📱 Xiaomi reveals the 18 Fold foldable phone: new power and dimensions challenging Samsung
In the world of foldable phones, competition grows hotter with every new release. Xiaomi has entered the race with its new device 18 Fold, which comes with a different design and technical performance that signals major shifts in the category. In this article, we take an analytical look at the specifications and user experience of Xiaomi’s new phone compared with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8.
⚙️ Distinctive design and innovative dimensions for the 18 Fold phone
In the design of the 18 Fold, Xiaomi abandoned the traditional long, slim look we have grown used to in the foldable category, and followed in the footsteps of other companies such as Huawei and Samsung toward a shorter, wider form. But Xiaomi went further than that, as its new phone stands out with internal and external dimensions that differ from its Korean counterpart, with the width-to-length ratio (aspect ratio) on both its inner and outer screens being approximately 1.4:1.
- The inner screen: its size is 7.58 inches.
- The outer screen: its size is 5.38 inches.
- The dimensions are close to international paper specifications and the dimensions of IMAX screens, making the phone ideal for watching movies without letterboxing or black bars appearing.
The outer display interface features wide rounded corners that make one-handed use easier, which makes interacting with the phone while folded more comfortable and smooth.
Why does this matter?
This shorter, wider format changes the content-watching experience and brings it closer to the cinematic feel of movies and e-books, opening new horizons for app design and better use of the screen.
🔋 Massive battery and fast charging that outperforms Samsung
Another feature that makes the 18 Fold stand out is the battery, which clearly surpasses its rival:
- Battery capacity: 6000 mAh, which is much larger than Samsung’s phone battery of 4800 mAh.
- Support for 67 W wired charging.
- Support for 50 W wireless charging.
These specifications mean a much longer usage period and a faster, more efficient charging experience, especially for fans of mobility and heavy browsing.
Important point
A large battery capacity together with high-power charging technologies is considered one of the decisive factors that ensure stable power delivery for foldable devices with dual OLED screens that require a lot of power.
🧠 New Xring O3 processor and hybrid lens for strong performance
The 18 Fold comes equipped with Xiaomi’s first chip bearing the name Xring O3, designed to deliver performance similar to the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. This chip integrates a new ARM graphics processor called Mali G2-Ultra NX, the first processor to work with graphics acceleration technology with support for DLSS (AI-inspired graphics acceleration) on Android, making the gaming experience and high-quality video playback smoother and more efficient.
Quick summary
Integrating a new processor that supports dedicated AI graphics technologies places Xiaomi in a distinctive position among foldable phones, especially with the expectation that it will deliver strong performance the user can rely on across different tasks, from gaming to multimedia.
📸 Advanced camera system with Leica partnership support
While Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 suffered from a shortage in the number and level of rear cameras compared with its price, Xiaomi’s 18 Fold came out ahead with a triple camera setup supported by the venerable imaging company Leica. The main camera specifications are as follows:
- A primary camera with a resolution of 200 megapixels and a 1/1.56-inch sensor.
- A periscope telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom and a resolution of 50 megapixels.
- An ultra-wide camera with a resolution of 50 megapixels.
This combination allows high-quality photos to be captured, with broad coverage for every scenario from ordinary shooting to fine details and long distances.
What changed here?
Xiaomi added a professional camera system that comes close to its regular flagship phones, with a clear bet on photography quality in foldable phones, which usually make compromises in this area.
🎨 Build quality and everyday experience: positives and considerations
The phone is available in attractive colors including black, white, and dark red, along with a limited-edition special ceramic pink version. As for build quality:
- The phone is slightly heavier and thicker than the Galaxy Z Fold 8, which may affect comfort during long periods of use.
- No water- and dust-resistance certification (IP rating) has been announced, a feature Samsung offers in its phone.
- The screen fold is more visibly creased than Samsung’s device, and Oppo remains the leader in reducing the effect of folding with its Find N6 display.
Some applications had difficulty adapting to the screen’s short aspect ratio, especially on the outer display, and this could affect the user experience in some cases such as browsing or multitasking.
Important point
The lack of an IP certification reduces the phone’s ability to withstand changing surrounding conditions, which may be a negative factor for military users or those who travel a lot.
🔄 User experience and software: consistent without surprises
Xiaomi added important multitasking features such as split-screen apps and a floating window, but it did not announce revolutionary software updates or dedicated foldable-phone features not present in other devices.
It is a familiar experience for a well-known segment of foldable phones, with an attempt to take advantage of the new width-to-height ratio to provide better comfort.
💰 Price and availability
The 18 Fold is currently available for pre-order in China at a price of 10,999 yuan (about 1600 US dollars), and official sales are scheduled to begin on September 10. So far, Xiaomi has not confirmed its intention to launch the phone internationally.
Why does this matter?
The price and specifications indicate that Xiaomi is targeting users looking for foldable devices that offer a unique mix of power and cinematic design, but overseas markets may have to wait.
🔮 A future outlook on foldable phone competition
With Apple’s expected announcement of its own foldable phone approaching, competition in this market appears set for changes that could shake up design and performance standards. The Xiaomi 18 Fold represents a clear challenge to Samsung in the Chinese market and a strong package of specifications focused on performance, screen, and cameras.
In contrast, several questions remain open about the device’s durability and software performance with current apps, as well as how much users will accept the new concept of dimensions and shape.
Summary
The Xiaomi 18 Fold stands out as a bold experiment in the foldable market, benefiting from an innovative design and advanced technical specifications such as the new processor, massive battery, integrated camera system, and OLED screens sized for media consumption. Despite some shortcomings in durability and the lack of a protection certification, the phone remains a noteworthy option, especially for users who prefer strong performance and an improved viewing experience on foldable devices.
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