Xiaomi Challenges Samsung’s Privacy Display Dominance in the UK

The wait is over, and we finally know who will be the first to copy Samsung’s innovative Privacy Display feature, launched with the Galaxy S26 Ultra in early March. According to tipster Yogesh Brar, Xiaomi is working on a similar feature, set to launch with the HyperOS 4 UI update later this year. This move is likely to shake up the UK smartphone market.

Xiaomi’s implementation might differ significantly from Samsung’s, as it is expected to be a software-based solution. In contrast, Samsung’s original Privacy Display feature relies on custom hardware, specifically the Flex Magic Pixel technology. This technology enables the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s screen to focus its light output in a specific direction, making selected content invisible to anyone except the user.

A software-only solution, like the one Xiaomi is reportedly developing, would likely be more limited in its capabilities. However, if it were to roll out to all compatible HyperOS 4 devices, it could potentially benefit a wide range of Xiaomi phones in the UK. This would be a significant advantage over Samsung’s Privacy Display, which is currently exclusive to the Galaxy S26 Ultra.

It is essential to note that Xiaomi might be working on a hardware solution in tandem with the HyperOS 4 UI implementation. The first sign of such a feature often appears in code before any hardware leaks, as was the case with Samsung’s original Privacy Display. This means that we might see a more advanced version of Xiaomi’s Privacy Display-like feature in the future.

We appreciate Samsung’s innovative approach to addressing the issue of shoulder peekers, but it comes with some drawbacks. The Galaxy S26 Ultra’s screen is technically dimmer and less sharp than its predecessor, the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Nevertheless, for those who frequently face shoulder peekers on their daily commute in the UK, this tradeoff might be worthwhile.

The UK smartphone market is highly competitive, and the introduction of Xiaomi’s Privacy Display-like feature could change the landscape. As we wait for more information about Xiaomi’s solution, one thing is certain – the battle for smartphone supremacy in the UK has just gotten more interesting.