The two devices were unveiled today with starting prices of 5,999 CNY (just under $900 USD). Both phones carry massive batteries and solid‑looking OLED panels, while the larger 18 Pro Max is offered in a special “transparent” edition and uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Extreme variant.
A headline feature is the new “privacy screen,” Xiaomi’s answer to Samsung’s Privacy Display first seen on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Unlike Samsung, Xiaomi has placed the technology on both its top‑end and compact flagship models and has added software flexibility that lets the screen activate automatically when the front‑facing camera detects onlookers, and even trigger in crowded public areas based on location, according to The Verge.
Both phones retain the rear‑facing display introduced with the Xiaomi 17 series and are powered by the latest Snapdragon chips, promising high‑end performance. The 18 Pro Max’s “Extreme” chipset variant is paired with a larger battery, while both models sport dual 200 MP rear cameras, reinforcing Xiaomi’s push for high‑resolution photography.
Visually the two models are almost identical, aside from the Pro Max’s transparent back panel. Xiaomi confirmed that, unlike the Xiaomi 17 Pro which stayed China‑only, the 18 Pro series will see an international rollout later this year, following the February 2026 global launch of the Xiaomi 17.