a mobile phone.
Xiaomi confirmed that the Xiaomi 18 Pro will be released with a 7000 mAh battery, while the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max has an even larger battery of 8500 mAh. While large, it does not exceed the 10,000 mAh threshold that some other Chinese manufacturers are currently surpassing. Xiaomi is less forthcoming about the processor: it only speaks of a 2nm chip. Geekbench results point to a new Snapdragon 8 Elite from Qualcomm, but as long as Xiaomi does not mention the name, we will remain cautious. This is what Xiaomi has confirmed so far:
| Xiaomi 18 Pro | Xiaomi 18 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 7000 mAh, Si-C (32% silicon) | 8500 mAh, Si-C (32% silicon) |
| Processor | 2nm chip, name not yet known | 2nm chip, name not yet known |
| Cameras | Leica, 200MP main camera and 200MP periscope telephoto lens | Leica, 200MP main camera and 200MP periscope telephoto lens |
| Screen | New M11 panel, 4000 nits, privacy screen, 0.99 mm bezels | New M11 panel, 4000 nits, privacy screen, 0.99 mm bezels |
| Rear screen | Yes, with AI apps you can create yourself | Yes, with AI apps you can create yourself |
| Colours | Black, blue, white | Black, blue, white |
| Announcement | September 23, 1:00 PM Dutch time | September 23, 1:00 PM Dutch time |
Xiaomi has not yet mentioned prices. The 17 Pro started last year in China at 4999 yuan, then equivalent to about €600, and the 17 Pro Max at 5999 yuan. Via import, you paid €757 and €847 here. With the increased prices of memory chips, we expect more rather than less. For those who find that too much: the Xiaomi 17 Pro is dropping in price as an import, and the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is officially for sale here.
Is the Xiaomi 18 Pro coming to the Netherlands?
For now, Xiaomi only mentions China. The 17 Pro was never officially released here, and waiting for an 18 Ultra is pointless: it will likely not be coming this year. This raises the question of which flagship model Europe will get at all this year: only the regular Xiaomi 18, or this time the Pro/Pro Max?
Those who do not want to wait can import one. Providers such as TradingShenzhen, Wonda Mobile, GizTop, and BlueDiode purchase the device in China for you and ship it. Keep in mind 21% VAT plus customs fees, warranty without Dutch consumer rights, and Chinese software. You can set Dutch as the system language with the SetEdit app; Android Auto and Wear OS do not work. All details are in our how-to on importing the Xiaomi 17 Pro. Keep an eye on availability here by signing up for our one-time reminder service.
