Xiaomi 18 Fold features proprietary Xring O3 chipset to enhance performance and software maturity

Xiaomi has unveiled its newly introduced foldable smartphone, the 'Xiaomi 18 Fold'. According to a video from the YouTube channel UNDERkg, while this product adopts proportions similar to the iPhone Duo in its exterior design, it is characterized by significant advancements in performance through the inclusion of the newly developed proprietary chipset, 'Xring O3'.

Equipped with proprietary Xring O3 chipset and powerful hardware specifications

The core of the Xiaomi 18 Fold lies in the latest chipset, 'Xring O3', which was directly designed by Xiaomi. According to the benchmark results in the video, it was mentioned that the chipset shows fearsome performance, recording peak performance scores of approximately 19% and low points of approximately 11%. The hardware configuration is also solid.

The battery features a large 6,000mAh capacity applying a 20% silicon content, and supports 67W wired and 50W wireless charging. This is a part that holds an overwhelming numerical advantage when compared to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold8. Additionally, the water and dust resistance rating supports levels of IP58 and IP59, which are higher than the IP48 of the Galaxy Z Fold8, increasing durability. The display consists of a 7.58-inch internal screen and a 5.38-inch external screen, both of which support a 120Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of 4,000 nits. The UTG (Ultra Thin Glass) applied to the interior increases rigidity and minimizes wrinkles by adding thickness.

The package contents are also richly configured. It includes a 67W charger, a Type-A cable, and a dedicated case for device protection. In particular, the case adopts a method of fixing it to the hinge part using magnets, similar to Samsung's genuine cases. The product price starts from 1,999 yuan (approximately 2.2 million won) based on the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model.

Design and screen ratio reminiscent of the iPhone Duo

In terms of design, the proportions that seem to be conscious of the iPhone Duo are noticeable. The internal screen has a 1.42:1 (root 2:1) ratio, giving a feeling as if using A4 paper or a bezel-less iPad mini. The external screen also adopts a 1.4:1 ratio. The video explains that Xiaomi worked hard to minimize screen wrinkles and increased visual satisfaction by applying an anti-reflective coating and the self-developed 'Xiaomi Shield Glass 3.0'. Regarding wrinkles, how flat the screen remains during use is important, and this was evaluated to be at an excellent level even when compared to the OPPO Find N6 or Galaxy Z Fold8.

However, shortcomings were pointed out regarding weight and thickness. While the product's specified weight is 219g, the actual test device was measured at approximately 221g due to the influence of protective films and other factors. It was also mentioned that the thickness, unlike the specified 5.02mm, appeared to be at a level of approximately 5.2mm during actual measurement, which may feel somewhat thicker compared to the Galaxy Z Fold8 (4.8mm). Nevertheless, it is characterized by being 35g lighter than the iPhone Duo.

The camera configuration was designed in collaboration with Leica. On the exterior, along with the 5.38-inch display, a 50-megapixel (f/2.4) ultra-wide camera and a camera supporting phase-detection AF and OIS are equipped. The internal camera is arranged in a punch-hole form, and the video explained that the camera position is in the right corner, a design that reduces visual interference during use while considering the convenience of shooting when closed.

HyperOS 4 and software experience considering user convenience

The software runs on 'HyperOS 4' based on Android 17. In the video, despite having a normally negative view of Xiaomi's software, the interface for this foldable device was evaluated as being quite well-made. In particular, the animation where the app layout changes flexibly when rotating the screen horizontally or vertically, and the active interface transitions, were cited as advantages. For example, in the case of the file manager app, the interface changes actively, such as the bottom bar moving up when the screen is held vertically.

Key software features include floating window functionality, foldable-specific keyboard splitting (left-hand/right-hand modes), and in-app layout adjustment functions. Additionally, an option to individually set the automatic screen orientation rotation for the external and internal screens is provided, increasing user convenience. Besides this, features such as a widget function that provides dynamic effects, display settings that match the color temperature of the surrounding environment, and a parental control mode function, which is an application version of Digital Wellbeing, are included.

Other convenience features mentioned include the 'Xiaomi Farm' function for connectivity with Xiaomi ecosystem devices, and UWV support that can be used as a car key. Speakers are placed on both sides, and the sound experience can be adjusted through Dolby Atmos and equalizer settings.