Xiaomi’s 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max may get dual 200MP cameras, advanced zoom and major hardware upgrades, powering a true flagship photo experience in 2026.
Xiaomi’s 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max may get dual 200MP cameras [Photo: X]
Xiaomi is reportedly preparing one of its biggest camera upgrades ever for its next flagship smartphones, with leaks suggesting both the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max could come with dual 200-megapixel rear cameras. This represents a significant shift in how the company differentiates its premium models, emphasising photography performance over incremental improvements.
If true, this move could make the Xiaomi 18 series a serious contender in the flagship camera race and give consumers an early look at ultra-high-resolution mobile photography before rivals reveal their big-2026 phones.
According to recent leaks from reputable industry tipsters, Xiaomi may equip both the 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max with two 200MP cameras on the back. These sensors could serve as the main camera and periscope telephoto unit, delivering extreme detail and powerful zoom performance.
In leaks showing a phone with a 6.3-inch display, the design and camera placement closely align with how Xiaomi has distinguished its Pro models in recent years. A 50MP ultra-wide camera is also expected alongside the dual 200MP units.
This dual-200MP setup would be a rare configuration in smartphones and could offer benefits like:
These enhancements could help Xiaomi close the gap with dedicated imaging leaders and push the boundaries of what mobile phone cameras can do.
The Xiaomi 18 series is expected to debut later this year, possibly around the second half of 2026 in China, with a global rollout to follow. Much will depend on Xiaomi’s timing for launching the Xiaomi 17 and 17 Ultra models in overseas markets such as India.
For now, Xiaomi has not confirmed any official dates or specifications, so fans should take early rumours with caution. However, with camera upgrades like these, 2026 could be a defining year for Xiaomi’s flagship lineup.
While official pricing has not been confirmed, leaks indicate the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max will likely target the premium flagship segment, with higher starting prices than previous models due to upgraded cameras and hardware. Key expectations include:
Removing the 128GB entry-level variant signals Xiaomi is focusing on premium, storage-heavy users while justifying price increases with advanced camera and AI features.
Leaks suggest the Pro and Pro Max may not differ significantly in camera hardware, with both expected to share the same dual 200MP camera setup. Instead, differences may come from:
In past models such as the Xiaomi 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max, the main differentiation came from factors like screen size and battery rather than core camera systems — a strategy Xiaomi may repeat.
This could mean a more unified camera experience across the Pro lineup, with each phone delivering similar photo and video performance but catering to slightly different user preferences.
Leaks also indicate that the standard Xiaomi 18 won’t be left behind entirely. Instead of sticking with older 50MP telephoto units, the base model may finally receive a periscope telephoto camera, allowing for improved optical zoom that Xiaomi has traditionally reserved for higher-tier devices.
This potential change suggests Xiaomi is working to narrow the gap between its standard and Pro phones while still giving premium models a clear edge in overall imaging.
Reports indicate that the entire Xiaomi 18 lineup — including the standard model, Pro, and Pro Max — will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chipset. This new chip promises strong performance, advanced AI features, and better power efficiency for demanding tasks like photography, gaming, and multitasking.
One exception may be the Xiaomi 18 Ultra, which could use an even more powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro variant to further elevate performance for power users and creators.
If these leaks are accurate, Xiaomi is shifting its flagship approach to emphasise camera hardware across more of its lineup — not just confined to an Ultra model. Dual 200MP sensors on both Pro and Pro Max versions would be among the most ambitious camera configurations seen in smartphones to date.
This strategy could help Xiaomi stand out as other manufacturers also race toward high-resolution and high-performance imaging setups. Industry trends already show rivals like Vivo preparing dual 200MP configurations on their own devices, signalling a broader move toward ultra-detailed mobile photography.
In summary, leaks suggest the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max could pull ahead in the camera race with:
If realised, these features could make the Xiaomi 18 series must-watch Android flagships in 2026, especially for photography enthusiasts and power users looking for cutting-edge hardware and performance.
