Xiaomi has been at the forefront of innovation in the smartphone industry, and their venture into foldable phones has been nothing short of intriguing. With the launch of the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 today, Xiaomi continues to push the boundaries of design, functionality, and user experience.
The Mix Fold 3 introduces an elegant design option, offering a selection between composite fiber or glass backs. The composite fiber variant measures 10.86mm when folded and an impressive 5.26mm when opened, with a weight of 255 grams. On the other hand, the glass variant boasts a thickness of 10.96mm and a weight of 259 grams. Although it falls slightly short of the slimness found in the HONOR Magic V2, the Mix Fold 3 remains impressively slender within the foldable phone category.
Design
The Mix Fold 3’s design is a testament to Xiaomi’s commitment to sleek aesthetics and user-centric engineering. Available in two variants – composite fiber or glass back – this foldable phone boasts a slim profile. The composite fiber model measures a mere 10.86mm when folded and an astonishingly thin 5.26mm when unfolded, weighing in at 255 grams. Meanwhile, the glass model, though slightly thicker at 10.96mm, still impressively weighs only 259 grams. The Mix Fold 3 certainly brings the allure of portability to the foldable category.
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New Hinge Technology
Perhaps the most notable hardware upgrade lies in the proprietary hinge mechanism of the Mix Fold 3. This hinge not only contributes to the device’s slimness but is also engineered for durability, rated for an impressive 500,000 folds.
A game-changer, however, is the introduction of a free-stop design, allowing the screen to be partially unfolded at angles ranging from 45 to 135 degrees. This innovation opens up new possibilities, enabling functionalities like Flex Mode for video playback and photography. I should however note that Xiaomi did not mention any specific IP rating for the Mix Fold 3. This omission suggests that the Fold 3 might lack a notable seal of protection against foreign elements.
Displays
The Mix Fold 3 isn’t just about innovative mechanics; it’s also a visual delight. The smartphone boasts a 6.56-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Victus 2 protection. However, the real star is the 8.03-inch folding LTPO OLED screen with a resolution of 2,160 x 1,916 and ultra-thin glass. Xiaomi’s commitment to delivering impressive visuals is evident in both the primary and folding displays.
Cameras
Foldable phones often make compromises in the camera department, but the Mix Fold 3 defies this trend. With a quad rear camera system, including a 50MP IMX800 main camera with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens with a 125-degree field-of-view, and dual 10MP telephoto shooters offering 3.2x and 5x zoom capabilities, Xiaomi is pushing the boundaries of mobile photography. This device stands out, especially due to its unique inclusion of two telephoto cameras, catering to those who value exceptional zoom capabilities.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, the Mix Fold 3 is driven by an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, ensuring smooth multitasking and performance. A robust 4,800mAh battery fuels the device, accompanied by 67W wired charging and 50W wireless charging – a testament to Xiaomi’s commitment to keeping users connected without compromise.
Pricing and Availability
As of now, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is slated for a China-only release, with prices starting at 8,999 yuan (~$1,239) for the 12GB/256GB base model and 10,999 yuan (~$1,515) for the top-end 16GB/1TB variant. The device is set to hit the market on August 16. Xiaomi did not mention any availability details for international markets.
