Xiaomi has consistently pushed the boundaries of smartphone innovation, and with the introduction of the Mix Flip and Mix Fold 4, the company continues to demonstrate its prowess in the foldable smartphone market. Both devices showcase Xiaomi’s commitment to high-end design, cutting-edge technology, and user-centric features. In this hands-on review, we will delve into the design, display, performance, camera capabilities, software experience, battery life, and overall usability of these two impressive devices.
Design and Build Quality
Xiaomi Mix Flip
The Xiaomi Mix Flip is Xiaomi’s latest entrant into the clamshell foldable market, taking on competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series. The Mix Flip exudes sophistication with its sleek, compact design and premium materials. When folded, it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, making it highly portable and easy to carry around.
The hinge mechanism feels robust and well-engineered, offering smooth folding and unfolding actions. Xiaomi has clearly paid attention to detail, ensuring that the hinge can withstand thousands of folds without compromising durability. The device is available in a range of stylish colors, including classic black, elegant white, and a vibrant blue, catering to different aesthetic preferences.
Xiaomi Mix Fold 4
The Mix Fold 4 continues the legacy of its predecessor, the Mix Fold 3, by offering a book-like folding design. When unfolded, it transforms into a tablet-like device, providing an expansive display for multitasking and media consumption. The build quality is exceptional, with a sturdy hinge that feels reliable and well-crafted.
Xiaomi has managed to keep the device relatively slim and lightweight, despite its large unfolded form factor. The Mix Fold 4 features a metal and glass construction, giving it a premium look and feel. The rear panel showcases a refined matte finish that resists fingerprints, maintaining its pristine appearance even with regular use.
Display
Xiaomi Mix Flip
The Mix Flip boasts a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. The screen is vibrant and offers deep blacks, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, enhancing the overall user experience.
When folded, the external display is a 1.9-inch AMOLED screen that provides quick access to notifications, time, and other essential information. The cover screen is practical for checking updates without unfolding the device, adding to its convenience.
Xiaomi Mix Fold 4
The Mix Fold 4 impresses with its 8.02-inch AMOLED main display, boasting a resolution of 2480 x 2200 pixels. The display is bright, with excellent color accuracy and contrast, making it perfect for watching videos, editing photos, and reading. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth visual experience, whether you’re scrolling through social media or playing games.
The external display is a 6.5-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 2520 x 1080 pixels. It serves as a fully functional display, allowing you to use the device comfortably when folded. Both displays support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, providing an immersive viewing experience with compatible content.
Performance
Xiaomi Mix Flip
Under the hood, the Mix Flip is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, coupled with 8GB or 12GB of RAM. This combination delivers exceptional performance, handling multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications with ease. The device runs MIUI 14, based on Android 13, offering a smooth and responsive user interface.
Storage options include 128GB and 256GB variants, providing ample space for apps, photos, and videos. The device also supports 5G connectivity, ensuring fast download and upload speeds, making it future-proof for years to come.
Xiaomi Mix Fold 4
The Mix Fold 4 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, paired with 12GB or 16GB of RAM. This powerhouse configuration ensures top-tier performance, allowing you to run multiple apps simultaneously and switch between them seamlessly. MIUI 14, customized for the foldable form factor, offers a polished and intuitive user experience.
Storage options include 256GB, 512GB, and a whopping 1TB variant, catering to users with varying storage needs. The device supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections.
Camera Capabilities
Xiaomi Mix Flip
The Mix Flip features a versatile camera setup, including a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. The primary camera captures detailed and vibrant photos in various lighting conditions, while the ultra-wide lens is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and group shots.
The telephoto lens allows for crisp zoomed-in shots, maintaining quality even at higher zoom levels. The device supports 4K video recording at 60fps, ensuring high-quality video capture. The front-facing camera is a 20MP sensor, ideal for selfies and video calls, delivering sharp and clear images.
