Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 review
The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 is a sleek and innovative smartphone that boasts an impressively thin design, class-leading AMOLED displays, and Leica-branded cameras. Its unique folding mechanism allows users to seamlessly switch between tablet and phone modes, making it ideal for those who need both versatility and power. In terms of display quality, the Mix Fold 2 delivers with its vibrant and crisp AMOLED screens, perfect for binge-watching or gaming. The camera system, designed in partnership with Leica, produces exceptional results, with detailed images, low noise, and natural colors. The phone's thermal management could be improved, but overall performance remains satisfactory. The Mix Fold 2 also features a capable quad-camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel telephoto lens, and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens. Selfies taken with the rear cameras are outstanding, while video recording is acceptable but not exceptional. While the Mix Fold 2 is an impressive device, it has some drawbacks. Its software features are limited compared to other flagships, and its thermal management could be improved. Additionally, the phone's availability in Western markets may be hindered by import costs and setup complexities. Despite these limitations, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 remains a compelling option for those seeking cutting-edge technology at an affordable price point. Its impressive design, powerful cameras, and versatile display make it worth considering for anyone in the market for a new smartphone. Overall, the Mix Fold 2 is a well-rounded device that, while not perfect, offers significant advantages over other smartphones on the market. While some users may find its software limitations and thermal management issues to be deal-breakers, others will appreciate its sleek design, exceptional cameras, and convenient foldable mechanism.
Build Quality and Design
The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 boasts an impressively thin design that sets it apart from its competitors in the affordable foldable smartphone market. At just 11.3mm thick, this device is a marvel of engineering, making it a joy to hold and use. Upon closer inspection, the build quality of the Mix Fold 2 is solid, with no noticeable creaks or flexes in the metal body. The folding mechanism is smooth and quiet, and the phone opens and closes with ease. However, we do note that the hinge could be slightly more secure, as it takes a bit of effort to fold and unfold the device. The design of the Mix Fold 2 is also noteworthy, with a beautiful AMOLED display on both the inner and outer screens. The 8-inch inner screen is perfect for watching videos or browsing the web, while the 6.5-inch outer screen is ideal for quick glances at notifications or taking selfies. One area where the Mix Fold 2 falls short is in terms of durability. While it's not uncommon for foldable phones to have some degree of fragility, we'd like to see Xiaomi improve the device's resistance to scratches and drops. Overall, the build quality and design of the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 are impressive, but could be further refined with a bit more attention to detail. Despite this, it remains one of the most compelling options in the affordable foldable smartphone market.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 is a crucial aspect that deserves attention. In our testing, we found that this device has managed to deliver respectable endurance ratings. When using the cover screen, the Mix Fold 2 achieved an impressive 82-hour rating, which is decent for a smartphone in its class. However, when switching to the inner screen, the battery life took a hit, resulting in an 82-hour rating. One of the positives is that the device supports fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery from zero to 77% in just half an hour. This feature is always appreciated, especially during long commutes or when you're in a rush. While the battery life may not be outstanding, it's still respectable considering the Mix Fold 2's unique design and powerful hardware. With moderate use, this device should easily last a day, and with some power-saving techniques, you might even manage to squeeze out an extra hour or two. Overall, while the battery life of the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 may not be its strongest suit, it's still serviceable and suitable for most users' needs. Just remember to keep an eye on your usage patterns and adjust your behavior accordingly to get the best possible results from this device.
Display
The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 boasts an impressive AMOLED display that sets it apart from its competitors. This remarkable screen is a true marvel, with a slender design that belies its exceptional quality. The first thing that strikes you about the Mix Fold 2's display is its vibrant colors and crisp visuals. Whether you're watching videos or browsing through your favorite apps, every detail seems to pop with clarity and precision. The color accuracy is stunning, making it easy to get lost in your favorite shows or games. But what truly sets this display apart is its ability to adapt to different lighting conditions. In bright sunlight, the screen remains clear and legible, without any noticeable degradation in quality. And when the lights go out, the Mix Fold 2's display transforms into a cozy haven of warm colors and soft contrasts. The AMOLED panel itself is a real showstopper, with deep blacks and an almost infinite contrast ratio. This makes for some truly cinematic viewing experiences, especially when paired with the phone's high-quality speakers. One potential drawback is the limited refresh rate, which maxes out at 120Hz. While this may not be a major concern for casual users, it might be a deal-breaker for those who crave the smoothest possible scrolling and gaming experiences. Overall, however, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2's display is an absolute winner. Its stunning colors, razor-sharp details, and adaptable nature make it one of the best screens on any phone – folding or otherwise. If you're in the market for a new device with a truly exceptional display, look no further than the Mix Fold 2.
