The Xiaomi 18 Pro features a hardware-level privacy screen

Following reports that the Samsung Galaxy S27 Pro is also testing privacy features, another major flagship series in the Android camp is rumored to be following suit with this technology.

According to a post today from the blogger Digital Chat Station, a certain manufacturer’s new flagship Pro series is currently testing a new generation of 2K ultra-high-definition display and privacy display technology, with both hardware and software supporting comprehensive privacy protection. Based on previous information, most netizens in the comments section speculate that this device is the Xiaomi 18 Pro, expected to be released in September.

Another blogger also revealed details about the Xiaomi 18 series yesterday. The series will feature a custom 200-megapixel LOFIC main camera, retain the rear screen design, and boast a large rounded corner equivalent to a 2K screen on the front, with improved screen brightness. In terms of the operating system, it is expected to run Xiaomi’s Surge OS 4 and introduce an Apple-style light-sensing UI.

Regarding privacy features, Samsung has already implemented hardware-level privacy screen technology on the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This technology physically narrows the visible area when viewed from the side by incorporating a controllable viewing angle optical structure inside the screen, and supports automatic triggering based on applications or scenarios. If Xiaomi follows suit, it means that privacy protection is becoming a new focus of competition among flagship products from various brands.

Regarding the release schedule, according to previous reports, the Xiaomi 18 series may break with the tradition of releasing the standard version and the Pro series at the same time each year, and instead launch the higher-end Xiaomi 18 Pro series first in September. Due to the continued rise in supply chain costs, the overall pricing of the Xiaomi 18 series will be increased, making it impossible to maintain the previous generation’s starting price of 4499 yuan.

Editor’s Review:

If Xiaomi introduces a privacy screen, its approach coincides with Samsung’s, making privacy protection a differentiating selling point for its flagship phones. However, the actual test feedback after the Samsung S26 Ultra’s debut was not good. Even with privacy protection turned off, the physical structure still caused a significant drop in brightness, leaving only 260 nits when privacy protection was turned on, and the 2K screen’s sharpness was also compromised.

Technology is valuable, but users won’t buy it if it comes at the expense of the basic screen experience. If Xiaomi follows suit, it must find a better balance between display quality and privacy protection.