Xiaomi’s Foldable Showdown: Mix Fold 4 & Mix Flip vs Mix Fold 3 – Does Xiaomi’s New Foldables Crush Last Year’s Champ?

Xiaomi’s latest foldable duo – the Mix Fold 4 and Mix Flip – enter the scene as the company’s most advanced foldable phones yet, going head-to-head with both their predecessor (the Mix Fold 3 from 2023) and rival devices from Samsung, Honor, Huawei, Oppo, and more. The Mix Fold 4 refines Xiaomi’s tablet-style folding phone formula with a thinner, lighter build, upgraded internals, and an improved camera system, while the Mix Flip is Xiaomi’s first clamshell-style foldable aiming to challenge Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series. Meanwhile, last year’s Mix Fold 3 was already a high-end contender, packing a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and quad-camera setup at a competitive price point notebookcheck.net. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll examine specifications, design differences, performance, software (MIUI vs HyperOS), cameras, battery life, pricing, and availability for these devices. We’ll also highlight expert opinions and see how the new Mix Fold 4 and Mix Flip stack up against the older Mix Fold 3 – and whether the Fold 3 still offers good value in 2025.

To start, here’s a quick specs overview of the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4, Mix Flip, and Mix Fold 3:

Note: The Mix Fold 4 and Mix Fold 3 are officially sold only in China (no global launch), whereas the Mix Flip received an international release in late 2024 in select markets (UK/Europe, but not the US). All three phones use Leica co-engineered camera systems and premium foldable AMOLED displays. The new Mix Fold 4 and Mix Flip run Xiaomi’s latest HyperOS software, while the Fold 3 launched with MIUI (Xiaomi’s older Android skin). Below, we delve into each aspect in detail.

Xiaomi’s Mix Fold 4 opened up, showcasing its nearly 8-inch inner display and the new HyperOS interface. The Fold 4 is one of the thinnest book-style foldables ever at just 4.6 mm unfolded (9.5 mm folded).

Design & Build Quality

Mix Fold 4 vs Mix Fold 3 (Design): Xiaomi made significant design refinements in the Mix Fold 4 compared to the Fold 3. The Fold 4’s chassis is much thinner and lighter – only 9.47 mm thick when closed (4.6 mm open) and 226 g, versus ~11 mm closed (5.3 mm open) and 255 g on the Fold 3. In fact, at launch the Mix Fold 4 was “one of the thinnest… foldable phones, at 9.47 mm when closed”, achieved via an “all-carbon” fiber hinge design for weight reduction. The Fold 4’s build feels more polished – sleeker, lighter, and with improved durability. Notably, Xiaomi added an official IPX8 water-resistance rating on the Mix Fold 4, a first for Xiaomi foldables (matching Samsung’s waterproof Fold series). The older Fold 3 has no water/dust proofing and relied on a standard hinge; Xiaomi calls the Fold 3’s lack of ingress protection a minor “cosmetic flaw” in an otherwise excellent device. Both generations use premium materials (aluminum frames, Gorilla glass or “Xiaomi Dragon Shield” glass on the outside, and ultra-thin glass layers internally). The Mix Fold 4 comes in multiple finishes (Black, White, Blue, etc.), including a carbon-fiber textured edition, while the Fold 3 offered colors like Gold or a Kevlar-like “Dragon Scale Fiber” edition.

Mix Flip (Design): The Mix Flip adopts a completely different clamshell flip design, targeting portability and style. Folded, it’s a compact square with a 4.01-inch cover display that nearly covers one half of the shell and wraps around the dual camera lenses. Its “pillowed” glass back and polished metal hinge give it a distinctive look separate from the Mix Fold series. At ~7.6 mm thin when open and 15.99 mm when closed, the Mix Flip is slightly thicker than Samsung’s latest Z Flip when folded, but “the differences are negligible in everyday use”. Build quality is excellent – the Flip’s hinge is sturdy and functional between 45°–120° for flex mode use, and Xiaomi advertises up to 500,000 folds durability on the ultra-thin glass display with a barely noticeable crease. However, unlike the Fold 4, the Mix Flip lacks full water resistance (no IP68 rating); it is only IP54-rated for dust/splash resistance – “using the flip during rainfall shouldn’t cause problems” but you shouldn’t submerge it. This is similar to other first-gen flip phones. On the plus side, the Xiaomi Shield (Longjing) glass and matte finish on the Flip’s exterior make it resistant to fingerprints and scratches. Overall, Xiaomi’s first flip phone “nails the fundamentals” of clamshell design, delivering a high-quality, premium feel in hand.

Hinge and Folding Mechanism: Both the Fold and Flip use Xiaomi’s refined multi-link hinge designs. The Mix Fold 4’s hinge is lighter (carbon fiber components) yet robust, contributing to the device’s slim profile. The Mix Flip’s hinge is tuned for smooth one-handed flipping and can stay partially open for flex-mode selfies or video calls. Reviewers note the crease is less visible to touch and sight on Xiaomi’s foldables – “hardly noticeable” on the Mix Flip’s inner screen, and reduced on the Fold 4 compared to prior gens. Neither device has an obvious design weakness; Xiaomi’s build quality has matured – “they’ve gotten pretty good at making foldables” by now. The only design trade-offs are the Flip’s missing wireless charging and full waterproofing (addressed in the next generation), and the Fold 4’s continued lack of dust resistance (it’s waterproof but not dust-proof).

Display & Multimedia

Inner Displays: The Mix Fold 4 features a 7.98-inch flexible AMOLED main screen (internal tablet display) with a near-square aspect (≈10.3:9) and high resolution of 2488×2224 (418 ppi). This is a slight change from the Fold 3’s 8.03-inch 2160×1916 panel (360 ppi) – the Fold 4’s screen is a tad smaller but significantly sharper and brighter. Both are LTPO OLED panels supporting 1–120 Hz adaptive refresh and HDR10+/Dolby Vision. Xiaomi improved peak brightness to 3000 nits on the Fold 4 (vs ~2600 nits on Fold 3), making it one of the brightest foldable displays. Reviewers praised the Fold 4’s large screen: Tom’s Guide highlighted its “solid… display” as a strong point, and South China Morning Post noted the “positively stunning” visual experience (even if not a new innovation in the market). The Fold 4’s inner display is protected by improved ultra-thin glass and a new support layer, reducing the crease visibility and increasing durability. On the Fold 3, the inner screen was already impressive (Xiaomi used a polarizer-free “Pol-less” OLED to boost brightness), but it had a more pronounced crease and slightly lower anti-reflection quality, according to some user feedback.

The Mix Flip’s 6.86-inch inner display is tall and narrow (21.4:9 ratio, 2912×1224, ~426 ppi) – essentially a full-size phone screen when open. It too is a 120 Hz LTPO AMOLED and can get extremely bright (up to 3000+ nits peak, as reported). Color and clarity are excellent on all these panels. TechRadar noted the Flip’s “killer main display” works beautifully in concert with the cover screen. Both the Fold and Flip support stereo speakers (tuned with Dolby Atmos) for media, and neither has a 3.5 mm jack.

