Transparent phones aren't exactly new, but seeing them on flagship devices? That's rare enough to turn heads. Xiaomi just brought the trend back to its premium lineup with Transparent Special Editions of the Xiaomi 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max, along with a limited-edition transparent Watch S5. It's a nostalgic move for the company, which hasn't done this on a flagship since the Mi 10 Ultra back in 2020.
Here's what makes these special editions different from Nothing's approach. Instead of just going full see-through, Xiaomi's using a red textured finish created through micron-level film technology that gives the back panel a 3D embossed look. The magic doesn't stop there, either. Custom wallpapers on both the main and rear displays recreate the appearance of internal components, bringing the transparency theme into the software itself. Even the charging brick and cable get matching transparent-red treatments. It's a cohesive design package rather than just slapping glass on the back.
The Xiaomi 18 Pro Transparent Special Edition costs around Rs 1.43 lakh, while the 18 Pro Max version runs Rs 1.57 lakh. Both come exclusively with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. Specs-wise, you're getting the same internals as the regular models. The Pro has a 7,000mAh battery with the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6, while the Pro Max packs an 8,500mAh battery and the Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6. Both feature 1-120Hz OLED displays with secondary rear screens and triple Leica cameras, plus 100W wired and 50W wireless charging.
The transparent treatment extends to the Watch S5, which costs around Rs 36,000 and is capped at just 5,000 units worldwide. This one's genuinely impressive from a manufacturing standpoint. The 47mm octagonal body uses Xiaomi's Dragon Crystal Glass 3.0, allowing you to actually see parts of the internal structure through the middle frame. Each case requires 20 manufacturing processes, including 240 minutes of CNC machining and 800 minutes of polishing. The glass has a hardness rating of 810 HV0.05 and reportedly won't yellow over time like some transparent plastics do.
Honestly, these transparent editions aren't about specs. They're pure design flex for people willing to pay extra for something that stands out. As flagship phones become increasingly similar on paper, transparent design might become the next battlefield for differentiation. Xiaomi's betting that premium buyers want their flagships to look as good as they perform, and judging by the limited production, the company might be onto something.
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