Leaker Digital Chat Station has now revealed specifics on the sensors being tested for the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max, building on earlier reports from mid-spring that confirmed the phone would adopt dual 200-megapixel cameras for its main and periscope modules. This update suggests a significant shift in how the Chinese manufacturer approaches its flagship imaging hardware for the upcoming cycle.
The primary camera will reportedly move away from the 50-megapixel 1/1.3″ OmniVision OV50Q used previously. In its place, Xiaomi is testing a new 200-megapixel sensor measuring 1/1.28 inches. Its standout feature will be support for LOFIC, an innovative imaging technology that helps manage high dynamic range scenes. You can read more about how LOFIC works in our explainer.
The periscope upgrade looks even more substantial compared to the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max. The older 1/2″ 50-megapixel sensor is set to be replaced by a 200-megapixel unit on a larger 1/1.56″ chip. The trade-off is a shorter zoom range, dropping from 5x to 3x. However, the new periscope gains a faster f/2.4 aperture and macro shooting from as close as 15 centimeters, down from 30 centimeters on the previous model. This change aligns with broader industry trends seen in devices like the OPPO Find X10 Ultra, which is also tipped to feature Samsung’s most advanced camera yet.
Such an aggressive camera setup might have risked overshadowing a more premium Xiaomi 18 Ultra. Rumors now suggest the company has scrapped plans for that device entirely, which would make the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max the brand’s top-tier smartphone for the 2026-2027 cycle. This strategic pivot mirrors the Xiaomi 18 launch pushed to spring as brand may adopt new iPhone-style release strategy discussed in recent industry analysis.
Source: weibo.com