Cover Displays: One highlight of the Mix Flip is its expansive 4.01-inch cover display – an almost square external touchscreen with 1392×1208 resolution. This is one of the largest cover screens on any flip phone (similar to Motorola’s Razr+ 2023). It “covers nearly the entire surface” of the Flip’s front, encircling the camera lenses, and supports full functionality: interactive widgets, notifications, quick setting controls, and even running over 500 apps in miniature form on the outside. Xiaomi even includes playful animated wallpapers (pets) and customization for this outer screen. In practical use, the large cover display means you can reply to messages, view cameras, use navigation, etc., without unfolding the phone – a big convenience. By contrast, Samsung’s older Z Flip models had tiny cover screens; the new Z Flip 6/7 moved to larger ones, and Xiaomi matches that trend. The Mix Fold 4’s external display is a tall 6.56-inch AMOLED (2520×1080, 21:9) – essentially a standard phone front screen, just like the Fold 3’s was. Xiaomi didn’t change this much from Fold 3 to 4 (same size and resolution, though Fold 4’s is marginally taller at 6.56″ vs 6.52″ and has LTPO 1–120Hz support). Samsung’s Galaxy Fold series historically had a narrower cover screen (e.g. 6.2″ 23.1:9 on Fold 5), so Xiaomi’s 6.56″ 21:9 display is more usable – as one user pointed out, the Mix Fold outer screen has “full width…like any regular smartphone, more usable” than narrower competitors. On the new Samsung Fold 7, Samsung finally adopted a similar ~6.5″ 21:9 cover screen for better usability. In sum, the Fold 4 and Fold 3’s cover displays are excellent for one-handed use, and the Flip’s outer screen is class-leading among clamshells.

User Experience: Using these displays side by side, the Mix Fold 4 provides an almost tablet-like 8″ canvas – great for multitasking, split-screen apps, reading, and media. The Mix Fold 3 offers a similar experience, though its slightly lower PPI means text and images aren’t quite as razor-sharp as on the Fold 4 (418 ppi vs 360 ppi is noticeable on fine details). The Mix Flip, while much smaller when open, still has a large enough 6.9″ class screen to comfortably browse and type. All three have high-quality displays with vibrant colors (10-bit color, HDR support). If you want a big-screen pocket tablet, the Fold models deliver far more screen real estate. If you prefer a compact phone that can fold in half, the Mix Flip targets that audience.

Displays Verdict: The Mix Fold 4 arguably has the best overall display setup – its inner screen is brighter and higher resolution than the Fold 3’s, and it now matches Samsung’s best for thinness and durability. The Mix Flip’s innovative cover screen gives it an edge in the clamshell category (as TechRadar put it, the Flip “nails the fundamentals” with its “expansive cover display” and “beautiful” inner display). The older Mix Fold 3’s screens are still excellent in 2025, but slightly overshadowed by the refinements in the Fold 4. Unless you compare side by side, however, the Fold 3’s 8.03″ 120Hz OLED will still impress – and it remains one of the thinnest, most expansive folding displays on a smartphone in its own right (only 2024–25 successors like Honor Magic V3 and Oppo Find N5 have pushed thinness further).

Performance & Software

All three devices are performance powerhouses, though the two newer models step things up with Qualcomm’s latest chipset:

• Mix Fold 4 & Mix Flip – Snapdragon 8 Gen 3: Both 2024 Xiaomi foldables are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Qualcomm’s flagship 4 nm SoC for late 2023/2024). This chip features a 1× Cortex-X4 prime core up to 3.3 GHz, 5× performance cores, and Adreno 750 GPU. It delivers a substantial leap in performance over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Fold 3 – roughly ~20–30% faster CPU and ~25% faster GPU in benchmarks. In fact, in AnTuTu scores the Mix Fold 4 was measured around 1.72 million vs ~1.22 million for a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 device (Galaxy Z Fold 4), highlighting a huge gain. In everyday use, the Fold 4 and Mix Flip feel snappy and smooth. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is seamless (aided by 12–16 GB of fast LPDDR5X RAM), and these phones can handle anything from 3D gaming to desktop-grade productivity. NotebookCheck noted the Mix Fold 4 with SD8 Gen 3 “doesn’t have to hide from a Galaxy Z Fold 6” in performance. The Mix Flip, with the same chip, is “top-tier” in performance as well – however, due to its smaller size, sustained heavy workloads can lead to thermal throttling on the Flip. TechRadar observed that in the Mix Flip, “the phone’s form factor hinders prolonged performance, from a thermal perspective” – meaning during extended gaming or 4K video recording, the Flip might slow down quicker as it can’t dissipate heat as well as the larger Fold. Still, for short bursts and typical daily tasks, the Flip zips through with flagship speed.
• Mix Fold 3 – Snapdragon 8 Gen 2: The 2023 Fold 3 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (Leading Version), which was Qualcomm’s top chip of 2022/early-2023. Xiaomi even used the higher-clocked variant (3.36 GHz prime core) that Samsung had in the Galaxy S23 series. This means the Fold 3 was no slouch – it “clearly belongs to the high-end class” in performance. In fact, the Mix Fold 3 outperformed Google’s Pixel Fold and went toe-to-toe with Samsung’s Z Fold 5 in speed notebookcheck.net. Day-to-day usage on the Fold 3 is still smooth in 2025; any modern app or game runs fine. Only when compared to the Gen 3 devices do you notice that the Fold 3’s CPU and GPU are a generation behind (for example, complex 3D games might get moderately higher fps on the Fold 4, and heavy multitasking or AI features run faster on Gen 3). But practically, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is still extremely powerful, and the Fold 3’s 12–16 GB RAM ensures it can keep many apps in memory without reloads. Thermal management was a challenge in some foldables with SD8 Gen 2, but Xiaomi’s design kept the Fold 3 relatively cool – though under very heavy load, it could trigger overheating warnings in benchmarks (as NotebookCheck reported). The newer Fold 4 likely improves on this thanks to the more efficient Gen 3 and better cooling.

Software – MIUI vs HyperOS: A key difference is the software environment. The Mix Fold 3 launched with MIUI Fold 14 on Android 13 – Xiaomi’s foldable-optimized version of MIUI. It includes multi-window support, a taskbar, and various enhancements for the big screen. However, MIUI has been criticized for bloatware and ads in the system, especially on China ROMs. For 2024, Xiaomi introduced HyperOS, a brand-new Android-based OS aimed at streamlining and unifying their software across devices. Both the Mix Fold 4 and Mix Flip run HyperOS 1.0 (on Android 14) out of the box. HyperOS is leaner than MIUI and promises better performance and less clutter. In practice, reviewers found it an improvement but not a complete overhaul – “HyperOS is leaner than its predecessor, MIUI, but [it] still hosts occasionally confusing and restrictive UX paradigms, with app bloat and baked-in ads”. In other words, Xiaomi reduced some bloat, yet some spammy notifications or pre-installed apps remain, and a learning curve exists for Western users (especially on China ROMs where services like Google Play aren’t native). The Mix Flip’s software was dinged for these reasons by TechRadar: “a shame, especially for a phone at this price”. On the positive side, HyperOS brings new features like improved multitasking UI, better continuity when moving apps between screens, and integration with Xiaomi’s ecosystem (e.g. casting phone screen to Xiaomi tablets/TVs, linking to Xiaomi smart home devices, etc.).

The Mix Fold 4 (China ROM) and Mix Fold 3 (China ROM) both require some tweaks for global users – since they weren’t released internationally, their software may lack Google Mobile Services out of the box (though one can install the Play Store manually). The Mix Flip’s global version comes with Google services. Xiaomi typically provides at least 2–3 Android version updates for flagships (the company has promised up to 3 years of Android + 5 years security on some phones recently). All these models should see updates through at least Android 16 (for Fold 4/Flip) and Android 15 for Fold 3, but they trail Samsung’s foldables which offer 4 years of OS updates.

