Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 4 hrs ago
Xiaomi 18 Pro hands-on highlights its compact design and rear display
Xiaomi’s 18 Pro is a compact flagship smartphone that has impressed a reviewer after a few days of use.
The global model was being tested ahead of its scheduled November 17 launch in Paris.
Its Cosmic Blue glass back and aluminum frame give it a premium look, though the back attracts fingerprints and the phone feels slippery.
A small rear display doubles as a camera viewfinder, letting users frame and take selfies with the main rear cameras.
It can also show music controls, and Xiaomi’s animated companion Lumi is another feature, though the reviewer has not yet explored it enough to assess.
The phone is relatively compact, but its weight is noticeable.
The global launch is the next stated milestone, and the reviewer plans to explore the rear display and HyperOS 4 further.
Digital Trends’ hands-on review says the Xiaomi 18 Pro combines a relatively compact flagship design with a useful rear display.
The reviewer used the global model for a couple of days and praised its Cosmic Blue finish and premium construction.
The rear screen can act as a viewfinder for selfies taken with the rear cameras and also offers music controls.
The phone feels noticeably heavy and its glossy back attracts fingerprints and dust, according to the review.
Xiaomi’s global launch is scheduled for November 17 in Paris.
- Who
- Xiaomi is launching the 18 Pro. Digital Trends reviewer Vikhyaat Vivek tried the global model.
- What
- The hands-on review highlights the phone’s compact design, finish and rear display.
- When
- The article was published on November 12, 2026. The global launch is scheduled for November 17.
- Where
- The global launch is scheduled to take place in Paris.
- Why
- The review describes the phone’s design and features, including how the rear display can be used for photography and music controls.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The reviewer used the global Xiaomi 18 Pro model.
Digital Trends published its hands-on review.
Xiaomi’s global launch is scheduled for Paris.
- Model
- Xiaomi 18 Pro
- Finish
- Cosmic Blue
- Rear display use
- Viewfinder for selfies taken with the rear cameras
- Software
- HyperOS 4
- Global launch
- November 17 in Paris
What people are saying
The best part is that Xiaomi has managed to squeeze all of this into a relatively compact flagship.
I’ve been taking plenty of selfies using the rear cameras, with the secondary display acting as a viewfinder.
The back is very prone to fingerprints, and even the smallest specks of dust become obvious under the right lighting.