Categories: Techno

We tried the Mi Mix Fold 3: what is Xiaomi's latest folding smartphone worth?

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Solid number 3 behind Samsung and Apple, Xiaomi has chosen not to market its folding smartphones in France. But that didn't stop us from getting our hands on the Mi Mix Fold 3, announced in August 2023 in China.

Since it is an imported Chinese model, it is impossible to publish a test worthy of the name. We therefore deliver to you our impressions after several weeks of use.

Its premium design

To impress, the Mi Mix Fold 3 can also count on its two magnificent screens.On the outside, Xiaomi opts for a 6.56'' OLED panel with Full HD definition and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. The manufacturer has above all chosen a 21:9 format which makes the experience much closer to that of a classic smartphone.

For comparison, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold5 displays a 23:9 ratio, longer than wide, making operations (notably typing text) more complex. No finger gymnastics with this Mi Mix Fold 3 so, we use a real smartphone. Daily use is therefore more comfortable than with its Korean competitor but a little less than with the OnePlus Open, a bit wider.

Above all, OnePlus has managed to correct a major defect that Xiaomi does not unfortunately failed to tame: the fold. While it is almost invisible on the OnePlus Open, we see and feel it in our daily use of the Mi Mix Fold 3.

This is all the more a shame as the internal screen is a real success.With a diagonal of 8'', it displays content in QHD with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and excellent brightness. The calibration is also perfectly controlled. The frustration is therefore even greater.

His Leica camera

If there is one area in which folding smartphones do not live up to their claims, it is that of photography. Apart from the OnePlus Open and its imposing Hasselblad module, no manufacturer has really managed to prove itself convincing.

With the Mi Mix Fold 3, Xiaomi can position itself as a serious rival to OnePlus. Thanks to muscular (50 +12 + 12 + 10 MP) and versatile photographic equipment (wide-angle, ultra-wide-angle, x3.2 telephoto lens and x5 telephoto lens) combined with Leica's know-how, The Mi Mix Fold 3 stands out as an excellent camera phone.

Without reaching the level of an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a Galaxy S23 Ultra or a Pixel 8 Pro, it has its place among the references. Particularly for lovers of the Leica signature characterized by photos with more saturated colors and more marked contrasts.

In all exercises, the Mi Mix Fold 3 is convincing, with the possible exception of the macro mode, which is a bit disappointing, and night photos that are slightly less detailed than competitors. On the other hand, the choice between two telephoto lenses with optical zoom gives more variety.

Despite its few small flaws, the camera of the Mi Mix Fold 3 remains one of its biggest points strong. If we had to position it against its competitors, we would say that it is more attractive than the Galaxy Z Fold5 but a little less than the OnePlus Open, unless you have a particular affection for Leica .

Since we are using a device imported from China, it is difficult to assess the real autonomy of the Mi Mix Fold 3. The reason is quite simple: we did not use it as our usual smartphone, due to lack of compatibility with a good number of applications and services (like those of Google for example). We cannot comment on the use over time, the reliability or the quality of the software, all of these points being closely linked to the interface and daily use.

Finally, The Mi Mix Fold 3 may be convincing, but a product can only really be judged if its price is known, just to put it into perspective on the market. Since it is not released in France, it is impossible to give a firm opinion on this Mi Mix Fold 3.

Remains that our few days of use allowed us to detect its strong points (design, screens, performance , cameras) and also express some reservations (visible fold, what about autonomy?).

And to conclude that even if these elements received all our praise, this Mi Mix Fold 3 n would not reach the level of excellence of the OnePlus Open, a real revelation on the folding smartphone market. While waiting for the Honor Magic V2, which impressed us at the IFA in Berlin, whose release is scheduled for January 2024.

Teilor Stone

Teilor Stone has been a reporter on the news desk since 2013. Before that she wrote about young adolescence and family dynamics for Styles and was the legal affairs correspondent for the Metro desk. Before joining Thesaxon , Teilor Stone worked as a staff writer at the Village Voice and a freelancer for Newsday, The Wall Street Journal, GQ and Mirabella. To get in touch, contact me through my teilor@nizhtimes.com 1-800-268-7116