AI and Special Features: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform enables new AI features on the Mix Fold 4 and Flip. Xiaomi touts things like on-device image editing, real-time translation, and Google’s Gemini AI (likely referring to future AI assistant features) built-in. The Mix Flip, for example, includes “Circle to Search” (an AI visual search tool) and other AI-enhanced camera tricks. Samsung similarly added AI features in the Fold 7 (e.g. generative photo editing). These are nice-to-haves that the older Fold 3 doesn’t fully get. However, core functionality – like split-screen multitasking, floating windows, using the foldable as a mini laptop with half-screen keyboard, etc. – are present on all three devices.

In summary, performance is stellar across the board. The Mix Fold 4 and Mix Flip have the edge with newer silicon: they feel a bit more “future-proof” and handle the most demanding tasks slightly better. The Mix Fold 3 is still very fast – unless you push it with intense multitasking or compare side by side, you might not notice a difference for typical use. Software-wise, Xiaomi’s new HyperOS on the Fold 4/Flip indicates the company’s commitment to improving user experience, but it still has some quirks (especially for non-Chinese users, due to Xiaomi’s ecosystem services and ads). The Fold 3 on MIUI was functional and feature-rich, but also carried those MIUI quirks and bloat. One potential benefit of Fold 3 being a year older is the community support – enthusiasts have had time to develop Google Play workarounds, custom launchers, etc., to optimize the experience if you import that device.

Camera Systems

Xiaomi partnered with Leica to co-engineer the camera systems on all these foldables, focusing on delivering versatile lenses and advanced image processing. Let’s break down the setups:

• Mix Fold 4: It boasts a quad-camera array on the rear, earning the “Leica Summilux” branding. This includes a 50 MP main camera (f/1.7, 1/1.49″ sensor with OIS), a 50 MP 2× telephoto lens (for portraits and mid-range zoom, also with OIS), a 10 MP 5× periscope telephoto (115 mm equivalent, OIS for long zoom), and a 12 MP ultra-wide (120° FoV). This is an extremely comprehensive setup – essentially two telephoto lenses for 2× and 5× optical zoom. Xiaomi uniquely provides “dual telephoto, dual macro” capability with these lenses (the telephotos can focus close for macro shots as well). For selfies, the Fold 4 has dual 16 MP cameras – one on the outer display and one on the inner screen (punch-hole in the top corner). The Fold 4 can also use the rear cameras for high-quality selfies by unfolding the phone and using the cover display as a viewfinder. Video recording goes up to 8K@24 fpsand 4K@60 (with HDR available in some modes).
• Mix Fold 3: The Fold 3 also has a Leica quad-camera system: a 50 MP main (Leica Vario Summicron, Sony IMX800 sensor, f/1.8, OIS), a 10 MP 3.2× telephoto (75 mm portrait lens, f/2.0), a 10 MP 5× periscope tele (115 mm, f/2.9, OIS), and a 12 MP ultra-wide (f/2.2, 120°) notebookcheck.net. Notably, the Fold 3 introduced the dual-telephoto idea for Xiaomi – “instead of a triple camera, there is now a quad camera setup with two telephoto lenses… developed with Leica”. The main sensor was already high-end (the IMX800, 54 MP quad-bayer), although slightly smaller than some competitors (for instance, Vivo and Honor used 1-inch sensors in their 2023 flagships, but foldable constraints limit sensor size). Still, image quality from the Fold 3’s main camera was strong – NotebookCheck found the Fold 3’s 50 MP photos “very good, with high contrast and sharpness”, noting it as a strong main camera overall. The Fold 3’s weakness was the ultra-wide and, to an extent, the image processing of secondary lenses – the 12 MP ultra-wide was just average, producing “solid but slightly pale”photos notebookcheck.net, and while the dual telephotos took “high-contrast and sharp” zoom photos up to 5×, digital zoom beyond that (up to 50×) wasn’t very usable. Selfie-wise, the Fold 3 doubled the cameras: it has a 20 MP front on the cover and another 20 MP inside (Xiaomi actually added the inner selfie cam on Fold 3, as the Fold 2 lacked one). This brought the total camera count to 6 on the Fold 3 (4 rear + 2 front) – a spec Xiaomi touted, though the inner selfie was a smaller sensor and only adequate for video calls. Video on Fold 3 tops out at 4K@60; it lacked 8K due to the older ISP.
• Mix Flip: The Mix Flip, being a smaller device, has only two rear cameras, but Xiaomi still gave it a Leica setup focusing on primary and telephoto. It packs a 50 MP main camera (1/1.55″ sensor, f/1.7, OIS, branded “Light Hunter 800”) and a 50 MP 2× telephoto (47 mm, f/2.0). Interestingly, there is no dedicated ultra-wide lens on the Mix Flip – a departure from most flip-style phones which usually have a main + ultra-wide combo. Xiaomi instead opted for a telephoto to improve zoom and portraits, banking that users might prefer that over wide-angle on a flip phone. For selfies, the Flip has a high-res 32 MP front camera in the inner display. However, you can also use the rear cameras for selfies thanks to the large cover screen acting as a preview – giving you the best quality selfies with the 50 MP main lens. The Flip supports up to 8K video as well (24 fps) and 4K@60, similar to Fold 4.

Image Quality & Expert Opinions: All three devices benefit from Xiaomi’s Leica-tuned image processing, which emphasizes vibrant yet natural colors and offers Leica-specific filters (Leica Authentic vs Vibrant modes).

• The Mix Fold 4’s camera performance received mixed feedback. On one hand, it’s a very versatile setup on paper. In practice, Tom’s Guide found the Fold 4’s cameras a bit disappointing relative to expectations, saying the Fold 4 was “solid” overall but “its camera was disappointing” compared to top camera-centric phones. The main camera produces excellent shots in good light – “photos look really good – especially for a foldable phone” with reliable focus and fine detail, NotebookCheck noted. Low-light performance was also commendable (well-lit subjects without overblown light sources). The weakness seemed to be that edges of images can be soft and Xiaomi’s exposure tuning wasn’t always optimal, plus the camera hardware, while great, isn’t a huge leap over competitors (no giant 1″ sensor or ultra-high megapixel). The Fold 4’s dual tele lenses actually give it an advantage in zoom flexibility – reviewers noted the zoom quality outclasses that of the Mix Flip or even Samsung’s foldables that have only a single 3× lens. “The Mix Fold 4’s zoom qualities are much better than those of the Mix Flip”thanks to its 5× periscope reaching farther. Up to 10× hybrid zoom, Fold 4 images remain quite detailed (it also offers up to 50× digital, but that’s more of a gimmick) notebookcheck.net. The Fold 4’s ultra-wide is decent but not exceptional (some chromatic aberration and modest sharpness). Overall, the Fold 4 has a very strong and well-rounded camera system, but it doesn’t outright beat the best slab flagship cameras – it’s more on par with other foldables. The South China Morning Post’s review of Mix Fold 4 praised the cameras as “great, but not innovations compared to existing foldables”.
• The Mix Fold 3’s cameras were a notable step up from Fold 2. Xiaomi adding the inner selfie and a second telephoto addressed prior complaints. Experts like NotebookCheck concluded that Xiaomi “has really gone the extra mile” with Fold 3’s cameras, upgrading the quality and quantity. They highlighted that the Fold 3’s main 50 MP IMX800 sensor produced very good images (improved over Mix Fold 2’s IMX766). The presence of 5× optical zoom gave it capabilities Samsung’s Z Fold 5 lacked (Fold 5 was limited to 3×). Indeed, the Mix Fold 3 was considered one of 2023’s best camera foldables, though still a notch below the absolute best camera phones. One weakness was ultra-wide as mentioned, and another was consistency – color tuning could differ slightly between lenses. But having a proper portrait lens (75 mm) and a periscope made the Fold 3 versatile. In DXOMark’s camera ranking, Mix Fold 3 didn’t top the charts, but user feedback often noted it was “good enough that the camera is not a reason to avoid it”. Given that foldables often compromise on cameras (due to size constraints), Xiaomi’s approach to stuff flagship-grade optics in the Fold 3 (and Fold 4) is commendable.
• The Mix Flip’s camera is arguably the best in the flip-phone category right now. TechRadar’s review stated “Xiaomi’s famed image processing holds up what is, underneath, modest camera hardware”, and thanks to Leica tuning “you’ve got arguably the best clamshell camera phone currently on the market”. That’s high praise considering it competes with the Galaxy Z Flip and Motorola Razr. The Flip’s main camera with OIS and a large sensor gives excellent shots in daylight and solid low-light performance for a flip. The choice of a 50 MP 2× telephoto means you can take optically zoomed portraits – something Samsung’s Z Flip (with only digital zoom on its 12 MP main) struggles with. However, the Flip’s camera system isn’t perfect: TechRadar did note “room to improve in terms of detail and clarity” – likely pointing out that at 50 MP full resolution or in certain challenging scenes, the results aren’t as crisp as top flagship phones (the smaller lens elements in a flip form factor can limit light intake). Also, missing an ultrawide lens means the Flip can’t capture GoPro-like wide shots – a conscious trade-off by Xiaomi. Still, given the flip category typically compromises on cameras, the Mix Flip stands out for prioritizing photography (even at the expense of an ultrawide). It also inherits Xiaomi’s excellent camera app features and Leica color modes, which many enthusiasts enjoy.

