In an era where smartphones are becoming increasingly powerful, the challenge lies not just in adding more features but in refining the form factor. Xiaomi’s Mix Fold 4 is an attempt to redefine the foldable phone market by offering a device that’s not only feature-rich but also remarkably thin.
The Mix Fold 4 is marketed as a premium device, and with its less than 5mm thick body, it stands out as one of the thinnest foldable phones available. But does it offer enough to justify its premium price tag? Let’s dive in and find out.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 is nothing short of a masterpiece. The first thing that strikes you is its slimness. At less than 5mm thick when unfolded, it’s a marvel of modern engineering. To put this into perspective, the phone’s USB-C port plug is thicker than the device itself. For those who appreciate sleek design, the Mix Fold 4 sets a new standard.
The phone’s carbon fiber version adds a textured finish to the hinge area, giving it a premium feel. This finish is not just about aesthetics; it provides a better grip, making the phone less slippery despite its thinness. However, the slim design has its drawbacks. The phone can be incredibly slippery, and the tightly-shot hinge and rounded frame require careful handling. If you’re not cautious, you might find yourself dropping the phone more often than you’d like.
Display
The Mix Fold 4 boasts two impressive displays. The outer screen is protected by Xiaomi’s latest Dragon Ceramic Guard Glass, ensuring it can withstand daily wear and tear. The inner and outer screens, though sourced from different manufacturers, offer a consistent visual experience.
The colors are vibrant, and the details are sharp. However, the crease on the inner screen is more noticeable than on some competitors’ devices. While this is a common issue with foldable phones, it’s something potential buyers should be aware of.
Despite the crease, the overall display quality is excellent. The screens are bright and clear, making them suitable for everything from browsing the web to watching videos. The top and bottom of the outer screen are also curved, adding to the phone’s sleek design.
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Performance and Gaming
Under the hood, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. This chipset is known for its high performance, but the phone’s ultra-thin design limits its ability to sustain peak performance during intensive tasks. Benchmark scores are slightly lower than those of thicker devices with the same processor, which is understandable given the design constraints.
For everyday tasks, the Mix Fold 4 performs admirably. Apps open quickly, and multitasking is smooth. However, when it comes to gaming, the phone struggles a bit. The Mix Fold 4 tends to heat up quickly, which can affect performance. This is particularly noticeable during extended gaming sessions. The device’s thin profile doesn’t allow for efficient heat dissipation, leading to throttling and lower frame rates.
That said, for casual gamers, the performance is still acceptable. Light to moderate gaming runs smoothly, but if you’re a heavy gamer, this might not be the ideal device for you. The quick recovery of gaming frame rates when cooled down is a plus, but the need for external cooling accessories like phone coolers to maintain performance is not ideal for a premium device.
Camera System
One of the standout features of the Mix Fold 4 is its camera system. Equipped with four cameras, it offers a versatile photography experience. However, there have been some changes compared to its predecessor, the Mix Fold 3. The 3.2x telephoto lens has been replaced with a 2x standard lens. While this reduces the focal length coverage, the image quality has seen an improvement.
The 2x lens supports in-sensor zoom, allowing for up to 4x zoom without significant loss of clarity in good lighting conditions. However, the lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) can result in blurry photos in low-light environments. This is a notable drawback, as even an expert photographer might struggle to get clear shots in challenging lighting.
The other three cameras perform exceptionally well. The images are natural-looking with minimal post-processing. Colors are less saturated compared to some competitors, giving photos a more authentic look. Users can choose between Leica’s authentic and vibrant modes based on their preference. The macro zoom feature is particularly impressive, allowing for detailed close-up shots in the right conditions.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a critical factor for any smartphone, and the Mix Fold 4 doesn’t disappoint. It features a larger battery than its predecessor, the Mix Fold 3, which translates to slightly better battery life. However, heavy users, especially those who frequently use the inner screen, may still find themselves charging the phone twice a day.
The phone supports 67W wired charging, the same as the Mix Fold 3. Given the larger battery, charging times are slightly longer, but still quite fast by industry standards. The addition of wireless charging adds to the convenience, making it easier to keep the phone topped up throughout the day.
Additional Features
The Mix Fold 4 comes with a host of additional features that enhance its overall functionality. It includes an IR emitter, NFC, and side fingerprint recognition. The USB specs remain the same as the Mix Fold 3, supporting USB 3.2 Gen 1. These features ensure the phone meets the expectations of tech-savvy users.
However, the slim design has led to some compromises. The camera module protrudes significantly, making the phone wobble when placed on a flat surface. The dual speakers, while offering good sound quality, are positioned in such a way that one is often blocked when holding the phone, which can be annoying during media consumption.
Software and User Experience
The software experience on the Mix Fold 4 is largely positive, but not without its flaws. Xiaomi’s MIUI has come a long way, offering a smooth and customizable user interface. However, the software optimization for the foldable display could use some improvement. There are still a few apps that don’t fully utilize the large inner screen, which can be frustrating.
Multitasking is one of the highlights of foldable phones, and the Mix Fold 4 handles it well. The ability to run multiple apps side by side is a boon for productivity. However, the lack of optimization in some apps means the experience isn’t always seamless. Xiaomi has made strides in improving this with software updates, but there’s still room for improvement.
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Conclusion
The Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 is a testament to Xiaomi’s commitment to innovation and design excellence. Its ultra-thin profile sets a new standard in the foldable phone market, making it a standout device. The premium build quality, impressive display, and versatile camera system make it an attractive option for those looking for a high-end foldable phone.
However, the Mix Fold 4 is not without its compromises. The performance, while adequate for most tasks, falls short during intensive gaming sessions. The lack of optical image stabilization in the 2x camera lens can be a drawback for photography enthusiasts. The software experience, though improved, still has some rough edges, particularly in app optimization for the foldable display.
Despite these shortcomings, the Mix Fold 4 remains a compelling choice. Its design and build quality are unparalleled, and it offers a unique blend of features that few other phones can match. If you prioritize aesthetics, portability, and a versatile camera system, the Mix Fold 4 is worth considering.
In conclusion, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 is a great foldable phone that offers a unique blend of design and functionality. It may not be a significant leap forward from the Mix Fold 3, but the incremental improvements and retained features make it a solid choice for those looking for a premium, yet relatively affordable, foldable phone.
Its target audience is clear: people who care about weight, thickness, and a premium design will find the Mix Fold 4 highly appealing. With its price remaining stable, it continues to offer good value for most consumers.
Final Thoughts
The Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 is a device that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in smartphone design. Its ultra-thin profile is a remarkable achievement, and it offers a solid set of features that make it a compelling choice in the foldable phone market. While it’s not perfect, and there are areas that could be improved, it’s a testament to Xiaomi’s commitment to innovation and design excellence.
If you’re in the market for a foldable phone and value design, portability, and a versatile camera system, the Mix Fold 4 should be at the top of your list. It’s a device that offers a unique blend of features that few other phones can match, making it a standout choice in the crowded smartphone market.
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