Xiaomi 18 Pro phones expand privacy display features

Xiaomi has launched the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in China, with a more flexible privacy display system than the feature introduced on Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra this year. A global launch for at least one model is confirmed for later this year.

The phones retain compact rear screens beside their cameras, which can show notifications, take selfies, and run simple games. Their front displays add hardware-level privacy controls that can apply to notifications, floating windows, and split-screen views for a selected app. Location triggers can activate the mode at work or near places such as airports and elevators, while the selfie camera can detect prying eyes and suggest activation.

The 18 Pro has a 6.4-inch display and a 7,000mAh battery; the 18 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch display and an 8,500mAh battery. Both use cells with 32 percent silicon content. The Pro uses Snapdragon 8 Gen 6 Elite, while the Pro Max uses the Extreme version.

Each phone has a 200-megapixel main camera, a 200-megapixel 75mm telephoto with a 12cm minimum focus distance, and a 50-megapixel ultrawide. The main sensor is 1/1.28-inch-type; the Pro uses Light Fusion 960 and the Pro Max uses 960L. Both use Samsung’s 1/1.56-inch HP5 telephoto sensor.

The phones start at ¥5,999, about $900. They join the 18 Fold, while the regular Xiaomi 18 and 18 Ultra are expected next spring.