iQOO 16 vs Xiaomi 18 Pro Max: Gaming Comparison & Price

Build and design

The iQOO is a gaming flagship at 6.85 inches, with a 2K Samsung M16 display, an 8,500 sq mm vapour chamber and IP68/IP69 ratings. The Xiaomi is a larger flagship at 6.9 inches, with a 2.9-inch rear display for selfies and notifications, plus a dual-200MP Leica camera island. Both phones feel premium, but only the Xiaomi offers a rear display, while the iQOO is a simpler gaming phone with no rear screen.

If you want the newest gaming hardware and a 2K display, the iQOO wins on paper. If you want the best camera hardware and a rear display, the Xiaomi wins. For most buyers, the Xiaomi is the smarter camera buy, unless gaming is a priority.

Display and benchmarks

The iQOO offers a 6.85-inch Samsung M16 AMOLED at 3168 x 1440 with up to 165Hz, up to 2,800 nits HBM and 10,000 nits peak local brightness. The Xiaomi offers a 6.9-inch LTPO AMOLED at 120Hz, plus a 2.9-inch rear display. For gaming, the iQOO's higher refresh rate and 2K resolution are sharper and smoother on paper, while the Xiaomi's larger main display and rear screen are more versatile for selfies. For everyday use, both displays are flagship-grade, with the iQOO winning on refresh rate and the Xiaomi winning on rear-display features.

On benchmarks, both phones use Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, so no chip winner is claimed — a controlled side-by-side benchmark between these two phones was not reviewed. The iQOO adds a Q4 gaming chip, while the Xiaomi adds no dedicated gaming chip in its specs, so any real-world difference would come from cooling and software, not from a generational gap. For sustained gaming, the iQOO's larger vapour chamber should help, while the Xiaomi's chip is proven in reviews.

Cameras and video

The iQOO offers triple 50MP cameras — a main at 1/1.3-inch with OIS, a periscope at 3x with OIS and an ultrawide — plus a 32MP front camera and 8K video. The Xiaomi offers dual 200MP Leica cameras — a main at 1/1.28-inch and a periscope at 1/1.56-inch, 75mm, 3.2x with 12cm macro — plus a 50MP ultrawide and a 50MP front camera. On paper, the Xiaomi wins on megapixels, periscope and main sensor, while the iQOO wins on gaming focus.

No controlled side-by-side camera test between these two phones was reviewed, so no photo winner is claimed beyond the hardware gap. If you shoot zoom often, the Xiaomi's 3.2x periscope with macro is stronger on paper. If you shoot at 1x and want gaming hardware, the iQOO is adequate. For selfies, the Xiaomi's rear display and 50MP front camera are stronger on paper.

Battery, software and price

Battery is where the Xiaomi wins on paper in China, with 8,500mAh and 100W wired and 50W wireless charging, versus the iQOO's 8,400mAh with 100W wired and 40W wireless charging. In Europe, the Xiaomi's battery is reported at 7,050mAh, which would make the iQOO larger on paper if that figure is confirmed — flag this regional difference, as battery capacity varies by region. For most users, both batteries are flagship-grade, while the Xiaomi's wireless charging is faster on paper.

Software is OriginOS 7 on Android 17 for the iQOO, with IP68/IP69, while the Xiaomi runs HyperOS 4. In China, the iQOO starts at CNY 5,999 for 12GB/256GB and the Xiaomi starts at CNY 6,999 for 12GB/256GB — a CNY 1,000 gap at the same storage, with the Xiaomi costing more despite a similar chip. In the US and Europe, neither is officially sold, so do not treat a China price or a conversion as a US or Europe price.

Verdict

Buy the Xiaomi 18 Pro Max if you want a dual-200MP Leica flagship with a rear display, in China from CNY 6,999. Buy the iQOO 16 if you want a gaming phone with a 2K 165Hz display and a dedicated Q4 gaming chip, in China from CNY 5,999. For US and Europe buyers, neither is officially sold today — both are wait-and-see imports, with the Xiaomi's global launch later in 2026.