Xiaomi 18 Leak Details Camera Upgrade and Premium Features

A new leak from trusted Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station provides concrete details about Xiaomi's upcoming flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 18. According to the Weibo report, Xiaomi will significantly upgrade the camera system by incorporating a periscope telephoto lens identical to the one used in the current Xiaomi 17 Pro. This marks a notable improvement over previous base models in Xiaomi's lineup.

The 50MP f/3.0 telephoto camera offers 5x optical zoom capabilities, enabling clearer long-distance shots without digital cropping artifacts. This optical approach maintains image quality far better than digital zoom systems found in many mid-range devices. Periscope lenses use prism technology to bend light horizontally within the phone body, allowing greater focal lengths without increasing device thickness.

Beyond the camera upgrade, the Xiaomi 18 will reportedly include an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner. Unlike optical scanners that capture 2D images, ultrasonic technology uses sound waves to create detailed 3D maps of fingerprints. This allows faster unlocking through moisture or light surface grime and provides enhanced security against spoofing attempts.

The leak also confirms wireless charging support and notably improved dust/water resistance, though exact IP ratings remain unspecified. Industry standards suggest this could reach IP68 levels (submersion in 1.5m of water for 30 minutes), a significant advantage for durability.

Powering the device will be Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chipset. Industry sources suggest Xiaomi might opt for the standard variant rather than the rumored 'Pro' version to manage component costs amid rising RAM prices. This strategy could help maintain competitive pricing while delivering flagship-tier performance. The Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 is expected to feature a new ARM V9 architecture and improved thermal management over current chips.

Xiaomi's decision to bring Pro-grade camera hardware to its standard flagship reflects a broader industry trend of democratizing high-end features. As computational photography advances, manufacturers increasingly prioritize optical hardware enhancements rather than relying solely on software processing. This benefits users seeking authentic optical zoom capabilities without stepping up to Ultra or Pro Max models.

The Xiaomi 18 is expected to launch around September 2026, positioning it against Samsung's Galaxy S26 and Apple's iPhone 18 series. While full specifications remain undisclosed, these leaks indicate Xiaomi's continued focus on camera innovation and premium build quality within its core flagship series.