Video and Other Features: All three phones stabilize video via OIS + EIS well. The Fold 4 and Flip, with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3’s newer ISP, handle 8K video recording – a spec Samsung only just added to its Fold 5/6 series at limited fps. For most, 4K@60 or 1080p is more practical. Xiaomi also includes a host of creative modes (e.g. VLOG mode, long exposure, super moon mode, etc., in their camera app). The Mix Flip’s ability to act as its own tripod (half folded on a surface to record) and use the cover screen as a monitor makes it great for vlogging or group photos – similar to how Galaxy Z Flip can be used. The Fold devices can do something analogous (e.g. propping the half-folded device in “laptop mode” to take hands-free shots with the rear cameras using the cover screen preview).

Verdict on Cameras: The Mix Fold 4 has the most powerful camera array on paper, and it indeed produces fantastic shots across all focal lengths – it’s the Xiaomi foldable to pick if camera flexibility is top priority (50 MP quality at 0.6× ultra-wide, 1×, 2×, and 5× zoom). However, its advantage over the Mix Fold 3 is incremental: the Fold 3 already had a very similar setup, only differing in the 2× lens resolution (10 MP vs 50 MP) and some tuning improvements. Fold 3 owners still have a competitive camera system in 2025, though the Fold 4 refines it and addresses some edge cases (slightly better exposure and color consistency, faster Night mode thanks to the new ISP, etc.). The Mix Flip can’t quite match the Fold’s sheer versatility (no long zoom or wide-angle), but for a first-gen clamshell, it’s excellent – likely the best camera flip phone of its generation. In summary, Xiaomi didn’t cut corners on camera hardware for these foldables, and it shows. As a point of reference, Samsung’s 2023–2024 foldables (Z Fold 5/6) had only triple cameras (no periscope) and lower-megapixel sensors, which Xiaomi surpassed; by 2025, Samsung caught up by giving the Galaxy Z Fold 7 a 200 MP main camera and improved lenses, indicating how fierce the competition has become in this area.

Battery Life & Charging

All three Xiaomi foldables carry fairly large batteries, but the newer models push the capacity and charging speeds further:

• Mix Fold 4: It’s equipped with a 5,100 mAh battery (using a new silicon-carbon anode tech for higher density), which is one of the biggest among foldable phones. Despite the slim design, Xiaomi managed to increase capacity from the Fold 3’s 4,800 mAh. Battery life on the Mix Fold 4 is excellent for a foldable – reviewers report getting through a full day of heavy use comfortably, and often into a second day with moderate use. In a video streaming test, for instance, the Fold 4 drained only ~14% in an hour on the internal screen, suggesting ~7+ hours screen-on time on that huge display, which is impressive. PhoneArena’s measurements indicate it lasts slightly longer than the Galaxy Z Fold 4 did (23h22m vs 21h52m in their usage simulation). Xiaomi’s power management and the efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 contribute to this. Moreover, the Mix Fold 4 supports 67 W wired fast charging(USB-PD 3.0 and QC4 compatible) that fills the battery extremely quickly – about 31% in 10 minutes as Xiaomi claims, and a full 0–100% charge in roughly 40 minutes. This is dramatically faster than Samsung’s Fold (which maxes at 25 W and takes ~70-80 minutes for a full charge). As a bonus, the Fold 4 also supports 50 W wireless charging (and 10 W reverse wireless), meaning you can conveniently top up on a wireless pad at ~50% in 30 minutes speeds (given a compatible Xiaomi wireless charger). This is a rarity – most non-Samsung foldables skip wireless charging entirely, but Xiaomi included it. So the Fold 4 not only lasts long but also charges faster than almost any competitor (wired or wireless).
• Mix Flip: It has a 4,780 mAh battery, which is enormous for a flip-style foldable. By comparison, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6/7 has around 3,700 mAh, and even Motorola’s Razr+ (Razr 40 Ultra) is ~3,800 mAh. Xiaomi managed to pack nearly 1,000 mAh more into the Mix Flip, giving it a clear endurance advantage. Indeed, TechRadar found the Mix Flip easily delivers “all-day use, in spite of those demanding screens”. Flip phones typically struggle to last a full day, but the Mix Flip can, thanks to that 4,780 mAh cell and efficient 4 nm chipset. Like the Fold, the Flip supports 67 W wired charging, which can recharge it extremely fast – Xiaomi advertises under 40 minutes for 0–100%. One can get ~50% in 15–20 minutes of charging. However, the Flip does not support wireless charging (likely due to space constraints and cost-saving). This omission is common in clamshells – e.g., Oppo’s Find N2 Flip lacked wireless, though Samsung’s Z Flip has 15 W wireless charging. It’s a trade-off to be aware of: you’ll need to plug in to charge the Mix Flip, but the flip side is you get much faster wired charging than Samsung or Motorola offer. Overall battery longevity on the Flip is among the best of any flip phone to date.
• Mix Fold 3: It has a 4,800 mAh battery, which in 2023 was on par with other large foldables (Samsung Fold 5: 4,400 mAh, Honor Magic Vs: 5,000 mAh, etc.). The Fold 3 could generally last about a day of heavy use. Xiaomi’s software also lets you optimize power by using the cover screen for quick tasks (which uses less energy than lighting up the big inner screen). In NotebookCheck’s test, the Mix Fold 3 offered solid battery life and was praised for it – Tom’s Guide specifically noted the Fold 3’s “long battery life” as a pro. So, even though 4,800 mAh is slightly less than Fold 4’s pack, the Fold 3 isn’t far behind in real-world endurance. It also supports 67 W wired charging (same speed) and 50 W wireless like the Fold 4. Thus, the Fold 3 was actually one of the first foldables to have wireless charging (Samsung had it, but many Chinese foldables omitted it until recently). Charging the Fold 3 is as convenient as the Fold 4 – about 40 min wired to full, or ~60-70 min wireless with a proper stand. This remains a huge plus over, say, Google’s Pixel Fold which has no wireless, or older Huawei foldables with slower charging.

