Xiaomi has launched the 18 Fold, a wide foldable phone with superior specifications compared to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8. The device joins a growing category of compact, book-style foldables as Apple prepares its own entry into the market.
Xiaomi's 18 Fold represents the company's first book-style foldable since the Mix Fold 4 in 2024. The device follows design trends set by Huawei and Samsung, adopting a shorter, wider form factor instead of traditional tall designs.
In hands-on testing at IFA, the 18 Fold demonstrated performance advantages over Samsung's flagship Galaxy Z Fold 8. While the devices share similar aesthetics and construction, Xiaomi's superior specs give it a competitive edge in the crowded foldable market.
The 18 Fold's launch timing coincides with Apple's anticipated entry into foldable phones. Industry watchers expect the tech giant to announce its wide foldable design this week, potentially accelerating mainstream adoption of the form factor.
Xiaomi joins manufacturers including Samsung, Huawei, and OnePlus in prioritizing the wide, compact foldable design over taller variants. This shift reflects consumer preference for more manageable dimensions and improved usability when folded.
The exact specifications giving Xiaomi the performance advantage over Samsung's Z Fold 8 remain partially disclosed, but the gap signals intensifying competition in the premium foldable segment. As multiple manufacturers refine their approaches, the category is moving toward standardized dimensions and increasingly comparable feature sets.
Availability and pricing details for the 18 Fold in global markets remain pending. Xiaomi has not announced specific launch dates outside China at this time.
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