Xiaomi 18 Series, Vivo X500 Lineup Tipped to Launch in September With Next-Gen Chipsets

Even as Xiaomi and Vivo continue rolling out their current flagship smartphones globally, early leaks have already shed light on their next-generation premium lineups. The Xiaomi 18 series and the Vivo X500 lineup are both tipped to launch in China in September, months ahead of their anticipated debut.

The development comes shortly after Xiaomi unveiled the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 in China in September 2025, while Vivo launched the Vivo X300 series in India in December 2025. Although the standard Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra are still expected to reach select global markets, attention has now shifted to what the two brands are planning next.

Xiaomi 18 Series, Vivo X500 Lineup: Launch Timeline (Expected)

According to a Weibo post by tipster Digital Chat Station (translated from Chinese) and cited via Gizmochina, both the Xiaomi 18 series and Vivo X500 series are expected to debut in China in September.

Xiaomi 18 Series Models (Expected)

Xiaomi is reportedly planning to introduce three flagship models:

• Xiaomi 18

• Xiaomi 18 Pro

• Xiaomi 18 Pro Max

All three devices are said to be powered by Qualcomm’s unreleased Snapdragon 8 Gen 6 series SoC, positioning them as Xiaomi’s most powerful smartphones to date.

Vivo X500 Series Models (Expected)

Vivo, meanwhile, is tipped to expand its flagship portfolio this year. Unlike the current Vivo X300 lineup, which includes only two models, the company is reportedly planning three devices:

• Vivo X500

• Vivo X500 Pro

• Vivo X500 Pro Max

The Vivo X500 lineup is expected to feature a MediaTek Dimensity 9600 series chipset.

Vivo X300 Series: Current Flagship Reference

For context, Vivo launched the Vivo X300 and Vivo X300 Pro in India in December 2025 at starting prices of:

• Rs. 75,999 for the 12GB + 256GB variant

• Rs. 1,09,999 for the 16GB + 512GB variant

Both phones are powered by the octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, built on a 3nm manufacturing process.

Display Specifications

• Vivo X300:
  6.31-inch 1.5K (1216×2640 pixels) AMOLED display with up to 120Hz refresh rate

• Vivo X300 Pro:
  6.78-inch 1.5K (1,260×2,800 pixels) LTPO AMOLED touchscreen

These specifications suggest that the upcoming Vivo X500 series could further refine display technology and performance.

Xiaomi 17 Series: What’s Currently Available

Xiaomi launched the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max in China in September 2025 at starting prices of:

• CNY 4,499 (roughly Rs. 56,000)

• CNY 4,999 (roughly Rs. 62,300)

• CNY 5,999 (roughly Rs. 74,700)

The Xiaomi 17 lineup is powered by Qualcomm’s flagship octa-core 3nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset.

Key Highlights

• Pro and Pro Max models feature secondary displays on the rear

• Focus on premium design and flagship-grade performance

These features set the foundation for what could be further refined in the Xiaomi 18 series.

What to Expect From Xiaomi 18 and Vivo X500 Series

Next-Generation Chipsets

The move to Snapdragon 8 Gen 6 and Dimensity 9600 series chips signals another leap in performance efficiency, AI capabilities, and thermal management for both brands’ upcoming flagships.

Expanded Model Lineups

Vivo’s reported shift to a three-model flagship lineup mirrors Xiaomi’s strategy and suggests increasing competition in the ultra-premium smartphone segment.

September Launch Pattern Continues

Both Xiaomi and Vivo appear to be sticking to their established September launch windows in China, keeping their flagship refresh cycles aligned year over year.