Xiaomi 18 aims to transform mobile photography with magnetic lenses

On the occasion of MWC 2025, Xiaomi unveiled to the world its concept of a modular-camera phone and it seems that this novelty will not remain just a design exercise. The rumors about a commercial device are growing more intense, and this time even talk is circulating about the Xiaomi 18 series, which could have a system similar to the one seen in Barcelona.

The Xiaomi 18 series will be equipped with modular cameras: revealed by a new leak

The first concept shown by Xiaomi was as simple as it was effective: a flagship with a very normal design but equipped with a magnetic mount on the chassis. The magnet system is not used for wireless charging (or at least not only) but allows inserting an additional lens: in the case of the model shown at MWC 2025 it was a module with a 100 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor with a 35 mm focal length and a variable aperture from f/1.4 to f/11.

Clearly these specifications pertain to the concept, and we do not know what features the magnetic lenses that will be released commercially will have. According to a well-known Chinese insider, the Xiaomi 18 family will also be equipped with a modular camera system.

Based on reports, Xiaomi is currently testing various lenses and telephoto lenses for the next flagship generation. This way users will have a capable photography system at their disposal, while photography enthusiasts can aim for additional accessories to expand the experience toward a more professional horizon.

The big advantage is having a complex system within the size of a traditional smartphone. Nevertheless, the first phone with modular lenses should be Xiaomi 17 Fold, expected in the summer: this would thus be the brand’s testbed for the new technology before implementing it in the regular series.

Awaiting more information, here is a summary of the leaked specifications for the entire upcoming Xiaomi 18 series: here is what we can expect technically, at least according to leaks so far.

Presumed technical specifications

Xiaomi 18

• Dimensions and weight:
• Color options:
• Certification: IP68
• Display: Flat OLED 6.4″ 1.5K, Li-Po, LTPO 120 Hz refresh rate, 300 Hz touch sampling, 12-bit color, DC Dimming 2,160 Hz and peak brightness up to 3,500 nits
• Security: under-display ultrasonic fingerprint reader
• Liquid cooling with vapor chamber
• SoC: UNANNOUNCED – Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, 2 nm TSMC (N2p)
• CPU octa-core (2 + 3 + 3)
• GPU: Adreno 850
• RAM: 12/16 GB LPDDR5X
• Storage: 256/512 GB/1 TB UFS 4.1 non-expandable
• Battery: above 7,000 mAh
• Charging: 100W, wireless 50W, reverse wired/wireless 22.5W
• Camera: triple 50 + 50 + 200 MP (f/?), with Light Fusion, OIS, ultra-wide and periscope telephoto with OIS | Leica optics
• Selfie camera: 50 MP (f/2.2), FOV 90°, autofocus
• Connectivity and others: Dual SIM 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, Dual GPS, stereo speakers, USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, UWB
• Operating system: Android 17 with HyperOS 4

Xiaomi 18 Pro

• Dimensions and weight:
• Color options:
• Certification: IP68
• Display: Flat AMOLED 6.3″ 1.5K (2,656 x 1,220 pixels), Li-Po, LTPO 120 Hz refresh, 300 Hz touch sampling, 12-bit color, DC Dimming 2,160 Hz and peak brightness up to 3,500 nits, Xiaomi Shield Glass
• Rear display: Flat AMOLED 2.7″ HD (904 x 572 px), LTPO 120 Hz refresh, 120 Hz touch, DC Dimming and 3,500 nits
• Security: Under-display ultrasonic fingerprint reader
• Liquid cooling with vapor chamber
• SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, 2 nm TSMC
• CPU octa-core
  • 2 x 5.0/6.0 GHz – Oryon
  • 3 x ? GHz – Oryon
  • 3 x ? GHz – Oryon
• GPU: Adreno 850
• RAM: 12/16 GB LPDDR6
• Storage: 256/512 GB/1 TB UFS 5.0 non expandable
• Battery: 7,000 mAh, silicon-carbon
• Charging: 100W, wireless 50W, reverse wired/wireless 22.5W
• Camera: triple 200 + 50 + 200 MP (f/?), with OIS, ultra-wide and periscope telephoto/macro with OIS | Leica optics
• Selfie camera: 100 MP (f/?)
• Connectivity and others: Dual SIM 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, Dual GPS, stereo speakers, USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, UWB
• Operating system: Android 17 with HyperOS 4

Xiaomi 18 Pro Max

• Dimensions and weight:
• Color options:
• Certification: IP68
• Display: Flat AMOLED 6.9″ 1.5K (2,608 x 1,200 pixels), Li-Po, LTPO 120 Hz, 300 Hz touch sampling, 12-bit color, DC Dimming 2,160 Hz and peak brightness up to 3,500 nits, Xiaomi Shield Glass
• Rear display: Flat AMOLED 2.9″ HD (976 x 596 px), LTPO 120 Hz refresh, 120 Hz touch, DC Dimming and 3,500 nits
• Security: Under-display ultrasonic fingerprint reader
• Liquid cooling with vapor chamber
• SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro, 2 nm TSMC
• CPU octa-core
  • 2 x 5.0/6.0 GHz – Oryon
  • 3 x ? GHz – Oryon
  • 3 x ? GHz – Oryon
• GPU: Adreno 850
• RAM: 12/16 GB LPDDR6
• Storage: 256/512 GB/1 TB UFS 5.0 non expandable
• Battery: 7,500 mAh, silicon-carbon
• Charging: 100W, wireless 50W, reverse wired/wireless 22.5W
• Camera: triple 200 + 50 + 200 MP (f/?), with OIS, ultra-wide and periscope telephoto/macro with OIS | Leica optics
• Selfie camera: 100 MP (f/?)
• Connectivity and others: Dual SIM 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, Dual GPS, stereo speakers, USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, UWB
• Operating system: Android 17 with HyperOS 4