Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 Review: A Promising Samsung Challenger, but Is It the Ultimate Foldable?

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Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 Review

In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the introduction of foldable devices has been one of the most groundbreaking innovations in recent years. Samsung has been at the forefront of this technology, dominating the foldable smartphone market for the past four years.

However, a new contender has emerged – the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2. Marketed as the “Samsung killer,” this device promises to challenge Samsung’s dominance with a unique set of features and a more affordable price. In this review, we will explore whether the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 can truly turn the tides in the foldable market.

Packaging and Design: A Class Above Samsung

The Mix Fold 2’s packaging immediately impresses, with a more premium feel compared to Samsung’s z-fold 4. The inclusion of a Xiaomi VIP service card adds a touch of exclusivity.

The package comes with a hard case that doubles as a solid kickstand, a 67-watt fast charger, charging cable, SIM ejector tool, and a headphone jack adapter. This thoughtful inclusion of accessories enhances the overall user experience.

 

Form Factor and Design Excellence

The moment the plastic wrapper is removed, the Mix Fold 2 delivers an impressive first impression. Notably, it is one of the thinnest smartphones in the world when unfolded, boasting a svelte profile that rivals traditional flagship devices.

Even when folded, the phone feels like a standard smartphone, thanks to a combination of factors, including its slightly wider ratio, tight hinge, and improved screen-to-body ratio on the front. These design choices make Samsung’s current foldable phones appear outdated and cumbersome in comparison.

With its unique hinge design, the Mix Fold 2 can fold completely flat, giving it a neater and more streamlined appearance. The screen bezels match the natural curvature of the phone, further adding to its visual appeal. Additionally, a centralized camera module on the back reduces table wobbling, making it a winner in the design department.

Performance: A Worthy Contender

The Mix Fold 2 holds its ground in terms of performance, matching Samsung’s z-fold 4 in various aspects, including Wi-Fi download speeds and benchmark scores. This is no small feat, considering that the Mix Fold 2 boasts a slimmer profile and is more cost-effective compared to Samsung’s offering.

Powered by the top-end Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip and 12GB of RAM, the Mix Fold 2 handles multitasking and high-demand applications with ease. Gaming on the device is a delight, as the expansive screen offers a more immersive experience, despite some minor heating issues under heavy loads.

Software: MIUI Fold’s Potential

Xiaomi’s foldable-specific software skin, MIUI Fold, enhances the user experience, taking advantage of the extra screen space. The home screen allows for quick app access, and the floating window feature enables multitasking with ease.

While MIUI Fold still has room for improvement compared to Samsung’s refined software, it provides ample tools and features that justify choosing a foldable over a conventional flagship device.

Minor Quirks and Compatibility Concerns

The Mix Fold 2 has a few quirks worth mentioning, such as limitations with Google apps, which may be attributed to regional restrictions. Additionally, the phone lacks stylus compatibility and water resistance ratings, which could be deal-breakers for some users.

Cameras and Battery: A Mixed Bag

The Mix Fold 2 boasts a capable 50-megapixel main sensor that captures reliable and natural photos in various lighting conditions. However, the ultrawide and zoom cameras suffer from performance limitations due to design constraints. The device’s thin form factor hinders its ability to deliver powerful speakers, resulting in slightly underwhelming sound quality.

Conclusion: The Foldable Dilemma

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 is undeniably an impressive foldable device, challenging Samsung’s dominance with its slim form factor, appealing design, and competitive performance. However, the foldable form factor, with its dual screens and redundant cameras, still poses some inherent inefficiencies, making it less practical and cost-effective compared to traditional flagship smartphones.

For enthusiasts who understand and appreciate the unique advantages of foldable devices, the Mix Fold 2 might be an excellent choice. However, for the majority of users seeking a more efficient and affordable smartphone, traditional flagships may still be the better option. As the foldable market continues to evolve, future iterations might address these limitations, making foldable smartphones a more compelling choice for a broader audience.

Overall, the Mix Fold 2 is a promising step towards a more mature foldable smartphone market, but it might not be the ultimate Samsung killer just yet.

Joan Martínez
I'm a Tech. passionate. I do follow all the brand's new products... discussing them, and analyzing them, Sometimes, I thank, and sometimes I criticize some feature or all the feature. I'm here to give a fully unbiased review, not to sell something to anyone, or for anyone.

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