Xiaomi 18 series: Three out of four Leica camera flagships to start globally with some details and surprises tipped
More details and confirmations have recently been posted regarding various rumors and leaks surrounding the Xiaomi 18 family as well as the Xiaomi Mix Fold 5, which recentely popped up as a hands-on photo. Xiaomitime has published two articles (1, 2) in the last few hours detailing the Xiaomi 18 lineup. Digital Chat Station and the Polish translator and developer Kacper Skrzypek have also posted on the topic, which seem to confirm major changes to the global launch plans of Xiaomi's next smartphone flagships. The Xiaomi 18 Pro Duo will launch in several global regions for the first time in years, including Europe, and it will feature the unique selling point of the Xiaomi 17 Pro and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max - a secondary display inside the rear camera module.
Xiaomi 18 Pro (Max) with improved secondary display
Kacper Skrzypek noted on X that some translations related to the secondary display can already be found in the global Xiaomi Themes app while Digital Chat Station is confirming earlier rumors about a more flexible display on the back of the new Xiaomi 18 Pro generation over on Weibo. Among other things, it is said to support more apps and games as well as AI features. He, too, sees a global launch of the Pro models on the horizon.
Xiaomi 18 Fold to remain China-only
The clues published by Ximitime—hidden in the HyperOS code and the IMEI database—point to detailed plans for the Xiaomi 18 generation, which will potentially consist of a total of four models, if the Xiaomi Mix Fold 5 (codename Lhasa) indeed launches under the name Xiaomi 18 Fold. The fifth Xiaomi foldable, which is likely to adopt the Galaxy Z Fold 8 or iPhone Ultra form factor, will be based on the Xring O3 chipset and will not be available internationally—at least, there is no evidence of a global launch so far.
Xiaomi 18 may only offer a dual camera
Perhaps surprisingly, Ximitime reports that the Xiaomi 18 may potentially be dropping its third (telefoto) camera. According to clues in the Mi code, the entry-level flagship—developed under the codenames Madrid or Q2—will feature a 200-megapixel main camera and an ultra-wide-angle lens, but apparently no telephoto. According to earlier rumors, the Xiaomi 18 was said to feature two 200-megapixel sensors, though this has not yet been verified in HyperOS. The successor to the Xiaomi 17 will launch globally once again, specifically in Europe, Japan, India, Turkey, Indonesia, Taiwan, Russia and Japan.
Xiaomi 18 Pro: Smaller flagship wont be coming to India
According to Ximitime, there are clear indications that the Xiaomi 18 Pro—codenamed Venice or Q1—will launch in Europe, Turkey, Indonesia, Taiwan, Russia, and Japan, but apparently not in India, which contradicts previous reports. It is expected to feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 (Pro) as well as a 200-megapixel camera duo for the main camera (1/1.28-inch Smartsens SCC80XS or SCC90XS) and telephoto (1/1.56-inch Samsung ISOCELL HP5). The battery size is expected to reach 7,000 mAh.
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max replaces Xiaomi 18 Ultra
The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, developed under the codenames Hong Kong or Q5, will likely remain the top model among the Leica camera flagships for the foreseeable future, as the Xiaomi 18 Ultra is apparently dead. In its place the larger pro model is expected to launch globally, with Europe, Turkey, Indonesia, Taiwan, Russia, Japan, and India specifically mentioned. In addition to 200-megapixel sensors for the main camera (Smartsens SCC90XS with LOFIC 3.0) and telephoto, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera is also expected. Of course, it will be based on the top of the line Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro and a 8,500 mAh battery.
Source(s)
Ximitime (1, 2), @kacskrz, Digital Chat Station Weibo
Image: @Ace100xd, edited
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