Xiaomi has revealed the full specifications of the first “mid-size” folding smartphone in its line – Xiaomi 18 Fold.
The gadget combines a 7.68-inch internal flexible screen with an external 5.38-inch display, both of which have an unusually “flattened” aspect ratio. The manufacturer calls it A4 proportion and promises a more seamless experience when moving from one screen to another.
The body weight is 219 grams, which makes the new product the lightest folding smartphone in the history of the brand. The external screen with an asymmetrical shape in the spirit of a notepad deserves special attention – the corners at the right edge are rounded, but on the hinge side they remain straight. Compared to dozens of similar “books,” this solution really makes the device stand out.
For the first time, both displays received Xiaomi HyperRGB panels with a full RGB subpixel structure. Peak brightness reaches 4000 nits, and adaptive LTPO scan operates from 1 to 120 Hz. Protection is provided by a heavy-duty aluminum frame and proprietary Shield Glass 3.0 on both sides.
The new generation hinge is built using a three-link design that goes around the edge of the screen. In real life, the mechanism feels stiffer and more reliable than that of competing models. In direct comparison with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, the Xiaomi smartphone is noticeably thicker, but the battery is also noticeably larger.
The main technical innovation is the brand’s first flagship based on its own XRING O3 silicon. The chip is manufactured using a 3-nanometer process technology and combines a 10-core processor, consisting entirely of “large” cores, with 16-core graphics. According to the manufacturer, this is also the first single-chip system to support LPDDR6 memory for faster data access.
Xiaomi claims that the combination of components gives a 45 percent increase in the speed of local decoding on the neuroprocessor compared to the previous flagship solution. It was not possible to verify these numbers in a short demonstration at IFA, so full-fledged tests will show real performance.
The battery is built using silicon-carbon technology and, according to the manufacturer, has the highest capacity among foldable smartphones on the market. Supports wired charging up to 67 W and wireless charging up to 50 W when using compatible adapters.
Unlike Samsung, Xiaomi did not skimp on photography for the sake of the compact passport format. There is a triple Leica camera installed here:
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200 MP main module with 1/1.56 inch sensor
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Leica 50 MP periscope telephoto lens
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third module in the system
The main sensor is still smaller than that of the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which remains one of the brand’s strongest camera phones. The manufacturer did not name the degree of protection against water and dust, and for folding cases this parameter remains a vulnerable point. It was not possible to fully test the filming during the short screening.
Separately, the company teases a special edition with a silicon nitride case. Such ceramics are better resistant to impacts and scratches, and weigh about 50 percent less than traditional zirconium. This version was not shown at the IFA stand, but the red version looked impressive.
Xiaomi 18 Fold will come in black, white and red colors with a starting price of 10,999 yuan, which is about $1,640. While sales are limited to China, there is no information about an international release. The announcement comes the same week that Apple is expected to unveil its own foldable iPhone.
