Xiaomi 18 Set to Get Major Camera Upgrade With Periscope Zoom on Standard Model
Xiaomi 18 camera upgrade leaks hint at powerful new zoom on base model
The Xiaomi 18 camera upgrade is shaping up to be one of the biggest changes in the brands flagship line this year. According to recent leaks from credible tipsters and reports, the upcoming Xiaomi 18 series could bring a periscope telephoto lens to even the standard model, a change that would close the gap between the base handset and the Pro variants.
Periscope telephoto zoom coming to base Xiaomi 18
One of the main highlights of the Xiaomi 18 camera upgrade is the rumored inclusion of a periscope telephoto camera on the standard phone. This type of lens is normally reserved for higher-end models, but leaks suggest it could offer up to 5x optical zoom, a big jump from the 2.6x telephoto lens on the Xiaomi 17.
A periscope camera lets light travel sideways inside the phone body, allowing longer focal lengths without a big camera bump. That means you should get clearer distant shots, better detail in zoomed photos, and more versatile shooting overall.
Other upgrades tipped for the series
The leaks point to a few more features likely to appear across the Xiaomi 18 lineup:
- Wireless charging support on all models
- 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensors for faster unlocking
- High level water resistance similar to prior flagships
- Possibly the latest Snapdragon flagship chipset (likely Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6)
These additions show Xiaomi may be standardizing premium features, not keeping them only for Pro or Ultra models.
What this means for buyers
If these leaks hold up, the Xiaomi 18 camera upgrade would mark a shift in Xiaomis flagship strategy. Instead of keeping top-tier camera tech exclusive to pricier variants, the company may be pushing to offer more complete flagship experiences at the base price point. That could make the standard Xiaomi 18 more competitive with launches from other brands that already include periscope zoom on main models.
Stronger zoom combined with fast charging and solid build quality would be a good sign for owners looking at long term support and value.
Expected launch and timeline
There is no official launch date yet. Industry chatter and supply chain leaks suggest we might see the Xiaomi 18 lineup debut later in the year, possibly in the back half of 2026, but that can change as Xiaomi finalizes its roadmap.
