The Xiaomi 18 could feature dual 200MP cameras and a larger battery, while the Xiaomi 18 Ultra was rumoured to offer three 200MP cameras. If the models launch in India, buyers can shop for them on Easy EMIs from Bajaj Finance.
Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Xiaomi 18 Pro Max in China on 23rd September 2026, but the standard Xiaomi 18 was missing from the lineup. Recent leaks suggest it could launch separately in December, with dual 200MP cameras, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 processor, and a large 7,200mAh battery.
Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 18 Ultra was expected to be the top-tier variant of the Xiaomi 18 series and was rumoured to be a Leica photography flagship. According to earlier leaks and rumours, the Xiaomi 18 Ultra would feature three 200MP cameras, including a periscope lens with continuous optical zoom. However, recent reports suggest Xiaomi may have cancelled the model because its projected price is too high.
Xiaomi 18 vs Xiaomi 18 Ultra: Expected specifications
The Xiaomi 18 is tipped to offer advanced camera hardware in a compact design, while earlier Ultra leaks suggest a stronger focus on photography.
| Specification | Xiaomi 18 (rumoured) | Xiaomi 18 Ultra (rumoured) |
| Display | 6.4-inch 1.5K OLED | Flat display with around 1mm bezels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 (expected) |
| Main camera | 200MP, 1/1.28-inch sensor | 200MP, 1/1.12-inch LOFIC sensor |
| Ultra-wide camera | 50MP | 200MP, 1/1.56-inch sensor |
| Telephoto camera | 200MP, 3x optical zoom | 200MP periscope with continuous optical zoom |
| Battery | 7,200mAh | Not reported |
| Charging | 100W wired, wireless charging expected | Not reported |
| Launch status | December 2026 (rumoured) | Reportedly cancelled |
Disclaimer: The data, specs, and prices are based on rumours. These are not official specifications and may change after the product launch.
Xiaomi 18 vs Xiaomi 18 Ultra: Key differences expected
● Cameras: Dual 200MP vs triple 200MP setup
The main expected difference between the base Xiaomi 18 and the top-tier Ultra is the camera setup. The Xiaomi 18 is rumoured to feature a 200MP main camera, a 200MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP ultra-wide lens. This could improve detail when cropping photos or capturing distant subjects.
By contrast, the Xiaomi 18 Ultra was reportedly planned with three 200MP cameras, including a LOFIC main sensor for better light and shadow detail and a periscope lens with continuous optical zoom for clearer photos at different distances.
● Performance: Next-generation Snapdragon processors
The Xiaomi 18 is expected to use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, the same chipset found in the recently launched Xiaomi 18 Pro. This could make it suitable for demanding games, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
Xiaomi reportedly planned the Xiaomi 18 Ultra with an even more powerful flagship processor. Although its exact name remains unknown, smartphone enthusiasts expected the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset, which would make sense as the Pro Max (now the top-tier model in the series) uses the same chip.
● Display: Compact vs larger-screen experience
As per leaks, the Xiaomi 18 could feature a 6.4-inch 1.5K OLED display, giving buyers a relatively compact flagship for one-handed use. It is also expected to use Xiaomi’s M11 display panel.
The Xiaomi 18 Ultra was reportedly designed with a larger flat display and extremely thin 1mm bezels. This could offer more viewing space for videos and gaming, though its exact screen size and resolution remain unknown.
● Battery: Xiaomi 18 could get a 7,200mAh cell
The Xiaomi 18 is rumoured to pack a 7,200mAh battery, slightly larger than the Xiaomi 18 Pro’s 7,000mAh capacity. It may also support 100W wired charging and wireless charging. These features could appeal to buyers who spend long hours gaming, streaming, or travelling.
However, reliable battery and charging details for the Xiaomi 18 Ultra have not surfaced, so it is unclear which phone would have offered better battery life.
Why was Xiaomi 18 Ultra Cancelled?
Xiaomi may have cancelled the 18 Ultra over concerns about its high price. Reports suggest its advanced camera hardware and rising memory costs could have pushed the price close to CNY 10,000 (around Rs. 1.42 lakh), making it harder to attract buyers.
The Xiaomi 18 Pro Max is now expected to take the top spot in the series. However, Xiaomi has not officially confirmed the cancellation yet.
Xiaomi 18 vs Xiaomi 18 Ultra: Expected price and launch date for India
Xiaomi 18 is expected to debut in the sub-Rs. 1 lakh segment of premium phones, while the now-cancelled Xiaomi 18 Ultra would have cost about Rs. 46,000 more. The table below shows the expected price of both models in India:
| Model | Expected price |
| Xiaomi 18 (12GB RAM + 512GB ROM) | Rs. 94,990 (expected) |
| Xiaomi 18 Ultra (16GB RAM + 512GB ROM) | Rs. 1,42,000 (expected) |
Updated on: October 2026.
Disclaimer: The Xiaomi 18 could debut in China in December 2026. Xiaomi has not announced a launch date or price for the standard model in India. The Xiaomi 18 Ultra is reportedly cancelled.
Xiaomi 18 vs Xiaomi 18 Ultra: Which is worth waiting for?
The Xiaomi 18 is the more realistic model to watch for now. If leaked specifications prove accurate, it could offer flagship performance, dual 200MP cameras, and a large battery without the bulk of a much bigger phone.
The Xiaomi 18 Ultra was reportedly planned for buyers who wanted more advanced photography features, particularly continuous optical zoom. However, its reported cancellation means there is no assurance it will launch in India.
Upgrade to Xiaomi flagship phones on Easy EMIs with Bajaj Finance
Buyers interested in Xiaomi’s premium cameras and performance can explore currently available flagship models at a nearby Bajaj Finance partner store. They can compare features and prices, check offers, and purchase an eligible smartphone on Easy EMIs.
Steps to shop on Easy EMIs
- Visit a nearby Bajaj Finance partner store.
- Explore available Xiaomi flagship smartphones.
- Compare prices, features, and offers.
- Select an eligible model and suitable Easy EMI tenure.
- Complete the purchase and repay through monthly instalments.