In summary, Xiaomi leads on battery and charging tech in the foldable arena. The Mix Fold 4 extended its lead with a bigger battery than before and record-fast charging, making it arguably the endurance champ among book-style foldables in 2024. The Mix Flip set a new standard for flip phones with its large battery – users no longer have to worry about a flip dying before day’s end, as often was the case with earlier flips. And the year-old Mix Fold 3 still holds its own, with battery life that was competitive and charging capabilities that are still better than many 2025 competitors. For example, Apple’s rumored foldable (if it comes) is expected to cost more and likely won’t charge nearly as fast, and even Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold 7 stuck with the same 4,400 mAh cell and slow 25 W charging, meaning Xiaomi retains an advantage here.

One caveat: with intensive use of the big inner screen, any foldable will drain faster. The Fold 4 and Fold 3 can act like mini-tablets, so if you’re navigating on the 8″ display with max brightness for hours, expect battery to drop quicker (though both phones intelligently scale refresh rate down to 1 Hz for static content to save power). The Mix Flip, with its smaller screen, naturally uses less power for similar tasks – so in some scenarios (continuous calling, messaging, etc.) the Flip could even outlast a Fold. But overall, all three devices should meet the needs of a full day’s normal usage, and Xiaomi’s fast charging means even a quick top-up is very effective if you’re running low.

Pricing, Value & Global Availability

When it comes to cost and availability, Xiaomi’s foldables have a somewhat limited official reach, but they often undercut rivals on a specs-to-price ratio (especially in China):

• Mix Fold 4: Launched at ¥8,999 (~$1,250) in China for the base 12+256GB model notebookcheck.net. Higher trims (512GB, 1TB) range up to around $1,520. These prices are relatively aggressive – roughly on par with what Samsung charges in the U.S. for a base model, but in China you’re getting 12GB RAM and a higher storage at that price. Importers have offered the Fold 4 around $1,300–$1,400 for the base version, which is still quite reasonable considering its hardware. However, Xiaomi did not release the Fold 4 globally. Unlike the Mix Flip, Xiaomi confirmed “no plans to launch the Mix Fold 4 on the international market”. So the only way to get it outside China is via third-party importers. This means no official warranty or support in most countries, and software will be the China ROM (which may require some tweaks for Google services). For enthusiasts, this is an acceptable route (TradingShenzhen, cited in reviews, is one popular retailer). But for the average consumer, the Fold 4 isn’t readily available. There have been rumors of a possible India launch in 2026 for Xiaomi’s foldable, but nothing concrete yet. So value-wise: if you’re in China or can import, the Mix Fold 4 is a fantastic value – you’re getting a cutting-edge foldable for around $1300, which undercuts Samsung’s equivalent (Galaxy Z Fold 6/7) by a few hundred dollars while offering more RAM/storage. But factoring the import hassle, its effective market is limited.
• Mix Flip: Xiaomi did release the Mix Flip internationally (a surprise move, as previous Mix Folds were China-only). After a short China exclusivity, it went on sale in Europe and the UK on Sept 26, 2024 techradar.com. Its official global price is £1,099 / €1,299 for the single 12+512GB configuration techradar.com. That roughly equals $1,350–$1,400 (though it’s not sold in the US). In China, the Mix Flip debuted around ¥7,999 (~$1,095), but with only the high spec available globally, Xiaomi priced it a bit above rivals. For comparison: the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (2024 model) started at $1,099 / £1,049 with 256GB, and Motorola Razr 40 Ultra (Razr+ 2023) was around £999. So Xiaomi’s Flip was slightly more expensive than Samsung for the base model, but Xiaomi gives you 512GB storage standard. In fact, as TechRadar noted, the 512GB Mix Flip costs about the same or less than a 512GB Galaxy Z Flip (Samsung charges a premium for the higher storage). In the UK, a 512GB Z Flip 6 was £1,149 – £50 more than Xiaomi’s Flip at £1,099. So from a value perspective, the Mix Flip offers more memory for the money. Motorola’s Razr 50 Ultra undercuts it by £100 in the UK, but that Razr uses a slightly lower-tier Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 chip and promises fewer software updates, which somewhat explains the price difference. Overall, the Mix Flip is positioned as a premium-priced flip but one that justifies it with top specs (Gen 3 chip, more storage, bigger battery). The main drawback in availability is that Xiaomi’s international presence is still limited – it officially doesn’t operate in North America or Australia, for instance, so even though it’s a “global” launch, many regions like the US have no direct access. Those users again must import (which is possible from European or Asian sellers).
• Mix Fold 3: Released at ¥8,999 in Aug 2023 for 12+256GB (going up to ~¥10,999 for 16GB+1TB). That was about US$1,300–$1,500, very close to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 price at the time notebookcheck.net. Xiaomi deliberately priced it at parity or slightly lower than Samsung, despite Samsung’s foldable enjoying a near-monopoly in many markets. Because the Fold 3 never launched globally, most buyers were enthusiasts who imported it. By now (late 2024/2025), the Mix Fold 3 can sometimes be found discounted – perhaps around $1,000–$1,100 via resellers – making it a potential bargain for a foldable of its caliber. It offers a similar experience to a Galaxy Z Fold 5 at a lower cost (with the caveat of no warranty). NotebookCheck noted that the Mix Fold 3 “starts at a very competitive price” of ~$1,450 for 256GB, making it about $350 cheaper than Google’s Pixel Fold was (which launched at $1,799) notebookcheck.net. So, the value proposition was strong. Now that the Fold 4 is out, does the Fold 3 still offer competitive value? Absolutely, if you can get one at a reduced price. The Fold 3 still has a high-end Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, a great screen, and versatile cameras – features that easily carry into 2025. It lacks the Fold 4’s water-resistance and a bit of performance, but depending on price, it could be a steal. For example, an imported Fold 3 at $1,000 vs a $1,800 Galaxy Z Fold 5/6 is compelling. The main concern is longevity of software support – since it’s a generation behind, it will stop getting updates sooner. But community support (custom ROMs etc.) could extend its life if you’re into that.

Resale and Ecosystem: One should also consider that Samsung’s foldables hold value better internationally and come with perks (trade-in programs, reliable warranty service, etc.), whereas Xiaomi’s imported devices might not. However, Xiaomi is making strides – by launching the Mix Flip globally, they showed commitment to expanding their foldable lineup outside China. This might signal that future Fold models could also see wider releases (fingers crossed).

In short: If you’re a tech enthusiast comfortable with importing or you live in a region where Xiaomi sells phones, Xiaomi’s foldables often give more bang for your buck. The Mix Fold 4 provides cutting-edge hardware at a lower cost than Western brands – it’s arguably the best value luxury foldable if availability is no object. The Mix Flip, while pricey, undercuts its direct rivals when you equalize the specs (512GB model), and brings features others lack (like a telephoto lens and bigger battery), potentially making it the smart choice for those wanting a flip that doesn’t compromise. Meanwhile, the Mix Fold 3, now a year old, still offers competitive value as it hasn’t aged much in terms of capabilities. It can still “stand up” against newer models in many respects, and a good deal on one would net you a foldable that’s almost as good as the Fold 4 for less money – certainly, it “clearly belongs to the high-end class” and can still trade blows with 2024 competitors.

