Emir BardakçıThe smartphone utility vs. gimmick debate appears to be reignited. A breaking post on Chinese tech site Weibo today by well-known tech rumorist Digital Chat Station (DCS) has reignited discussion on a rumored Xiaomi 18 Pro device, seemingly confirming a rumored secondary rear display.
Though the post is worded as an inquiry, asking users to share what features they’d like to see on the back screen, it’s an implied acknowledgment that the design is set in stone. It’s an indication that Xiaomi is committed to dual-screen design, despite some segments of the community wanting to see change on that front.
TL;DR
- Leak Confirmation: The latest post by Digital Chat Station confirms that the upcoming Xiaomi 18 Pro will have a rear display.
- The Controversy: The comments on Weibo imply that many users think this screen is not needed, but the sales indicate otherwise.
- Proven Success: The display at the back was considered to be the Xiaomi 17 Pro’s greatest feature by users of the phone itself.
- Functionality: Expect improved widget functionality, improved main camera selfies, and integration with HyperOS.
What Did Digital Chat Station Say?
In a post published this morning (January 24), DCS asked his followers: “Let’s have a casual chat: what new features would you like to see on the back screen of the Xiaomi 18 series?”
Note that this is not an academic query. When the leaker talks about the actual hardware implementation details like that of the DCS leaker, that’s actually an admission that the feature exists. The Xiaomi 18 Pro is clearly bringing the second screen feature back, continuing the legacy of the “Ultra” and “Pro” devices that came before it.
Is the Rear Screen Actually Useful?
However, as you scroll through the comments section in DCS’s post, you will find a wave of skepticism. Many commenters seem to be arguing the point that the addition of the back screen adds bulk, drains the batteries, or increases the price unnecessarily.
Still, we strongly disagree with this sentiment. In fact, when we reflect on our experience with the Xiaomi 17 Pro, we realize that this second screen on the back was not just a gimmick. In fact, this was probably one of the most praised features of this device. Users could compose high-quality selfies with the main camera sensors and access notifications without having to unlock their phone. This “vocal minority,” represented on social media, does not seem to understand the real-world experience of users who loved this feature on the 17 Pro.
What’s Next for the Xiaomi 18 Series?
Now that the rear screen has been established, the question now is: will it be bigger than that of the predecessor? Will it have support for higher refresh rates?
We reckon that Xiaomi is going in the right direction. While ignoring critics, focusing instead on that single feature that helped create a sense of identity for Xiaomi 17 Pro, will surely create a unique Xiaomi 18 Pro in a sea of undistinguished glass slabs. We will keep you updated as more details of this Snapdragon 8 Elite device emerge.
