Xiaomi's newest flagship lineup has arrived at our office, and we couldn't wait to tear into the packaging. We're kicking things off with the larger of the two models — the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max — with a hands-on unboxing that you can also catch in video form on our official TikTok channel.
Our global review unit comes in the striking Velvet Red finish, equipped with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of onboard storage. The retail package keeps things simple: you'll find a USB cable and a transparent protective case tucked inside the box.
That bundled case is more than an afterthought. It has a reassuring thickness to it and should do a solid job of keeping the phone safe from everyday bumps and scratches.
The in-box case in the hand
For those wanting an upgrade in both protection and feel, Xiaomi offers its official Silicone Magnetic case. It features a soft-touch exterior, a plush velvet lining on the inside, and built-in magnets that unlock Qi2 wireless charging compatibility.
A premium second option
Placing the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max side by side with its smaller sibling, the 18 Pro, reveals just how closely related the two devices are. Xiaomi has kept the gap between them largely a matter of scale — both phones pack the identical flagship chipset, the same impressive camera hardware, and matching build quality and display specifications. The real distinctions come down to screen dimensions, battery size, and the rear secondary display.
Xiaomi 18 Pro Max vs Xiaomi 18 Pro
Speaking of that rear screen, the Pro Max sports a 2.9-inch panel while the standard 18 Pro makes do with 2.7 inches. There's no denying Xiaomi drew some design cues from Apple's latest iPhone Pro generation, but placed head-to-head, the Chinese flagships arguably come across as the bolder, more compelling devices. One small but telling detail: despite the similar aesthetic, Xiaomi's Pro models sit perfectly flat and stable on a desk, whereas the iPhone wobbles noticeably.
The second display
The secondary display is far more versatile than a simple selfie viewfinder — though framing main-camera self-portraits on it is exactly the kind of feature we love to see. It also surfaces notifications, lets you field calls, manage music playback, glance at weather forecasts, review calendar appointments, run timers, and plenty more. In practice, it behaves like a smartwatch embedded into the camera island.
Display on, display off
Both the Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max make their global debut on November 17, and our comprehensive review should go live around the same date — so keep an eye out!
