Xiaomi 18 Fold: A Compelling Contender in the Foldable Market
Xiaomi has unveiled its latest innovation, the 18 Fold, just ahead of Apple’s anticipated entry into the foldable phone market. This device, which I had the opportunity to test at IFA last week, shares some design elements with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 but boasts superior specifications that might make it a more desirable choice for many users.
Design and Display
The 18 Fold marks Xiaomi’s return to the book-style foldable format, following its Mix Fold 4 release in 2024. By adopting a short and wide design, similar to competitors Huawei and Samsung, Xiaomi has made a notable distinction. The aspect ratio of the 18 Fold is approximately 1.4:1, making it shorter and wider than Samsung’s offering. Both the 7.58-inch inner screen and the 5.38-inch outer screen are designed to match international paper sizes and even IMAX screens. This unique design could allow for an immersive viewing experience when watching content like The Odyssey without any letterboxing.
The rounded corners of the 5.38-inch display add an aesthetically pleasing touch. Both screens boast nearly identical aspect ratios, which helps maintain a consistent user experience.
User Experience
During my hands-on experience, the 18 Fold exhibits a compact and pocket-friendly form factor when closed. The cover screen provides a comfortable interface for one-handed use, though potential compatibility issues with certain apps on the shorter display may surface. When unfolded, the device shines as a capable option for watching movies or reading, even if it might not excel in multitasking scenarios. Nevertheless, Xiaomi equips the device with split-screen support and floating windows, catering to users looking for flexibility.
One area where Samsung may hold an advantage is in build quality. Although the 18 Fold is visually striking—available in black, white, and a distinctive red, with a limited-edition pink ceramic version—it’s slightly bulkier and heavier than the Z Fold 8. Currently, Xiaomi has not disclosed any IP rating for the device. The crease on this unit, by expert observation, appears more noticeable compared to its Samsung counterpart, with Oppo’s Find N6 setting an industry standard by nearly eliminating the crease.
Specifications Overview
What truly sets the Xiaomi 18 Fold apart from competitors are its impressive specifications. It is the inaugural device featuring Xiaomi’s proprietary Xring O3 chipset, which aims to deliver performance on par with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite. Furthermore, the device includes Arm’s Mali G2-Ultra NX GPU, which offers mobile-first support for graphics optimization akin to DLSS technology on Android.
The battery also stands out with a capacity of 6,000mAh—rather substantial when compared to the 4,800mAh found in the Samsung model. The 18 Fold supports 67W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. Both OLED displays achieving 4,000 nits of peak brightness are among the brightest available. Additionally, the camera system benefits from Xiaomi’s enduring partnership with Leica, featuring a 200-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel 3.5x periscope telephoto lens, and a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera.
Market Position and Final Thoughts
Having reviewed the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and appreciating its design, my primary concern was its lack of a robust camera system. Xiaomi’s 18 Fold not only addresses this shortcoming but also enhances battery life and display quality, potentially making it my top pick among available foldables. However, the absence of an IP rating does raise questions regarding its durability.
As the foldable market prepares for a shakeup with Apple’s imminent announcement of a foldable iPhone, Xiaomi has set a high bar in China. The 18 Fold is available for pre-order at ¥10,999 (approximately $1,600), with official sales slated for September 10. However, the company has yet to announce any plans for international availability.
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