Xiaomi Mix Fold 4
The Mix Fold 4’s camera system is designed to impress, featuring a 108MP primary sensor, a 16MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 12MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. The primary camera produces stunningly detailed photos, even in low light, thanks to advanced image processing algorithms and large sensor size.
The ultra-wide lens captures wide vistas with minimal distortion, while the periscope telephoto lens allows for impressive zoom capabilities, perfect for distant subjects. The device supports 8K video recording, providing exceptional video quality. The front-facing camera is a 32MP sensor, ensuring high-quality selfies and video calls.
Software Experience
Xiaomi Mix Flip
The Mix Flip runs MIUI 14, Xiaomi’s custom Android skin, optimized for the foldable form factor. The software is intuitive and user-friendly, with features like split-screen multitasking, app continuity, and floating windows, enhancing productivity. The external display offers quick access to notifications, music controls, and other essential functions without needing to unfold the device.
MIUI 14 includes a host of customization options, allowing users to personalize their device to their liking. Xiaomi’s focus on software optimization ensures smooth performance and minimal bloatware, providing a clean and responsive user experience.
Xiaomi Mix Fold 4
The Mix Fold 4 also runs MIUI 14, with additional enhancements tailored for the large foldable display. The software supports advanced multitasking features, such as multi-window mode, drag-and-drop functionality, and a taskbar for easy app switching. The large internal display is ideal for productivity, allowing users to run multiple apps simultaneously and enjoy a PC-like experience.
Xiaomi has optimized popular apps for the foldable display, ensuring a seamless transition between folded and unfolded modes. The external display functions like a traditional smartphone screen, providing a familiar experience when the device is folded.
Battery Life
Xiaomi Mix Flip
The Mix Flip is equipped with a 3,700mAh battery, which provides sufficient power for a full day of moderate use. The device supports 33W fast charging, allowing you to quickly recharge the battery when needed. Additionally, it features wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, enabling you to charge other devices on the go.
Battery optimization features in MIUI 14 help extend battery life by intelligently managing power-hungry apps and processes. The power-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor also contributes to the device’s impressive battery performance.
Xiaomi Mix Fold 4
The Mix Fold 4 houses a larger 5,020mAh battery, ensuring extended usage without frequent recharging. The device supports 67W fast charging, providing a significant boost in a short amount of time. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are also supported, adding to the device’s versatility.
MIUI 14 includes several battery-saving features, such as adaptive battery management and power-saving modes, to help users get the most out of their device. The combination of a large battery and efficient hardware ensures that the Mix Fold 4 can handle intensive tasks and extended use with ease.
Overall Usability
Xiaomi Mix Flip
The Mix Flip is an excellent choice for users seeking a compact and stylish foldable smartphone. Its pocket-friendly design, combined with powerful performance and a versatile camera system, makes it a well-rounded device for everyday use. The external display adds convenience, allowing users to check notifications and perform quick tasks without unfolding the device.
The Mix Flip is perfect for users who prioritize portability and one-handed use while still enjoying the benefits of a foldable screen. Its premium build quality and thoughtful design make it a standout device in the clamshell foldable market.
Xiaomi Mix Fold 4
The Mix Fold 4 is designed for users who need a device that can function as both a smartphone and a tablet. Its large internal display is perfect for multitasking, productivity, and media consumption, while the external display provides a familiar smartphone experience. The powerful performance, advanced camera system, and extensive battery life make it suitable for power users and professionals.
The Mix Fold 4 is ideal for users who want the best of both worlds – a portable device for everyday use and a larger screen for work and entertainment. Its robust build quality and premium materials ensure durability and a premium feel, making it a worthy competitor in the foldable smartphone market.
Conclusion
Xiaomi’s Mix Flip and Mix Fold 4 represent the company’s continued innovation and commitment to delivering high-quality foldable smartphones. The Mix Flip offers a compact and stylish design, powerful performance, and a versatile camera system, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a portable and fashionable device. The Mix Fold 4, on the other hand, provides an expansive display, top-tier performance, and advanced camera capabilities, catering to users who need a device that can handle both work and play.