Reports suggest that Xiaomi has abandoned development of the Xiaomi 18 Ultra because its projected cost exceeded the brand’s financial limits. Information shared by tipster Digital Chat Station indicates the handset was evaluated with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage at a price point of CNY 9,999. This figure translates to approximately USD 1,490 or about Rs. 1.4 lakh prior to accounting for taxes and regional expenses. Xiaomi has not issued an official statement regarding the alleged cancellation or the pricing figures.
Three 200MP Cameras were Planned
The standout feature of the shelved device was undoubtedly its anticipated camera setup. According to the leak, Xiaomi engineered a rear module housing three separate 200MP sensors, positioning the model as one of the brand’s most ambitious photography initiatives to date.
The main shooter was built around a 1/1.12-inch LOFIC sensor. Meanwhile, the ultra-wide lens was slated to incorporate a 1/1.56-inch 200MP sensor, and the periscope telephoto was projected to feature an even larger 1/1.28-inch 200MP sensor equipped with LOFIC technology.
Furthermore, the periscope unit was rumored to feature continuous optical zoom. In contrast to conventional fixed optical zoom setups, this mechanism allows for optical magnification smoothly across a variable range rather than depending on fixed focal lengths.
Price Outweighed the Hardware
The estimated CNY 10,000 price tag is believed to be the primary catalyst for the shelving of the project. Digital Chat Station noted that Xiaomi executives concluded sales figures would fail to remain viable at that cost.
Such a valuation would have positioned the handset well beyond the cost of the previous generation. Official company investor documentation places the initial domestic price of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra at RMB 6,999.
This development arrives as escalating hardware expenses continue to challenge mobile manufacturers. Previous industry insights connected climbing memory expenses to strategic shifts surrounding high-end Android Ultra handsets, which includes Xiaomi’s rumored lineup. Hardware specifications for the device were set to include a flat screen bordered by roughly 1mm bezels, a top-tier Snapdragon chip, and performance benchmarks surpassing five million points.
Also Read: Xiaomi 18 Pro vs 18 Pro Max: Key Differences Compared