One should weigh the lack of official support in some regions – for instance, no carrier deals or installment plans for these Xiaomi devices outside China. If that’s not an issue, they represent excellent engineering at reasonable prices.

How the Mix Fold 4 & Mix Flip Stack Up vs Mix Fold 3

Having dissected each aspect, let’s directly address whether Xiaomi’s new foldables outshine the Mix Fold 3, and by how much:

• Design Improvements: The Mix Fold 4 is a clear step up in design from the Fold 3 – it’s noticeably thinner, lighter, and now water-resistant. It feels more refined, whereas the Fold 3 (while premium) lacks that IPX8 peace of mind. The Mix Flip introduces an entirely different form factor that the Fold 3 simply doesn’t offer – you either want a clamshell or not. In terms of build, all are high quality, but Fold 4 represents Xiaomi reaching a new level of foldable hardware maturity. The Fold 3 is still among the sleekest 2023 foldables, but side-by-side you can appreciate the Fold 4’s reduced bulk.
• Performance Leap: With Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, the Fold 4 and Flip are about 1 generation ahead of the Fold 3 in raw performance. That translates to perhaps 10-20% better real-world speeds and more future-proofing. It’s not a night-and-day difference for average tasks – the Fold 3’s SD8 Gen 2 is still very fast – but heavy users and gamers will find the new models hold an edge and throttle less under load. The Flip’s thermal limits under sustained load are an exception, but the Fold 4 has both the new chip and enough surface area for cooling.
• Display & UI: The Fold 4’s display improvements (higher PPI, brightness, better crease) give it a slightly nicer screen experience than the Fold 3. The Flip’s cover screen adds a whole new use-case which the Fold 3 can’t replicate (though the Fold devices have their own large screen utility). HyperOS on the new models is an improvement, albeit a minor one – it’s leaner, but Xiaomi’s software is still something you either enjoy or tolerate. The Fold 3 on MIUI can be updated to HyperOS in the future (Xiaomi may push HyperOS updates to older devices eventually), so Fold 3 might catch up on software features.
• Cameras: The Fold 4’s camera system fine-tunes what the Fold 3 had. The average user might not notice huge differences – both have excellent quad cameras – but the Fold 4’s 50 MP 2× telephoto likely yields sharper portraits than the Fold 3’s 10 MP 3.2×, and image processing saw iterative improvement. If camera is key, the Fold 4 is the one to get (or even the Flip, if you specifically want a flip with great cams). The Fold 3 is still competitive; it was arguably the best camera foldable of 2023, and in 2025 it can still hold its own, but the Fold 4 narrows the gap with slab flagships further.
• Battery & Charging: Fold 4 lasts a bit longer and charges just as fast as Fold 3 – here the difference is not huge, but the extra 300 mAh in Fold 4 plus Gen 3 efficiency give a nice cushion of battery life. The Flip’s battery life is surprisingly good, beating what a hypothetical “Mix Fold Mini” (if one existed) would have. If you were worried a small flip phone wouldn’t last, Xiaomi solved that with the Flip. The Fold 3’s battery is the weakest of the trio just by virtue of being smaller than Fold 4’s and having an older chip, but it’s still decent.
• Longevity: Since the Fold 4 and Flip are newer, they’ll get updates longer into the future. The Fold 3 might get one more major Android update (to Android 14/HyperOS) and security patches for maybe another year or two. That’s something to consider if you plan to keep the phone for many years. Hardware-wise, all are durable, but the Fold 4’s water resistance might mean it survives accidents that would kill a Fold 3.

So, do the Mix Fold 4 and Mix Flip “crush” the Mix Fold 3? In many ways, yes – the Fold 4 is a polished evolution that addresses most of the Fold 3’s shortcomings (it’s thinner, water-resistant, slightly faster, with a refined camera and bigger battery). The Mix Flip opens a new front: it’s something the Fold 3 isn’t (a pocketable flip), so it’s kind of orthogonal, but as a first-gen it’s extremely well-executed. However, the Mix Fold 3 still offers 80–90% of the experience of a Fold 4. It’s almost perfect itself, save for a few “cosmetic flaws” as one review said. If one already owns a Mix Fold 3, the Fold 4 is an upgrade but perhaps not enough of a leap to warrant immediate replacement (unless features like water-proofing or that 5× zoom are must-haves). The Fold 3 still “clearly belongs to the high-end class” and remains relevant.

For new buyers choosing between them (for instance, if a Fold 3 is available cheaper), it comes down to budget and priorities. The Fold 4 is the better device overall; the Fold 3 is the better value if found at a discount. And the Mix Flipis a different value proposition – for those who want a compact foldable, it arguably beats any other flip phone on value since you get more storage and features for similar money.

Competition & Future Foldables in Late 2025

Beyond Xiaomi’s own lineup, the foldable phone market is evolving rapidly into late 2025. Here’s a look at upcoming Xiaomi foldables and notable competing models from other manufacturers expected around late 2025:

Upcoming Xiaomi Foldables: Xiaomi is likely working on successors even as we speak. According to reports, the next large Mix Fold (possibly Mix Fold 5) is not expected until 2026 – Xiaomi may be taking an 18-month cycle to significantly retool its next foldable (codename “zhuque” rumored for Q1 2026 launch). The company apparently plans to address some Mix Fold 4 shortcomings (software optimizations, camera upgrades) in that model, potentially even exploring new form factors. There have also been concepts and prototypes – for example, Xiaomi showcased a tri-fold tablet prototype years ago, though nothing commercial has come of it yet. Given Huawei’s moves (more on that below), Xiaomi could be researching multi-fold designs too.

In the clamshell segment, Xiaomi moved faster: the Mix Flip 2 was officially launched in China in June 2025. It’s a significant upgrade over the first Flip. The Mix Flip 2 features dual 1.5K AMOLED displays (same sizes: 6.86″ inner, 4.01″ outer) but cranks brightness to 3200 nits, uses the new Snapdragon 8 “Elite” chipset (a mid-cycle upgrade of Gen 3, clocked up to 4.3 GHz), and even adds wireless charging (50 W) – something the first Mix Flip lacked. Xiaomi also tweaked the cameras on Flip 2: it now has a 50 MP main + 50 MP ultra-wide (115°) + 32 MP selfie, switching from a telephoto to an ultrawide compared to Flip 1. The hinge got stronger (rated 200,000 folds by SGS) with improved drop resistance. Overall, Xiaomi pitches the Mix Flip 2 as “slimmer, smarter, and stronger”, aiming squarely at Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip series and Oppo’s Find N3 Flip. With HyperOS 2 (based on Android 15) and deep integration into Xiaomi’s ecosystem (even controlling Xiaomi electric cars from the cover screen), the Flip 2 shows Xiaomi doubling down on foldables. It’s currently China-only, but a global launch is likely by end of 2025. Impressively, the Mix Flip 2 is priced from ¥5999 (~$835) in China for 12+256, making it much cheaper than the Mix Flip’s launch price – a very competitive move. If Xiaomi brings that pricing globally (even after taxes, it could undercut Samsung flips significantly), it might shake up the market. In short, Xiaomi’s near-term foldable roadmap includes refining the Flip series (annual updates) and possibly a more dramatic Fold successor in 2026.

