Quick verdict: The Xiaomi 18 Fold is one of the most ambitious wide-format foldables yet, combining a large inner display, a 6,000mAh battery, Leica-branded cameras, and a slim body. Its biggest limitations are China-only availability at launch and the lack of a long-term global software-support track record.
Xiaomi has officially launched the Xiaomi 18 Fold in China, turning what was previously a collection of leaks into a confirmed flagship foldable. The phone targets Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 with a wider passport-style design, high-end hardware, and a large battery.
This is a launch-day first look rather than a long-term hands-on review. Battery, camera quality, durability, and software performance require extended testing.
Xiaomi 18 Fold specifications at a glance
| Feature | Xiaomi 18 Fold |
|---|---|
| Cover display | 5.38-inch AMOLED, up to 120Hz |
| Inner display | 7.58-inch foldable AMOLED, up to 120Hz |
| Processor | Xiaomi XRING O3 |
| RAM | 12GB or 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB |
| Main camera | 200MP Leica-backed camera |
| Other rear cameras | 50MP ultrawide and 50MP periscope telephoto |
| Battery | 6,000mAh |
| Charging | 67W wired, 50W wireless |
| Software | HyperOS 4 |
| Weight | Approximately 219g |
| Thickness | Approximately 5.02mm unfolded, 10.68mm folded |
| Durability | IP58 and IP59 ratings |
Published reports broadly agree on the main hardware, although camera and regional specifications should be checked against Xiaomi’s official product page before publication.
Design and displays
The Xiaomi 18 Fold uses a wide foldable format. Its 5.38-inch cover display should be more comfortable for ordinary phone tasks than the narrow outer screens found on some earlier book-style foldables. For comparison, read our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 full review to see how Samsung approaches the same book-style foldable category.
Opening the device reveals a 7.58-inch display designed for reading, multitasking, video, and productivity. Both screens reportedly support refresh rates up to 120Hz, which should make scrolling and animations feel smooth.
The phone is reported to measure approximately 5.02mm when unfolded and weigh about 219g. Those figures would make it notably slim and light for a large foldable, although real-world comfort will also depend on the hinge, balance, and folded thickness.
Performance and software
The Xiaomi 18 Fold is powered by Xiaomi’s XRING O3 processor and is offered with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. The phone runs HyperOS 4.
The large inner display should make multitasking more useful, but the quality of the experience depends on app support. Xiaomi will need to ensure that apps scale correctly and that split-screen controls are easy to use.
Buyers outside China should also check language support, Google Play availability, banking app compatibility, warranty coverage, and update policy before importing the phone.
Cameras
The rear camera system is led by a 200MP Leica-backed main camera, joined by a 50MP ultrawide and a 50MP periscope telephoto camera.
On paper, this is a strong setup for a foldable. The periscope camera could give the phone better long-range photography than many rivals, while Leica branding suggests Xiaomi is focusing on colour, portrait rendering, and camera processing.
A full verdict will require testing in low light, portrait mode, video, moving subjects, and different zoom levels. Megapixel counts alone do not determine camera quality.
Battery and charging
The 6,000mAh battery is one of the phone’s biggest advantages. Foldables typically need more power because they have multiple displays, so a larger battery could help the Xiaomi 18 Fold deliver all-day endurance.
The phone supports 67W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. Actual charging times will depend on the included charger, regional package, and battery-management settings.
Price and availability
The Xiaomi 18 Fold starts at CNY 10,999 in China for the 12GB/256GB version. Higher configurations reportedly include:
- 12GB/512GB: CNY 11,999
- 16GB/512GB: CNY 12,999
- 16GB/1TB: CNY 14,999
- 16GB/1TB ceramic edition: CNY 15,999
Sales are reported to begin in China on September 10. Xiaomi has not confirmed global availability, international pricing, or launch details for Ghana and other markets.
Xiaomi 18 Fold vs Galaxy Z Fold 8
The Xiaomi 18 Fold’s main advantages appear to be its larger battery, wide cover screen, slim profile, high-resolution camera system, and fast wireless charging.
Samsung’s advantages include broader global availability, established foldable software, longer familiarity with the form factor, stronger retail support in many markets, and a more predictable warranty experience. Our Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 review covers the device’s design, display, performance, cameras, and everyday strengths in more detail.
The better choice will depend less on the specification table and more on where you live, which apps you use, and whether Xiaomi officially supports your market.
Who should consider the Xiaomi 18 Fold?
Consider it if you:
- Want a wide, tablet-style foldable
- Prioritise battery capacity
- Want high-end cameras on a foldable
- Prefer Xiaomi’s software ecosystem
- Are comfortable importing a China-market device
Who should wait?
Wait if you:
- Need official local warranty support
- Depend on Google services or region-specific banking apps
- Want a proven long-term foldable durability record
- Prefer Samsung’s wider accessory and repair network
- Need confirmed global pricing
Final verdict
The Xiaomi 18 Fold is a serious Galaxy Z Fold 8 rival on hardware, but it is not yet an obvious global recommendation. Its wide displays, large battery, slim body, and Leica camera system make it one of the most interesting foldables launched this year. For buyers outside China, availability, software compatibility, warranty, and long-term support should determine the final decision—not the specification sheet alone.
