This is often around 6 months, with Xiaomi ‘announcing’ them at MWC in Barcelona. This year, it’s only been a matter of weeks.
Secondly, we’re getting a completely different launch strategy. This is the first time Xiaomi has launched the Pro models outside of China as a global launch. Typically, we just get the regular flagship and the camera-focused Ultra.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Xiaomi has reportedly ditched the Ultra for this year (and Oppo might be doing the same) and what it means is that the 18 Pro series could start a new trend for mobile phones in the West… rear screens.
While Google disappointed with the glorified notification light in HiLight on the back of the Pixel 11 Pro models and Samsung didn’t even add Qi2 magnets to the Galaxy S26 series, Xiaomi has been doing something entirely different.
Although the Mi 11 Ultra back in 2021 had a rear screen, it was a tiny display a bit like early Galaxy Z Flip designs. Since the 17 Pro models last year, you get a proper, useable OLED screen which takes up the entire camera module.
More screens for less screen time?
I’m lucky enough to have been sent the China model of the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, so I’ve been playing around with it for the last week or so.