Samsung: The dominant foldable player, Samsung is on its 7th generation of Fold/Flip by late 2025. They released the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 in mid-2025 (July). The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is Samsung’s most polished foldable yet – it became “dramatically thinner and lighter” at 8.9 mm folded and 215 g (almost identical thickness to Xiaomi’s Fold 4, interestingly) and introduced a 200 MP main camera (taken from the Galaxy S25 Ultra), finally giving Samsung’s foldable a true flagship camera. It still has a triple-lens setup (200 MP wide, 12 MP 3× tele, 12 MP ultrawide) – Samsung hasn’t added a periscope zoom to its Fold yet. But the jump to 200 MP drastically improved detail, bringing it closer to slab phone cameras. Samsung also widened the outer screen to 6.5″ 21:9 (addressing the usability concern) and reinforced the hinge with a new “Armor Flex” design and titanium elements for better durability. The inner crease is much reduced too. Internally, the Fold 7 uses a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 “for Galaxy” (branded as Snapdragon 8 Elite) – basically on par with Xiaomi’s chips, maybe a slight Samsung-optimized boost. While Samsung didn’t up the battery or charging (still 4,400 mAh, 25 W), it leaned on efficiency to improve battery life a bit. Samsung’s big advantage remains software – OneUI’s foldable features and longer update support. And availability: the Fold 7 is available globally, including in the U.S., often with carrier deals. At $2,000 starting, it’s pricey, but Samsung’s established presence means many early adopters stick with Galaxy. Interestingly, Samsung is reportedly working on new form factors: rumors suggest a tri-fold device (possibly called “Galaxy Z Fold Tab” or “Galaxy Flex G”) could appear by end of 2025. One report states Samsung will launch a tri-fold “Galaxy G Fold” at the end of 2025, about a year after Huawei’s tri-fold came out. If true, Samsung might finally move beyond the single hinge. They also have patents for rollable screens; at MWC 2023 they showed a “Flex Hybrid” prototype (part fold, part slide-out). While not confirmed for 2025, Samsung will certainly feel pressure to innovate as Chinese OEMs experiment.

On the flip phone side, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7 (2025) continued refining the clamshell. It got a slightly larger external screen (around 3.5″, approaching Motorola’s full-cover display), and internal upgrades like Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, better cameras (perhaps a new 50 MP main sensor), and presumably an even more compact build. Samsung flips have sold extremely well (being more affordable and trendy), but with Xiaomi and others encroaching, Samsung did boost the Flip 7’s specs. In fact, leaks indicate the Z Flip 7 might finally adopt a periscope-style lens in its camera – not confirmed, but Samsung was rumored to test a rotating lens mechanism for better zoom in the flip format. Regardless, by late 2025, Samsung’s foldable lineup consists of the refined Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, with possibly a new tri-fold concept on the horizon. Samsung also benefits from its ecosystem (Galaxy Watch, Tab, PC integration, etc., all fine-tuned for multi-screen continuity).

Honor: Honor (a Huawei spinoff) has been very aggressive in foldables. In July 2024, Honor launched the Honor Magic V3, which grabbed attention as “the world’s thinnest and lightest” big foldable at the time. The Magic V3 is just ~9.1 mm thick folded and weighs under 240 g, courtesy of a sophisticated titanium alloy hinge. It packs a 7.92″ inner display and a 6.43″ outer, both 120Hz OLED, and a large 5,150 mAh battery with 66 W charging. It’s powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and has a strong triple camera (50 MP main, 20 MP tele 2.5×, 50 MP ultrawide). WIRED reviewed it as “the best book-style folding phone I have used”, praising its “impossibly slim and light” design. Honor also introduced a quirky Honor V Purse concept – an outward-folding device meant to be worn as a fashion accessory – which, while more of a showcase, indicates Honor’s creative approach.

Looking to late 2025, Honor is likely preparing a Magic V4. If they keep a yearly cadence, Magic V4 could appear in Q4 2024 or Q1 2025. We haven’t seen it by mid-2025, so it might slip to end of 2025. Expect it to adopt Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Gen 3+, perhaps even Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 if out by then (the Gen 4 is expected in late 2025). Honor will probably continue the ultra-thin race, maybe trying to beat Oppo’s thinness. There are also rumors Honor could adopt BOE’s latest display tech to reduce creases or a hingeless waterproof design (speculation based on patents). Honor has already gone global with foldables – the Magic Vs launched in Europe, and the Magic V2/V3 were shown internationally (the Magic V3 had an international version up for sale on Amazon by late 2024). So, we expect Honor’s next foldable to reach global markets too. Additionally, Honor dipped into flips: in late 2023, they introduced the Honor Magic V Flip, a clamshell with SD 8+ Gen 1 and a small circular cover screen (this was more of a China-only experimental release). A more competitive Honor Magic Flip with a larger cover display and newer chip might appear in 2025 if Honor chooses to take on the Z Flip directly.

Huawei: Huawei has been pushing boundaries even under sanctions. In early 2023 they launched the Huawei Mate X3, a book-style foldable that was extremely thin (just 5.3 mm unfolded, ~11mm folded) and notably was IPX8 water-resistant – the first non-Samsung foldable to achieve that rating, even before Xiaomi did. The Mate X3 had a 7.85″ inner and a 6.4″ outer display, and a triple cam (50 MP main, 5× periscope, etc.). Huawei followed it with a surprise Mate X5in late 2023, which looked similar but used their new Kirin 9000S chipset (with limited 5G via satellite, due to sanctions).

But Huawei’s boldest move was the introduction of the Huawei Mate XT – the world’s first commercial tri-folding phone. They teased it in late 2024 and officially showcased it at MWC 2025. The Mate XT (sometimes called Mate X3 “Ultimate” or Mate X Tri-fold) has a unique double hinge allowing the device to unfold into a much larger tablet. Essentially, it folds in two places, using three panels to achieve a near 10-inch tablet when fully opened, or a smartphone form when folded thrice. The initial Mate XT was more of a limited edition (and extremely expensive, >$2500). It also reportedly had satellite communication features and the latest Kirin chip. Huawei planned a global launch event in Feb 2025 (Kuala Lumpur) for a version called Mate XT Ultimate Design, indicating they are trying to bring it outside China.

Looking to late 2025, Huawei is rumored to release the Mate XT 2, an improved tri-fold, around September 2025. Leaks suggest it might sport a next-gen Kirin 9020 or Qualcomm chip (depending on sanction allowances), and come at an ultra-premium price possibly higher than Apple’s expected foldable – potentially making it the priciest foldable. Huawei’s strategy seems to be leapfrogging in form factor, even if its market share is limited in the West. Additionally, Huawei continues its Pocket series of flip phones. The Huawei P50 Pocket (2021) and Pocket S (2022) were stylish flips, and a Huawei Mate V/P60 Pocket could appear with updated specs. However, due to chipset constraints, Huawei’s newer flips used Snapdragon chips limited to 4G. For example, Huawei launched the Huawei Pocket S with a mid-range chip to lower cost. By late 2025, if Huawei’s chip partner (SMIC) can produce 7nm Kirin chips at scale (as seen with Mate 60 series in 2023), we might see a Kirin-powered flip or fold with 5G returning.

