The Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 is the company’s latest iteration in the foldable smartphone lineup, refining the formula introduced by its predecessors. With an improved design, upgraded performance, and a more refined user experience, the MIX Fold 3 takes foldable technology to the next level. In this review, we’ll explore the design, display, performance, camera capabilities, and overall experience of the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3.
Design: Sleeker and More Refined
Xiaomi has made significant improvements to the design of the MIX Fold 3, focusing on reducing the overall size and making it more user-friendly. When folded, the device is more compact than previous models, making it easier to hold and carry. The 6.56-inch cover display is more practical than before, allowing you to interact with the device with one hand without the need to unfold it. The smaller footprint also makes it more pocketable compared to other foldables.
The back of the phone is made of glass and features a matte finish, making it resistant to fingerprints while offering a premium, tactile feel. The hinge mechanism has been refined for smoother folding and durability, which was a major concern in earlier foldable devices. The MIX Fold 3 now features a hinge system that is not only more robust but also less noticeable when the phone is folded, contributing to a sleeker design overall.
Display: Stunning and Responsive
The Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 features an impressive 8.03-inch OLED display when unfolded, delivering a large and immersive viewing experience. With a 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, the display is vibrant, sharp, and fluid. Whether you’re watching videos, playing games, or using the device for productivity, the screen provides an excellent visual experience. HDR10+ support ensures rich colors and deeper contrasts, making the content appear more lifelike.
The cover display, though smaller at 6.56 inches, is still an AMOLED panel with excellent color reproduction and sharpness. The 120Hz refresh rate on this screen ensures that it feels as smooth and responsive as the larger display. The MIX Fold 3 benefits from a more practical and usable cover display, which is perfect for quick tasks like checking notifications, browsing social media, or answering messages without needing to open the device.
Performance: Flagship Power
Powering the MIX Fold 3 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, one of the most powerful mobile processors available. Coupled with up to 12GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of internal storage, the MIX Fold 3 can handle anything you throw at it. Whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or running resource-heavy applications, the performance is smooth, responsive, and lag-free.
The MIUI Fold interface has been further optimized for the foldable form factor, providing a seamless experience when switching between the cover display and the larger unfolded screen. The multitasking capabilities have been improved, allowing for better app continuity and ease of use. You can run multiple apps in split-screen mode or drag-and-drop content between them, taking full advantage of the expansive display.
Camera: Excellent Photography Features
The camera setup on the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 includes a versatile triple-camera system, featuring:
- 50MP primary sensor: Captures vibrant, detailed images with excellent color reproduction and dynamic range.
- 13MP ultra-wide lens: Perfect for wide-angle shots and capturing large landscapes or group photos.
- 10MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom: Delivers clear and sharp zoomed-in images without losing detail.
The MIX Fold 3’s camera performance is impressive, especially in daylight conditions, with sharp, crisp photos and good color accuracy. The telephoto lens offers great zoom capabilities, and the ultra-wide lens expands your creative possibilities. The device also supports 8K video recording, making it one of the most capable foldable phones for content creation.
For selfies and video calls, the front-facing camera on the cover display is a 20MP sensor, providing clear and high-quality images. The foldable design of the MIX Fold 3 allows for unique perspectives, letting users capture photos and videos from a variety of angles that traditional smartphones can’t replicate.
Battery Life and Charging
The MIX Fold 3 is equipped with a 4,800mAh battery, a solid capacity that provides all-day battery life for moderate use. With the large foldable display, the phone can drain battery quickly under heavy usage, but it can easily get you through a full day of typical tasks. Xiaomi has incorporated 67W fast charging, allowing the device to charge from 0% to 100% in about an hour, which is incredibly convenient for users on the go.
Wireless charging is also supported, providing an additional option for those who prefer a wire-free charging experience.
Software: Optimized for the Foldable Experience
MIUI Fold, the custom interface designed specifically for foldable devices, is one of the key highlights of the MIX Fold 3. The software has been optimized for multitasking, with features like split-screen and floating windows allowing you to run multiple apps simultaneously. The software intelligently adapts to the foldable screen size, making sure that app layouts scale appropriately depending on whether the device is folded or unfolded.
Additionally, Xiaomi has improved app compatibility, with many popular apps now optimized to work seamlessly on the large, unfolded display. This makes the MIX Fold 3 a productivity powerhouse, particularly for those who need to use multiple apps side by side or need the extra screen real estate for working on documents and spreadsheets.
Durability: Stronger and More Resilient
One of the major concerns with foldables is durability, especially around the foldable screen and hinge mechanism. Xiaomi has addressed these concerns with the MIX Fold 3, using a more durable ultra-thin glass display and refining the hinge to make it more resilient. While it’s still a good idea to handle the device with care, the improvements made to the MIX Fold 3 have significantly boosted its longevity and durability compared to previous models.
Final Thoughts: A Solid Foldable Contender
The Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 is a beautifully designed and high-performing foldable device that stands as one of the best options in the foldable smartphone market. It strikes a great balance between innovation and usability, offering a smooth, premium experience whether you’re using it for entertainment, productivity, or content creation. The refined design, top-tier performance, and excellent camera capabilities make the MIX Fold 3 a powerful tool for those looking for a foldable smartphone that can do it all.
While foldables are still a niche category, the MIX Fold 3 brings the foldable experience to the mainstream, offering a device that is both practical and cutting-edge. If you’re ready to embrace the foldable future, the Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 is a fantastic choice, providing flagship performance with the added bonus of a unique and flexible design.
