Xiaomi Mix Flip Review: The New Contender in the Foldable Market

Xiaomi has made a bold entry into the foldable smartphone arena with its new Xiaomi Mix Flip. This first-generation device aims to offer high-end features at a competitive price, challenging established players like Samsung and Oppo. With a starting price of around 6,000 Yuan (approximately IDR 5 million), it presents a significant cost advantage over the Samsung Galaxy Flip 6, which retails for around IDR 17.5 million. However, availability outside China remains uncertain, though a global version is already on sale in Europe.

Xiaomi Mix Flip Design, Build, Performance and More!

Design and Build Quality

The Xiaomi Mix Flip sports a design reminiscent of other flagship Xiaomi models, featuring a sleek, glossy finish with a distinctive purple hue. The build quality is robust, with a metal frame and a curved screen that provides a refined aesthetic. Unlike Samsung’s more angular design, the Mix Flip has a gentler curve, giving it a modern and somewhat more playful appearance.

One of the standout features is the external display, which at 4.01 inches, is the largest on a flip phone to date. This AMOLED panel offers Full HD resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, surpassing many competitors that stick to 60Hz. This results in a smoother and more vibrant experience on the smaller screen.

Performance and Specifications

Under the hood, the Mix Flip is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, coupled with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of internal storage. The battery capacity is substantial at 4780mAh, which is larger than that of Samsung’s Flip 6. The phone supports 67W fast charging, a notable upgrade compared to Samsung’s 25W, though it lacks wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities.

The device’s foldable hinge is functional but not groundbreaking. It performs well but doesn’t offer the advanced durability seen in Samsung’s models. The build quality is solid, though the hinge does exhibit some looseness compared to Samsung’s more refined mechanisms.

Camera and Display

The Mix Flip features a dual-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor and a telephoto lens. While it lacks an ultrawide camera—a feature becoming increasingly popular—the telephoto lens offers decent zoom capabilities. The camera performs well in bright conditions, but low-light performance is hindered by a lack of optical image stabilization, leading to occasional blurry shots.

The internal display measures 6.86 inches, with a resolution of 1.5K and a brightness of up to 1600 nits. It supports Dolby Vision HDR10+ and operates at 120Hz, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience. However, Xiaomi’s Hyper OS software, while feature-rich, still has some inconsistencies, particularly in how it handles application compatibility and widgets on the external screen.

Software and Features

Xiaomi’s Hyper OS brings a fresh experience compared to MIUI, focusing on improved multitasking and customization options. The outer display’s smart functions allow for quick access to various apps and widgets, although some applications do not fully utilize the small screen. This could be a point of contention for users who expect seamless integration.

Xiaomi Mix Flip Pros and Cons:

Pros

1. Affordability:
   • Cost-Effective: At approximately 6,000 Yuan (around 5 million IDR), the Xiaomi Mix Flip offers a competitive price compared to rivals like the Samsung Flip 6, which costs around 17.5 million IDR.
2. Display:
   • Large Outer Screen: The 4.01-inch AMOLED outer display is the largest on a flip phone, surpassing the previous record held by Motorola. It also supports a 120 Hz refresh rate, providing smooth interactions.
   • Full HD Resolution: The outer display’s full HD resolution enhances clarity and detail.
3. Performance:
   • High-End Processor: Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the Mix Flip offers top-tier performance suitable for demanding tasks.
   • Fast Charging: The 67-watt HyperCharge capability ensures quick charging, which is a significant advantage over many competitors.
4. Battery Life:
   • Capacity: The 4780 mAh battery is larger than the 4000 mAh battery in the Samsung Flip, providing longer usage time.
5. Innovative Features:
   • Dual Display Functionality: The outer screen supports widgets and app interactions, offering added convenience and functionality.
   • Camera Technology: Includes Leica collaboration for camera enhancements, with good performance in bright conditions.

Cons

1. Build Quality:
   • Hinge Durability: The hinge design may not be as robust as Samsung’s, with some concerns about its long-term durability and stability.
2. Camera Limitations:
   • Lack of Ultra-Wide Lens: The Mix Flip does not include an ultra-wide camera, which is a popular feature in many modern smartphones.
   • Low-Light Performance: The camera struggles with low-light conditions and may exhibit shakiness in photos.
3. Software and User Experience:
   • Hyper OS Issues: The new Hyper OS might have bugs and inconsistencies, particularly with app support on the outer screen. This can impact the overall user experience.
   • Inconsistent App Support: Some apps might not function optimally on the outer display, which could limit the device’s utility.
4. Features:
   • No Wireless Charging: Unlike some competitors, the Xiaomi Mix Flip lacks wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
   • No IP Rating: The phone does not have an IP rating for water or dust resistance, which could be a drawback for some users.
5. Gaming Performance:
   • Thermal Throttling: Despite having a powerful processor, the device experiences throttling under heavy gaming loads, which could affect performance.

Conclusion Is It Worth Buying Xiaomi Mix Flip?

The Xiaomi Mix Flip presents a compelling value proposition with its impressive specs and aggressive pricing. It offers many of the high-end features found in more expensive models, such as a powerful processor, ample storage, and a large external display. However, it falls short in areas like camera versatility and hinge durability when compared to established players like Samsung.

For those seeking a foldable phone at a more affordable price, the Xiaomi Mix Flip is a solid option. Its competitive pricing makes it an attractive choice, especially if Xiaomi can address the current software and build quality issues in future iterations. Whether this device can sway users away from more established competitors will depend largely on personal preferences and priorities.