The foldable smartphone war has taken a surprising turn with Xiaomi unveiling its Mix Fold 3. With Samsung’s Z Fold 5 making waves, Xiaomi refuses to be left behind, showcasing innovative technologies and collaborations, notably with the legendary camera company, Leica.
Leica Cameras: Elevating Smartphone Photography
One of the most talked-about features of the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is its collaboration with Leica. This prestigious partnership has endowed the Mix Fold 3 with four Leica lenses, spanning focal lengths of 15, 23, 75, and 115mm. These are further complemented by filters and portrait effects borrowed from the Mi 13 series.
Here’s a more detailed look at its camera arsenal:
Wide-angle: Boasting a Sony 50MP IMX800 photosensitive element, it features an f/1.77 aperture equivalent to 23mm. It also supports SMA OIS optical anti-shake, PD focusing, and incorporates an ultra-high-transparency glass lens.
Super wide-angle: This 12MP lens offers a 120-degree field of view with an f/2.2 aperture.
Telephoto: A 10MP 3.2x/5x dual lens, equivalent to 75/115mm, comes with an aperture of f/2.0 and f/2.92. It also supports OIS optical anti-shake.
The hardware specifications of the Mix Fold 3 include the Qualcomm S8 Gen 2 processor, choices between 12/16GB LPDDR5X RAM, storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB UFS4.0, and a robust 4,800mAh battery.
Hinge Innovation
Xiaomi has crafted a brand-new hinge for the Mix Fold 3, using 198 components that optimize design by taking up 17% less internal space.
The hinge features a 3-element structure, 14 micro-hinges. This design not only fortifies the hinge against impacts but also accommodates 198 hinge parts. With materials such as the 1800MPa steel plate and high wear-resistant carbon ceramic steel, the hinge promises enhanced longevity.
Additionally, you can prop the Mix Fold 3 like a mini laptop, thanks to its hinge’s 45°- 135° hover opening feature.
When it comes to dimensions:
Folded: The Mix Fold 3 boasts a thickness of just 10.86mm.
Unfolded: The device impressively slim down to 5.26mm.
The hinge’s thinness hasn’t been the only focal point of improvements. With the Mix Fold 3, users will notice a hinge volume reduced by 12.5% when folded and 8.6% when unfolded. Additionally, the hinge width and area have been trimmed down by 8% and 17% respectively.
And for those concerned about durability, the keel shaft has undergone rigorous testing. It’s not only achieved the folding certification from TÜV Rheinland, ensuring it can endure up to 500,000 open-close cycles, but also offers a flexible angle range from 45 to 135 degrees.
Design and Display Highlights
When unfolded, the Mix Fold 3 reveals a 6.56-inch FHD+ AMOLED E6 panel. This dynamic screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate and has an astounding 8,000,000:1 contrast ratio. Moreover, it boasts 1,300nits brightness and peak brightness of 2,600nits. And for an immersive viewing experience, it also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
A standout feature is the UTG ultra-thin foldable glass used in the inner screen. Despite its mere 0.03mm thickness, it’s 2.25 times stronger.
Lastly, the Mix Fold 3 will be available in three distinct colors. It employs an integrated ceramic plate design with a symmetrical four main lens module. The back of the device flaunts designs like the Xingyao Gold with AG matte glass, the Moon Shadow Black that simulates leather texture, and the unique Longlin fiber version combining ceramic fiber and aramid fiber materials.
What to Expect!
Xiaomi’s Mix Fold 3 isn’t merely another foldable device on the market. With its groundbreaking hinge technology and a formidable partnership with Leica, it’s setting a new standard in smartphone innovation. Whether you’re an avid photographer or a tech enthusiast, the Mix Fold 3 demands your attention.
Xiaomi is set to officially launch the MIX Fold3 in China on August 16. The base model with 12+256GB starts at 8,999 yuan, roughly USD 1,250, while the top-tier 16+1TB model has a price tag of 10,999 yuan, approximately $1,500.
