One day after Samsung, Xiaomi presented its new foldable smartphone, the Mix Fold 2. A powerful, well-equipped and, above all, extremely thin model that risks overshadowing the Galaxy Z Fold 4, especially since it is cheaper.
Thursday August 11, 2022, Xiaomi organized the Lei Jun Annual Speech, a conference presenting its latest products, the Redmi K50 Ultra, the Buds 4 Pro headphones, the Watch S1 Pro connected watch, and especially the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2, its second generation of high-end smartphone that unfolds like a book. A timely announcement, 24 hours after the disclosure of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 by its competitor Samsung. And the least we can say is that the smartphone has had its effect, since it is not only very powerful, but can also boast of being the thinnest foldable device in the world. Just that ! Something to overshadow Samsung’s new flagship…
The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 is available in two colors, black and gold. Its main asset is undoubtedly its incredible finesse and thickness. Indeed, it is only 11.2 mm when the smartphone is folded, and 5.4 mm unfolded – just enough to integrate a USB type C port. For comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is 6.3 mm thick when unfolded and between 14.2 and 15.8 mm when folded. As a result, the Mix Fold 2 weight is lighter, dropping from 317g to 262g – a real gain. To achieve such a result, Xiaomi has modified the hinge of its devices by using the “micro water drop hinge” technology, which is supposed to “to offer a lighter and thinner grip of a foldable smartphone.” In the end, the fold angle is more closed, which gives an overall tighter result, and therefore makes it possible to gain a few millimeters in thickness.
The Chinese firm had to make some concessions to fit everything in its smartphone, and therefore reduced the capacity of its battery a little, which went from 5,020 mAh to 4,500 mAh. Like its predecessor, it benefits from 67 W fast charging, which allows you to go from 0% to 100% in 40 minutes, which remains excellent. The Mix Fold 2 compensates with the latest generation Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, which is a little less energy intensive than the Snapdragon 888. It has 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB of storage internal according to the chosen model.
Xiaomi Mix Fold 2: two well-made screens
On the screen side, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 still has two, one internal and one external. The proportions have been changed slightly, giving them a slightly more stretched look. The external screen measures 6.65 inches diagonally for a definition of 2,250 x 1,080 pixels, i.e. a 21:9 format, with Full HD + and a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. It is covered with Gorilla Glass Victus glass – where the Z Fold 4 offers a little more resistant Gorilla Glass Victus+.
As for the interior screen, it measures 8.02 inches diagonally – the equivalent of an iPad mini – with a definition of 2,016 x 1,914 pixels, (QHD +) with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. of LTPO 2.0 technology, is protected by UTG glass with a thickness of 30 µm. Both screens are also compatible with Dolby Vision and HDR10+ (High Dynamic Range) – for a more contrasted, readable and ultra-realistic image. And, of course, ambient light sensors make it possible to adapt the brightness according to the surrounding conditions.
On the photo side, the Mix Fold 2 has a 50-megapixel IMX766 sensor, a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor and an 8-megapixel 45mm X2 telephoto lens. On the external screen, there is a 20-megapixel selfie sensor. Thanks to Leica certification, the smartphone offers a Leica Authentic mode for more natural photos, and a Leica Vibrant mode for richer colors.
Xiaomi Mix Fold 2: price and release date
For now, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 is only available in China. However, no doubt that another international launch event will be organized soon. It is therefore also necessary to wait for the official prices in euros. In the meantime, they are designed in yuan – and vary according to the storage capacity chosen: 8,999 yuan for 256 GB – or around €1,290, 9,999 yuan for 512 GB – or around €1,435 – and 11,999 yuan for 1 To – i.e. approximately €1,720. Prices that are not really within everyone’s reach, but which remain lower than those of the Galaxy Z Fold 4…
