Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship, the 18 Pro, is gearing up to roll out a privacy display feature that’s more flexible than what’s been rumored for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. The screen shields content when viewed from an angle, like Samsung’s hardware-based version, but Xiaomi is offering finer control over where and how the privacy mode activates. The 18 Pro officially launches on September 23, with several other standout specs already confirmed.
What is the Privacy Display and how does Xiaomi’s approach differ?
The privacy display works by obscuring text and images when the screen is viewed off-angle, keeping them clear only when viewed head-on. While Samsung’s version applies this effect broadly, Xiaomi’s implementation reportedly allows selection: users can restrict the effect to certain apps or specific screen regions—such as notifications—rather than forcing a device-wide dimming or blur.
Xiaomi has also demonstrated the feature in action with split-screen and floating app windows, as well as on lock screen notifications. That suggests a higher degree of versatility than its rivals, letting users selectively apply privacy protections according to context and need.
What else we know about Xiaomi 18 Pro
The Xiaomi 18 Pro will make its official debut on September 23. Early specs include a massive battery capacity of up to 8,500 mAh and a secondary rear-facing display. These features indicate a focus on both endurance and versatile user interactions.
Putting this development in perspective: Samsung’s privacy display is hardware-based, designed to physically control how light exits through the screen to prevent side peeking. Xiaomi’s version appears to build on this by integrating more software-level choices, enabling the user to decide exactly when and where content should be protected.
Analysis: Xiaomi’s smart privacy screen looks set to raise the bar for privacy features in smartphones. If its selective controls work as well in practice as they do in demos, it could outshine rivals when it comes to flexible screen protection. What to watch: how clear and reliable the off-angle obscuring is, whether battery life takes a hit, and how seamlessly the feature integrates without becoming a nuisance. With its September 23 launch ahead, Xiaomi could redefine user expectations for privacy on mobile devices.
