According to a recent hands-on review at IFA reported by The Verge, the Xiaomi 18 Fold foldable phone impresses with superior specifications compared to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8. While sharing a similar foldable design, Xiaomi’s new device stands out with a wider and shorter display ratio, larger battery capacity, and advanced camera technology, positioning it as a compelling choice in the evolving foldable smartphone market.
- Compact, wider foldable design optimized for media consumption
- Powerful internal specs including Xiaomi’s new chipset and triple Leica camera
- Heavier and thicker with no announced water resistance rating
Product angle
The source review highlights Xiaomi’s strategic move towards a short, wide foldable phone form factor that departs from the more traditional elongated foldables. The 18 Fold features a dual screen setup with a roughly 1.4:1 aspect ratio, making it well-suited for watching movies and reading, mimicking IMAX-like visuals and international paper sizes. This approach prioritizes immersive media experiences over traditional multitasking layouts seen in other foldables.
Hardware-wise, Xiaomi incorporates its own Xring O3 chipset designed to rival Snapdragon’s flagship processors, paired with an innovative Arm GPU supporting next-gen mobile graphics acceleration. The phone boasts a substantial 6,000mAh battery, surpassing competitors, alongside bright OLED displays and a sophisticated triple rear camera system co-developed with Leica, underscoring Xiaomi’s focus on performance and photography.
Best for / avoid if
Xiaomi’s 18 Fold is best suited for users prioritizing powerful specs and an immersive media viewing experience in a compact foldable phone. Those who value a wider screen ratio for entertainment or prefer a strong all-around camera setup with long battery life may find this device particularly appealing.
However, potential buyers who require a lightweight device with assured water resistance might want to reconsider, as the phone is reported to be heavier and thicker than its key competitor, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, and lacks an IP rating. Additionally, users who rely heavily on multitasking might find the taller screen formats of other foldables more practical.
Pricing and alternatives to check
While the exact pricing was not specified in the source, the Xiaomi 18 Fold appears positioned to compete directly with high-end foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, which is priced near the $2,000 mark. The Xiaomi model brings certain premium hardware advantages, such as a larger battery and upgraded camera system, which could influence its value proposition in this price segment.
Buyers interested in foldables should also consider other competitors such as Samsung’s Fold series known for build quality and IP ratings, and Oppo’s Find N6, noted for its nearly crease-free design. As Apple is expected to enter this foldable segment soon, consumers may want to watch for upcoming offerings that might reshape the foldable market dynamics.