Xiaomi 18 Tipped to Launch Without Flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro Chip Due to High Cost

Xiaomi is reportedly planning to adopt a split chipset strategy for its upcoming Xiaomi 18 series, as indicated by recent leaks from China. The standard version of the Xiaomi 18 is set to feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 chip, while the higher-end models, namely the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max, may include the more advanced Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro chipset. This decision seems to be influenced by cost considerations associated with the premium chip. Qualcomm is expected to announce these new processors in September, paving the way for Xiaomi's launch shortly thereafter. Additionally, past leaks have suggested that the Xiaomi 18 Pro could be equipped with dual 200-megapixel sensors, indicating a strong focus on camera capabilities in their latest offerings. This strategic approach aligns with Xiaomi's efforts to balance performance and price in a competitive smartphone market.