Folding cellphone followers have extra choices than ever proper now, from Google’s Pixel Fold and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold5 to the Motorola Razr+ and Galaxy Z Flip5, however it’s price taking a look at smartphones like Xiaomi’s new Mix Fold 3. It’s solely accessible in China, and even if you happen to do import it, you’ll want to leap by way of hoops to get Google apps working. But it affords a peek at what would possibly come to our shores within the not-too-distant future.

Xiaomi’s {hardware} is considerably slimmer than the competitors, with a slick hinge mechanism. Fold in a superb quad-lens digital camera, quick wi-fi and wired charging, top-notch shows, and lengthy battery life, and it’s a superb showcase for the way rapidly folding telephones are bettering.

Svelte and Classy

The reassuringly silent folding operation on the Mix Fold 3 is satisfying. Xiaomi’s hinge feels sturdy and can fortunately sit at various levels if you wish to prop it up. This is as shut as any folding cellphone has come to banishing the sensation that I’m holding two telephones sandwiched collectively.

The AMOLED outer show covers virtually the complete entrance and is sharp and brilliant. Open the Mix Fold 3 and the 8-inch OLED unfurls right into a small pill. It doesn’t fairly match the outside display on pixel density, however it’s crisp and clean, with a 120-Hz screen refresh rate. There’s additionally help for Dolby Vision, and the height brightness goes excessive sufficient for HDR highlights. Like the entrance display, it will get brilliant sufficient to stay legible open air, even in sunshine. The crease continues to be seen within the center however appears to soften away as quickly as you load an app.

The Mix Fold 3 is tremendous skinny, at 5.3 mm when open. When it’s closed, it measures simply 10.9 mm. To put that into perspective, the Pixel Fold is 5.8 mm open and 12.1 mm closed, whereas the Galaxy Z Fold5 is 6.1 mm and 13.4 mm, respectively. The Mix Fold 3 might sound small, however this thinness makes a tangible distinction and helps it really feel extra like an everyday cellphone when closed, although it’s noticeably taller than its rivals.

Xiaomi says the hinge is licensed for 500,000 folds, however the lack of an IP score is a priority. You’ll wish to preserve the Mix Fold 3 away from liquids. Some mud and lint have began to collect across the inside display body of my assessment unit, however a fast wipe principally restores its elegant seems. Dust getting into the hinge mechanism appears to be the most typical approach to harm folding gadgets (outdoors of an unintended drop), so you must watch out and preserve it clear.