Xiaomi's newest flagship lineup has arrived at our office, and we're kicking things off with an unboxing of the larger of the two models — the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max. If you prefer watching rather than reading, check out our video unboxing on our official TikTok channel.
The retail package for the global version includes a USB cable and a transparent protective case. The unit we received comes in the striking Velvet Red finish, paired with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
The bundled case is surprisingly well-made. It's thick enough to give you confidence that your device will survive everyday accidents.
The in-box case in the hand
For those wanting something more premium, Xiaomi offers an official Silicone Magnetic case. It features a soft-touch exterior, a velvet lining on the inside, and built-in magnets that enable Qi2 wireless charging compatibility.
A premium second option
Side by side, the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max and its smaller sibling, the 18 Pro, look nearly identical. That's because the differences between them come down mostly to size. Both devices share the same impressive camera setup, the same chipset, and identical build quality and display specifications. What sets them apart are their screen dimensions, battery capacities, and the size of their secondary rear displays.
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 18 Pro
Speaking of the rear display, the 18 Pro Max packs a 2.9-inch panel, while the 18 Pro gets a slightly smaller 2.7-inch one. There's no denying Xiaomi drew inspiration from Apple's recent iPhone Pro design language. Yet, when placed next to the iPhone 18 Pro models, Xiaomi's flagships arguably come out looking like the more compelling devices.
Using the rear screen to frame selfies with the main camera is exactly the kind of feature we appreciate. Another detail worth mentioning: despite the visual similarities, Xiaomi's Pro models sit perfectly flat on a table without any wobble — something the iPhone struggles with significantly.
The second display
The secondary screen does far more than just help with selfies. It can display notifications, let you answer calls, manage music playback, show weather updates, display calendar events, set timers, and much more. Essentially, it's like having a smartwatch embedded into the camera island on the back of your phone.
Display on, display off
Both the Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will make their global debut on November 17. Our comprehensive review should go live around the same date, so keep an eye out!