Oppo (and OnePlus): Oppo’s Find N series has been a strong contender, especially in China. The Oppo Find N2 (2022) and Find N3 (late 2023) are compact book-style foldables (around 7.1″ inner display but notably wider aspect ratio making the outer screen very usable). The Find N3 actually launched globally under Oppo and also as the OnePlus Openin October 2023, marking one of the first Chinese foldables to get a major global launch (OnePlus being Oppo’s sister brand targeted global markets with essentially the same device). The OnePlus Open/Find N3 earned praise for its camera (co-developed with Hasselblad, featuring a 64 MP 3× tele and 48 MP ultrawide) and its sturdy build. It was priced ~$1,700, undercutting Samsung’s Fold.

As per PhoneArena’s 2025 picks, Oppo Find N5 is considered the “best overall” foldable of 2025. That implies Oppo either released or is about to release the Find N5 (they skipped N4 naming likely). The Find N5 reportedly is incredibly thin – 8.93 mm folded (beating Honor V3’s record) and only 229 g, yet it packs a huge 8.12″ inner display (the largest in class). It’s powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite and has top-tier performance (leading some benchmark charts). Its camera array (50 MP main, 32 MP tele, 48 MP/8 MP ultrawide per some sources) earned it one of the highest camera scores for a foldable, even slightly above the OnePlus Open which was previously best-in-class. The Find N5’s only drawback is limited availability – it launched in select regions (Singapore, etc.) for S$2,499 ($1,800), and in the U.S./Europe it’s not officially sold (although OnePlus might release a variant). Oppo also continues its Flip line: the Oppo Find N3 Flip was released in late 2023 with triple cameras (first flip with 3 cameras: main, ultrawide, 2× tele). By 2025, an Oppo Find N5 Flip is plausible, with improved specs and maybe a larger cover screen. Given that OnePlus did not rebadge the N3 Flip, it’s unclear if they will do a global flip, but they might in future.

Vivo: Vivo, another BBK brand like Oppo, also has the X Fold series. They launched Vivo X Fold (2022), X Fold S, X Fold 2 (2023), and reportedly an X Fold 3 in late 2023 in China. Vivo’s approach often emphasizes battery and camera. For instance, the X Fold 2 had a big 4,800 mAh battery with 120 W fast charge – the fastest charging on any foldable at the time. There are rumors of a Vivo X Fold 3 Pro as referenced in PhoneArena as having the “best battery life”, likely due to a >5,000 mAh battery and power optimizations. If Vivo continues, an X Fold 4 or X Fold 5 might appear by late 2025, potentially integrating Qualcomm’s latest and ZEISS-tuned cameras. Vivo hasn’t launched its folds globally, focusing on China.

Google: Google entered the fray with the Pixel Fold in mid-2023. It was a first-gen effort with a compact form (5.8″ outer, 7.6″ inner) and great camera software, but older Tensor chip and some durability concerns. There’s speculation about a Pixel Fold 2 (possibly aligning with Pixel 9 in 2024 or Pixel 10 in 2025). The PhoneArena mention of a “Pixel 9 Pro Fold” as best for mixed use suggests Google might indeed have a second-gen foldable by 2025, perhaps with a larger cover screen or improved hinge. However, recent rumors indicate Google may skip a 2024 Fold release to re-evaluate its strategy, focusing on software for foldables (Android is adding better foldable support and maybe a Pixel Tablet Foldconcept down the line). So Google’s foldable roadmap is uncertain, but they will likely stay in the game given Android’s need to lead by example.

Apple: While not in late 2025 per se, Apple looms in the background. Industry chatter frequently mentions an “iPhone Fold” or “iPad Fold” in development. Some reports claim Apple is testing foldable displays and could release a foldable iPad in 2024/25 and a foldable iPhone around 2025/26. If Apple does launch one, it will instantly be a notable competitor (despite likely astronomical pricing). NotebookCheck noted Apple’s foldable as a reference for Huawei’s pricing – “Mate XTs tipped to cost more than Apple iPhone Fold”. This implies Apple might have a foldable by 2025 with a very high price (maybe >$2500). Most likely, Apple’s first foldable will be a luxury iPad-type device rather than an iPhone replacement. But by late 2025, if any concrete info emerges, it could shake up consumer interest in foldables – fueling more competition, which is good for everyone.

Others: There are also smaller players:

• Motorola/Lenovo: Moto has seen success with its Razr flip series (Razr 2024 Ultra was well-received). In 2025 they might expand to a Razr Fold (there have been patents for a Motorola tri-fold device, and parent Lenovo showed off laptop-scale foldable screens). If Motorola decides to do a book-style foldable phone, late 2025 could be a target. Meanwhile, the Razr Ultra (Razr 50 Ultra) 2025 edition will refine the flip formula, perhaps adding things like a better chipset or larger battery to catch up with Xiaomi.
• Xiaomi’s other concepts: Xiaomi famously showed off a rollable phone concept (Mi Alpha) and even a smartphone with a quad-curved waterfall display – while those aren’t foldables, they indicate Xiaomi’s willingness to experiment. A wildcard could be Xiaomi unveiling a rollable phone (extendable display) in 2025, as competition pushes new ideas.
• Tecno, Xiaomi sub-brands: Even value-oriented brands like Tecno (a Chinese OEM focusing on emerging markets) have launched a foldable (Phantom V Fold in 2023) at a lower price. By late 2025, we may see foldables under $1000 from such brands, further heating up competition.

In summary, late 2025 will be an exciting time for foldables: We’ll have Xiaomi Mix Flip 2 likely globally available and perhaps hints of a Mix Fold 5; Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 setting high bars in design refinement; possibly Samsung’s first tri-fold making an appearance; Honor Magic V3/V4 continuing the ultra-thin race; Huawei Mate XT2leading the multi-fold innovation (with an eye-popping price tag); Oppo Find N5 (and maybe OnePlus’s version) showcasing elegance and camera prowess; and a host of others like Vivo, Motorola, Google potentially bringing their best. As TechRadar noted, it seems foldable phones “are finally having a moment” – moving from niche to mainstream acceptance. Consumers in late 2025 will have more choices than ever, across different form factors and price points.

Xiaomi will need to keep innovating to stay competitive in this landscape. The Mix Fold 4 and Mix Flip have proven Xiaomi can compete at the highest level – NotebookCheck even mused that the Mix Fold 4 “doesn’t have to hide” from Samsung’s latest. And with the Mix Flip series, Xiaomi showed it can quickly learn and improve (the Flip 2’s specs are formidable). If Xiaomi manages to launch a global Mix Fold or a tri-fold in the future, it could truly challenge Samsung’s global dominance.

For now, anyone looking at foldables in 2025 has a rich selection. Xiaomi’s Mix Fold 4 remains a top pick for those who value cutting-edge hardware and are willing to import for value, the Mix Flip (and its successor) offer a great alternative to the Samsung Flip for a premium compact foldable, and the Mix Fold 3 still stands as a reminder of how far Xiaomi had come by 2023, offering most of the modern features at (potentially) a discounted price. As foldables become more common, even the year-old models like Fold 3 “still offer competitive value” for savvy buyers who don’t mind last-gen specs if the price is right.

References:

• Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 specifications and launch details
• TechRadar on Mix Flip global launch and features
• NotebookCheck reviews on Mix Fold 3 and Mix Fold 4 (design, performance, cameras) notebookcheck.net notebookcheck.net
• TechRadar on Mix Flip review (display, battery, camera, software impressions)
• Tom’s Guide and SCMP on Mix Fold 4 (praise for hardware, notes on camera)
• PhoneArena and Gizchina on 2025 foldable competitors (Samsung Fold 7, Oppo Find N5, etc.)
• Industry news on upcoming Huawei tri-fold and Samsung tri-fold plans, etc.