Tech Blog #193 | Xiaomi Mix Flip : A Fresh Flip in the Foldable Space

The Xiaomi Mix Flip marks the brand's bold entry into the flip foldable market, positioning itself as a formidable contender among established players. With its striking design and impressive array of features, this device is sure to catch the eye of tech enthusiasts and casual users alike.

The Mix Flip boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic, with a plastic front when unfolded and a glass front when folded, paired with a glass back and an aluminum frame. The hinge, made of stainless steel, ensures durability. Measuring just 7.6 mm in thickness when unfolded and weighing around 190 grams, it feels balanced and premium in hand. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is conveniently placed for easy access.

The display is one of the standout features of the Mix Flip. The primary screen is a 6.86-inch Foldable LTPO AMOLED with 1 billion colors, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and a refresh rate of 120Hz, peaking at an astounding 3000 nits of brightness. This makes for an incredibly vibrant and smooth visual experience. The secondary external AMOLED display, measuring 4 inches, also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ with a 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 3000 nits. This dual-display setup allows users to enjoy a high-quality viewing experience whether the device is folded or unfolded.

Under the hood, the Mix Flip is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with an octa-core CPU and Adreno 750 GPU. It comes in three variants: 256GB with 12GB RAM, 512GB with 12GB RAM, and a top-tier 1TB with 16GB RAM, all featuring UFS 4.0 for speedy performance. This ensures that the device handles multitasking and high-demand applications with ease, though the lack of a card slot might be a drawback for users needing expandable storage.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Mix Flip's dual-camera setup on the back, which includes two 50 MP sensors. The main camera offers great low-light performance and optical image stabilization. The secondary telephoto camera, with 2x optical zoom, provides versatility for different shooting scenarios. It could've been better if it was at leat 3.5x or that camera being an ultrawide. The camera system supports 8K video recording and various frame rates in 4K and 1080p, along with Dolby Vision HDR. The front-facing 32 MP camera delivers sharp and detailed selfies, supporting 4K video recording as well.

Battery life is another strong point for the Mix Flip, with its 4780 mAh capacity ensuring all-day usage. The 67W wired charging capability allows for quick top-ups, making it nearly the fastest in its class. This is particularly beneficial for users who are always on the go and need reliable battery performance without long downtime.

The Mix Flip runs on Android 14 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS, promising a smooth and intuitive user experience. The software includes AI features to enhance user interactions and system efficiency. However, the frequency and reliability of Android updates from Xiaomi could be a concern, as the company’s track record in this area has been inconsistent.

Priced at around 760 EUR, the Xiaomi Mix Flip offers a competitive package in the foldable smartphone market. While it excels in design, display, performance, and camera capabilities, potential buyers should consider the absence of expandable storage and the company's software update history. Overall, the Mix Flip is a compelling choice for those looking to experience the latest in foldable technology without compromising on core smartphone functionalities.