Xiaomi Mix Fold 3

Xiaomi continues to impress with its latest foldable, the Mix Fold 3, building on previous models and pushing the envelope further. This iteration boasts significant improvements, from camera enhancements to a more substantial battery. Still, some limitations, like global availability, remain.

Camera Excellence

The camera system is a standout feature, showcasing a quad-camera setup that includes two telephoto lenses—a 3.2x and a 5x module, bringing versatility to photography on a foldable device. This makes the Mix Fold 3 a strong contender in the foldable camera market.

Stunning Display

Xiaomi doesn't disappoint in the display department. The Mix Fold 3 boasts impressive Samsung-made E6 OLEDs with up to 2600 nits of peak brightness and support for Dolby Vision. The 8.025-inch internal display, with a resolution of 2,160x1,916px, provides a fantastic visual experience.

Battery Boost

With a battery capacity of 4,800mAh, the Mix Fold 3 ensures a remarkable endurance. It outperforms its predecessor, offering over 15 hours of Wi-Fi web browsing on the internal display, along with improved video playback and voice call longevity. It's a battery powerhouse among foldables.

Speedy Charging

Xiaomi provides a 67W charger with the Mix Fold 3, allowing a quick charge from 1% to 100% in approximately 50 minutes. While it's not the fastest, it's still commendable, especially when compared to some competitors.

MIUI and Software

Running on MIUI Fold 14.1.5 based on Android 13, the Mix Fold 3 offers a unique software experience. However, being a China-exclusive release, it comes with a slew of pre-installed Chinese apps. Global users may need to make adjustments for a seamless experience.

Mixed Bag of Features

Xiaomi introduces various features to accommodate the foldable form factor, including floating windows and conversation bubbles. However, it may not be as refined as other foldable interfaces like Samsung's One UI.

Performance and Benchmarks

The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, offering robust performance. It's on par with other flagship smartphones, thanks to its CPU and GPU enhancements. Memory options range from 12GB to 16GB, catering to different user needs.

Cons

Despite the Mix Fold 3's many strengths, it has a few drawbacks. It remains a China-exclusive release, which limits its availability. The lack of waterproofing is also a notable omission, considering the competition. Additionally, the fixed-focus ultrawide camera may disappoint users who are accustomed to autofocusing ultrawides. Video capabilities, especially 4K on the telephoto lenses, leave room for improvement. The software, while innovative, isn't as mature as some competitors.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is a compelling foldable device that builds upon its predecessors with meaningful upgrades. It shines in the camera department, offers stunning displays, excellent battery life, and speedy charging. However, it remains a niche product due to its China-exclusive status and has room for software refinement. Xiaomi enthusiasts and early adopters may find it a worthy addition to their tech collection, while others may prefer to wait for a more refined global release.