In the rapidly evolving realm of foldable smartphones, the newly unveiled Xiaomi 18 Fold is making waves with its impressive features. Having captured attention at IFA 2026, we've had the opportunity to test the device hands-on, unveiling its capabilities, design, and potential. Join us as we delve into what sets the Xiaomi 18 Fold apart in this competitive market.
The Xiaomi 18 Fold is surprisingly light for a device sporting a 7.58-inch folding display, tipping the scales at just 219 grams. This places it closely in weight to the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, although it does carry an additional 18 grams compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8. We couldn't resist capturing some side-by-side comparisons with Samsung's offering for a closer look.
Comparison of Xiaomi 18 Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8
At a little over 5mm thick when unfolded, the Xiaomi 18 Fold exudes a sleek appeal, complemented by its premium build quality. The device features an aluminum frame, and its back is coated in a matte glass finish, presenting a shimmering red hue that contrasts beautifully with the metallic accents.
Xiaomi 18 Fold - A Focus on Design
One of the recurring concerns with foldable screens is crease visibility. Fortunately, we found the crease on the Xiaomi 18 Fold's display to be largely unnoticeable during regular use. While a subtle indentation is perceptible to touch, it didn't distract from the overall viewing experience.
Assessing the Main Display of Xiaomi 18 Fold
The folding display stands out with its 7.58-inch size and a 2:1 aspect ratio that facilitates a convenient landscape viewing mode. This unique design means that video content is enjoyable to watch without excessive letterboxing. The vibrant screen boasts an impressive brightness of up to 4,000 nits and features a fluid 120Hz refresh rate, making interactions seamless and enjoyable.
The 5.38-inch cover screen mirrors the main display's specifications, including the same aspect ratio, refresh rate, and peak brightness capabilities. The design includes a graceful curvature along the right side, preserving usability while allowing for comfortable one-handed operation.
Xiaomi 18 Fold - Cover Screen Factors
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 18 Fold is powered by the Xring O3 chip coupled with 12GB of RAM, promising a swift and responsive user experience comparable to leading Qualcomm and MediaTek processors. Its camera setup is noteworthy, featuring a robust 200MP main sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 50MP telephoto lens, offering another compelling advantage over the competition, particularly against the Samsung Z Fold8.
Camera Capabilities of the Xiaomi 18 Fold
Battery life isn't overlooked either, with the device housing a substantial 6,000 mAh SiC battery and supporting both 67W wired and 50W wireless charging options. This assures users that the 18 Fold will keep pace with demanding usage.
However, there is a significant drawback — the Xiaomi 18 Fold will remain exclusive to the Chinese market, leaving many fans worldwide longing for its features. As we admire the 18 Fold's innovation, we can only hope that future iterations will see a broader international deployment.
