Xiaomi 18 Uses Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 in Base Model and Gen 6 Pro in Pro Variants

There is anticipation building for Xiaomi’s next flagship line due to launch late in 2021. A recent leak from China has revealed what looks like have two different chipsets. The regular model will be based on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen6 while both Pro models will use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen6 Pro. The tipster Digital Chat Station, via a Weibo post, frames the approach as a cost-conscious split between base and Pro models. Qualcomm is rumored to unveil the Gen 6 series in September, after which Xiaomi's 18 lineup could follow.

The base model reportedly uses the Gen 6 to keep costs down, while the Gen 6 Pro is reserved for the Pro models, where a higher price tag is expected. The Xiaomi 18 Pro and the 18 Pro Max are likely to carry the Gen 6 Pro chip, according to the post.

As context, the Xiaomi 17 series currently runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, with no Pro version of that chip in the lineup. The leak notes that Qualcomm’s Gen 6 family might be unveiled in September, with Xiaomi’s 18 lineup following soon after.

Chip allocation and Pro lineup

• Base Xiaomi 18 features Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6
• Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max expected to use Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro
• Gen 6 Pro is anticipated to carry a higher price tag, influencing model differentiation
• Rumors mention two 200-megapixel sensors for a compact 6.3-inch flagship, possibly the Xiaomi 18 Pro; one could be the main camera and the other a telephoto or periscope unit

Context and timeline

The leak aligns with industry chatter that Qualcomm will unveil Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 in September, with Xiaomi’s 18 lineup following soon after. The reference point remains the current Xiaomi 17 series, which is powered by the Gen 5 family and does not include a Gen 5 Pro variant.

In this round of pre-launch chatter, the same tipster has previously claimed Xiaomi is testing dual 200-megapixel sensors for a compact flagship, boosting speculation that the 18 Pro could adopt a high-resolution camera setup similar to Oppo’s upcoming flagships.

Official confirmation was not provided in the input, and readers should treat the details as unconfirmed until Xiaomi or Qualcomm makes an official announcement. The timeline and pricing remain subject to change as the company approaches its launch window in the second half of the year.