Xiaomi’s latest foray into the foldable smartphone market, the MIX Fold 4, represents a significant leap in design and manufacturing technology. This sleek device pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in foldable form factors, but it’s not without its quirks. Let’s unfold the details of this intriguing piece of technology.
Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 immediately impresses with its slim profile and lightweight construction. Tipping the scales at just 226 grams for the glass version, it’s a full 33 grams lighter than its predecessor. When folded, it measures a mere 9.47mm thick, placing it among the most svelte high-end foldables on the market.
Xiaomi’s attention to detail shines through in the device’s aesthetics. The new blue ceramic edition aligns perfectly with 2024’s design trends, exuding sophistication and stability. The matte glass back feels premium to the touch, while the signature equal-depth micro-curved screen offers an excellent edge-sliding experience.
The hinge mechanism, a crucial component of any foldable, has been refined. After a brief break-in period, it operates smoothly with a satisfying resistance. Any initial looseness when unfolded dissipates over time, contributing to a solid feel in both folded and unfolded states.
The MIX Fold 4 boasts impressive display specs on paper. The inner screen claims a full-screen maximum brightness of 1700 nits and a peak brightness of 3000 nits, surpassing its predecessor. Both inner and outer screens feature uniform specifications, including dynamic refresh rates, color accuracy, and pixel density.
However, the reality of using these displays is more complex. The inner screen suffers from severe reflectivity issues, acting almost like a mirror in bright conditions. This significantly impacts contrast and outdoor visibility. While the phone attempts to compensate by boosting brightness, this leads to rapid heating, ironically causing the screen to dim due to thermal throttling.
The crease in the middle of the inner display is another point of contention. It’s not just a visual artifact but a physical groove that’s lower than the surrounding screen. This deformation is particularly noticeable when scrolling horizontally, though the screen’s decent viewing angle somewhat mitigates the issue.
Xiaomi has made some interesting choices with the MIX Fold 4’s camera setup. It’s one of the few large foldables to feature dual telephoto lenses in a quad-camera array. The main sensor is the Light Hunter 800, paired with a 2x telephoto sporting a 50-megapixel sensor and floating lens group design. This setup allows for 9cm macro shooting and up to 4x lossless zoom through high-pixel cropping.
The inclusion of a dedicated 2x module makes the MIX Fold 4 one of only two foldables with an independent portrait camera. While this approach offers versatility, it’s a departure from the previous generation’s 3.2x + 5x combination, which some users might miss for its reach.
MIX Fold 4 packs a punch. In gaming tests, it maintains a respectable average frame rate of 56.92 FPS while consuming a modest 5.11W of power when playing Genshin Impact on the inner screen. This efficiency is commendable for a foldable device.
However, the phone’s slim profile comes at a cost. Despite the relatively low power consumption, the MIX Fold 4 heats up noticeably during extended use. The camera area and frame become particularly warm, though the heat doesn’t transfer to the user’s hands when the device is unfolded.
Xiaomi has made strides in optimizing the software experience for the foldable form factor. The transition between the outer and inner displays is smooth, and the UI adapts well to the different screen sizes. Multitasking capabilities take advantage of the larger inner display, allowing for productive workflows.
However, the software still feels like a work in progress in some areas. Certain apps don’t scale properly on the inner display, and there’s room for improvement in gesture navigation when switching between screens.
Given its slim profile, the MIX Fold 4’s battery life is a pleasant surprise. The device manages to last through a full day of moderate use, though heavy users might find themselves reaching for the charger by evening. Xiaomi has implemented efficient power management algorithms to squeeze every bit of life out of the battery.
Charging speeds are competitive, with the device supporting fast charging that can top up the battery in under an hour. Wireless charging is also supported, though at slower speeds.
The Xiaomi MIX Fold 4 is a testament to the company’s engineering prowess. It successfully pushes the boundaries of foldable design, offering a slim and lightweight device that doesn’t compromise on performance. The refined hinge mechanism and premium build quality are standout features that contribute to an excellent in-hand feel.
However, the pursuit of thinness has led to some compromises. The reflective inner display and noticeable crease may be deal-breakers for some users, especially those who frequently use their devices outdoors. The heating issues, while not severe, are worth considering for power users.
The camera system, while versatile, may not satisfy those who prioritize zoom capabilities. It’s a different approach from the previous generation, and its success will largely depend on individual user preferences.
Ultimately, the MIX Fold 4 represents a bold step forward in foldable technology. It addresses many of the form factor’s challenges while introducing a few of its own. For those willing to embrace its quirks, it offers a unique and futuristic smartphone experience.
MIX Fold 4 stands as a slim testament to the company’s ambition. It may not be perfect, but it certainly gives us a glimpse of a future where our phones don’t just fold – they evolve. Forgot to say, the foldable phones available at VodaBuy soon!
