Hands-on Review: Xiaomi's New 18 Fold Smartphone
Exploring the features and performance of Xiaomi's latest foldable device
1Introduction to Xiaomi's 18 Fold
Xiaomi's 18 Fold represents the company's latest foray into the competitive foldable smartphone market. With a sleek design and premium build quality, it aims to challenge established players like Samsung and Huawei. The device features a 7.8-inch foldable OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth visuals. Xiaomi has incorporated a new hinge mechanism that promises improved durability over previous generations.
2Display and Design
The 18 Fold boasts a 7.8-inch main display with 2200x2480 resolution when unfolded, and a 6.5-inch cover screen. The AMOLED panels support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. Xiaomi has reduced the visible crease by 30% compared to its predecessor. The device weighs 255g and is 11.2mm thick when folded, making it slightly lighter than Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5.
3Performance Specifications
Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the 18 Fold delivers flagship-level performance. It comes with 12GB or 16GB LPDDR5X RAM options and storage choices up to 1TB UFS 4.0. The device scored 1.8 million on AnTuTu benchmarks, placing it among the top-performing smartphones. Xiaomi's custom cooling system helps maintain performance during intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.
4Camera Capabilities
The triple camera system features a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The cover screen houses a 20MP selfie camera, while the main display has an under-display 16MP camera. Xiaomi's imaging algorithms support 8K video recording and advanced night mode. The camera performance is comparable to premium non-foldable flagships in daylight conditions.
5Battery and Charging
A 4800mAh battery powers the device, supporting 67W wired and 50W wireless charging. Xiaomi claims the battery can charge from 0-100% in 42 minutes with the included charger. The company's adaptive battery technology promises up to 1.5 days of moderate usage. Power efficiency improvements in the Snapdragon chipset contribute to better battery life than previous foldables.
6Software Experience
The 18 Fold runs MIUI Fold based on Android 14, optimized for the foldable form factor. Xiaomi has redesigned core apps to adapt between screen sizes seamlessly. New multitasking features allow up to three apps to run simultaneously in split-screen mode. The software includes special gestures for one-handed operation when the device is folded.
7Market Position and Pricing
Priced starting at $1,599, the 18 Fold undercuts Samsung's equivalent model by $200. Xiaomi is targeting tech enthusiasts and professionals who want premium features at a slightly more accessible price point. The company plans to launch globally, with initial availability in China, Europe, and select Asian markets. Early reviews suggest it could disrupt the high-end foldable segment.
8Future of Foldable Technology
The 18 Fold demonstrates how foldable technology is maturing, with improvements in durability and usability. Xiaomi's entry intensifies competition, which may accelerate innovation and lower prices industry-wide. As more manufacturers join the segment, foldables could eventually challenge traditional smartphones. The 18 Fold positions Xiaomi as a serious contender in this emerging market.
Original article: The Verge (YouTube) — Hands-on Review: Xiaomi's New 18 Fold Smartphone