Xiaomi has officially entered the clamshell foldable market with the launch of its Mix Flip, while also unveiling the Mix Fold 4, its latest book-style foldable. Both devices showcase Xiaomi's commitment to innovation in the rapidly evolving foldable smartphone segment.
Mix Flip: Xiaomi's Clamshell Debut
The Mix Flip, Xiaomi's answer to the Galaxy Z Flip series, boasts impressive specifications:
- 4.01-inch external OLED display (1,392 x 1,208)
- 6.86-inch internal OLED screen (2,912 x 1,224)
- Both screens offer 120Hz refresh rate and 3,000 nits peak brightness
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset
- 4,780mAh battery with 67W fast charging
- Dual 50MP rear cameras (main + 2x telephoto)
Priced competitively at ¥5,999 (~$825) for the base 12GB/256GB model, the Mix Flip aims to challenge established players in the flip phone market.
Mix Fold 4: Thinner, Lighter, More Durable
The Mix Fold 4 pushes the boundaries of foldable design:
- Just 9.47mm thin when folded, 4.59mm unfolded
- Weighs only 226 grams
- 6.56-inch external OLED and 7.98-inch internal folding OLED
- Both screens offer 1-120Hz variable refresh rate and 3,000 nits peak brightness
- 5,100mAh battery with 67W wired and 50W wireless charging
- Quad rear camera system (50MP main, 50MP 2x telephoto, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 5x periscope)
- IPX8 water resistance
The Mix Fold 4 starts at ¥8,999 (~$1,238) for the 12GB/256GB configuration.
Repairability Insights
Interestingly, a breakdown of repair costs reveals some surprising details:
- The Mix Fold 4's ultra-wide camera costs just ¥29 (~$4) to replace
- The inner folding screen is the most expensive component at ¥3,600 (~$496)
- Most component replacements have a low ¥43 (~$6) service fee
Global Availability
While both devices are currently limited to the Chinese market, Xiaomi is evaluating a potential global launch for the Mix Flip. The Mix Fold 4, however, is expected to remain a China-exclusive product.
Xiaomi's entry into the clamshell foldable market and continued innovation in book-style foldables demonstrate the company's commitment to pushing technological boundaries. As the foldable smartphone market matures, increased competition from players like Xiaomi could lead to more affordable and feature-rich options for consumers worldwide.