Twice 200 megapixels. Xiaomi revealed the flagship phone cameras a day before the launch of the new Xiaomi 18 Pro

Just one day before the official launch, Xiaomi shared one of the last big unknowns about the new flagships. This time, it’s the cameras of the Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max models. The manufacturer also released the first official photos, and the new device looks quite intriguing on the imaging side. Xiaomi is going all-in on a pair of 200 MP cameras.

Updated: Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max have already been officially unveiled — you can find their final specs and prices in our article from the launch.

Xiaomi 18 Pro will get two 200 MP Leica cameras

The main camera will feature a 200 MP sensor with a size of 1/1.28″. So we’re talking about a pretty large sensor—one of the bigger ones found in premium smartphones. Even more interesting is the periscope telephoto lens. It also has 200 MP resolution, and Xiaomi uses a sensor as large as 1/1.56″ in it.

The whole imaging system was created again in cooperation with Leica. Right on the camera module you’ll find the marking VARIO-SUMMILUX 1:1.67-2.4/17-75 ASPH. From it, we can read the focal length range from 17 to 75 mm and the maximum aperture of f/1.67. Xiaomi hasn’t said much yet about the 17 mm ultra-wide camera, and we’ll likely learn more details during the launch.

The new 75 mm periscope has a huge sensor and f/2,4

The biggest change happened with the telephoto lens. Xiaomi 17 Pro used a 50 MP periscope with a 115 mm focal length, 5x optical zoom, and an aperture of f/3.0. Xiaomi 18 Pro is going in a different direction. It will get a 200 MP telephoto lens with a 75 mm focal length, 3.2x optical zoom, and an aperture of f/2.4. Purely based on the optical zoom figure it looks like a step back, but the higher resolution and a significantly larger sensor will let you work with zoom in a completely different way.

Xiaomi itself states that the 18 Pro telephoto lens can capture up to 280% more light compared to the Xiaomi 17 Pro. When comparing the Pro Max versions, the difference should be 83%. Of course, these are figures directly from the manufacturer—so real results will be checked only by independent tests. The big advantage of the 75 mm focal length will be mainly portrait photography, and according to Xiaomi you can use up to 12.8x lossless zoom.

Xiaomi has already shown the first real photos

Along with the new specs, the manufacturer also shared the first sample photos. Three come from the main camera, and the other three from the new telephoto lens. For the main sensor, you get a 23 mm focal length and an f/1.67 aperture, while the telephoto shoots at 75 mm and f/2.4.

The photos were also reviewed by Notebookcheck, which highlights natural colors, good dynamic range, and great shots even in worse lighting. However, it’s important to remember that these are official sample photos directly from Xiaomi. The real camera quality will therefore be something we can judge only after independent tests.

The telephoto lens will even serve for macro shots

A large sensor and better light transmission aren’t the only new features. Xiaomi has used a floating focus system with a pair of lens groups, allowing the new telephoto lens to focus from as close as 12 centimeters. With a 75 mm focal length, it’s a very interesting combination, meaning the telephoto lens can also be used for detailed macro shots with a naturally blurred background.

In practice, one camera can handle portraits, more distant subjects, and detailed photos from a short distance. You won’t be limited to a separate macro mode via the ultra-wide camera, which is often qualitatively weaker on smartphones.

Xiaomi 18 Pro will be unveiled on 23. September

The cameras are also complemented by additional specs that Xiaomi has already confirmed for the new series. Xiaomi 18 Pro will get a Super Pixel 2.0 display with an M11 lighting system and ultra-narrow bezels just 0,99 mm thick. There will also be dedicated hardware privacy protection that can hide the content of notifications or selected information on the display.

SmartphonesAlso read · SmartphonesFor the first time, Xiaomi has officially unveiled the expected Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max flagships! Here’s the official presentation date.Read article

The new 2 nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 will take care of performance, while the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max is expected to get its more powerful version. The 18 Pro model’s battery is rumored to be 7 000 mAh, with the larger Pro Max up to 8 500 mAh. Both smartphones will support 100 W wired and 50 W wireless charging. The full launch will take place on 23 September 2026 at 19:00 China time.

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