Xiaomi is gearing up for its next flagship smartphone series, with early reports suggesting the company may change its processor strategy for the upcoming Mi 18 series. With Qualcomm planning to launch the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series later this year, smartphone makers are deciding how to use the new chips in their devices. A recent report in China suggests that Xiaomi may segment its models based on chipset choice to manage costs and pricing.
Standard models may skip professional chips
According to a report shared on Weibo by Digital Chat Station, the base version of Xiaomi Mi 18 is likely to be equipped with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 processor. It may not include the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro variant that Qualcomm is also expected to launch. The higher cost of the Pro version may prevent Xiaomi from using it in the standard model, the source said.
There are reports that Qualcomm may price the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro higher than regular Gen 6 chips. If Xiaomi installs the Pro chip in the base version of the Mi 18, it may push up the retail price of the phone. To avoid this, the company may reserve the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro for the Mi 18 Pro and Mi 18 Pro Max models.
Xiaomi 18 series: release schedule
Qualcomm is expected to launch the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 series in September. Xiaomi may launch the Mi 18 series soon after the chip is released. The current Mi 17 series, including Mi 17, Mi 17 Pro, Mi 17 Pro Max, and Mi 17 Ultra, all use the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. Qualcomm has not released a professional version of the chip.
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In another update, the source said that Xiaomi is testing two 200MP camera sensors for a compact 6.3-inch flagship device believed to be the Mi 18 Pro. One sensor can be used as the main camera, while the second sensor can be used as a telephoto or periscope lens. If Xiaomi goes ahead with this setup, the Mi 18 Pro may come with dual 200MP cameras. Oppo, another Chinese smartphone brand, is also expected to feature a similar dual 200MP camera system in its upcoming flagship device.
Xiaomi has not confirmed these details yet. More information will likely surface when it is officially launched later this year.