Camera
The camera setup on the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 is designed in partnership with Leica, which promises high-quality images. Let's take a closer look at what this phone can deliver. The primary camera boasts an impressive 50 megapixels with optical image stabilization (OIS), backed up by an 8-megapixel telephoto lens and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle shooter with autofocus. The two color modes available, Leica Vibrant and Leica Authentic, offer distinct looks for your photos. In bright lighting conditions, the primary camera delivers excellent results. Photos come out in 12.5 megapixels, showcasing plenty of detail, sharpness, and relaxed processing. Colors are vibrant, and contrast is high with minimal noise. The dynamic range, while good, isn't extremely wide. The telephoto lens performs admirably at 2x zoom, offering impressive photos with abundant detail, good contrast, low noise, and a natural look, although the colors can be punchy. The ultra-wide-angle camera produces very good shots with resolved details, better sharpness than many competitors, low noise, and vibrant colors. However, its minimum focus distance is around 20-30 centimeters, making it less suitable for macro photography. When shooting in low light conditions, the Mix Fold 2 applies Auto Night Mode processing to its photos from the primary camera. These shots are well-exposed, brighter than reality if desired, with excellent dynamic range and good color saturation. Noise is kept low, and overall detail is satisfying, although not the best we've seen. When zooming in on night mode shots, you'll get a digital crop from the main camera, resulting in lower detail and some softness. However, using night mode while taking zoomed shots with the telephoto lens produces decent results, but with average detail and excellent everything else - brightness, noise, dynamic range, and colors. Selfies taken with the 20-megapixel camera on the cover screen are solid, well-exposed, and vibrant, although not the sharpest. Taking selfies using the rear cameras is another option; these offer outstanding quality with sharp images, excellent contrast, and wonderful color rendition. In terms of video recording, the Mix Fold 2's main camera can capture 4K footage at good quality but lacks resolved detail, especially in foliage areas. The dynamic range is about average. The camera can also record an 8k resolution at 24fps, but this seems to be upscaled from 4k footage, resulting in a poor digital output with smeared foliage and artifacts. The ultra-wide-angle camera's 4K video recording is better, offering decent detail, low noise, and good dynamic range. However, the electronic stabilization for all cameras is disappointing, producing wobbly and jittery footage. Overall, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2's camera setup delivers impressive results in various scenarios but falls short in video quality due to the subpar electronic stabilization and some limitations in zoomed shots and low-light conditions.
Price and Value
The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 is an impressive device that stands out in the affordable competition with its impressively thin design, class-leading AMOLED displays, and Leica-branded cameras. However, when it comes to value for money, the device faces stiff competition from other brands. Priced at a premium of around $1,500, the Mix Fold 2 is not exactly an affordable option. While it's true that you get what you pay for, the price point still feels steep compared to other foldable devices on the market. The Galaxy Z4, for example, offers similar specs and features at a slightly lower price. One of the main selling points of the Mix Fold 2 is its camera setup, which is indeed impressive. The Leica-branded cameras deliver excellent results, with great detail, low noise, and vibrant colors. However, when it comes to value, the device's high price tag makes it harder to justify, especially considering the Galaxy Z4 offers similar camera quality at a lower cost. In terms of value for money, the Mix Fold 2 falls short of expectations. While it's an excellent device in its own right, the premium price point makes it less appealing compared to other options on the market. If you're willing to pay top dollar for a cutting-edge foldable device with great cameras, then the Mix Fold 2 might be worth considering. However, if budget is a concern, there are other devices that offer similar specs and features at a lower price. Ultimately, the value of the Mix Fold 2 lies in its unique design and impressive camera capabilities. If you're willing to pay a premium for these features, then this device might be the perfect choice for you. However, if budget is a concern, there are other options that offer similar value at a lower cost.
Performance
The Xiaomi Mix Fold 2's performance is a highlight of this device. The phone's class-leading AMOLED display and Leica-branded cameras are just the beginning. Under the hood, the Mix Fold 2 packs a punch with its powerful processor and ample RAM. In terms of sheer speed, the Mix Fold 2 delivers. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is seamless, and demanding games run smoothly without any hiccups. The phone's performance is on par with some of the best flagships on the market, making it an excellent choice for those who want a premium device without the hefty price tag. One area where the Mix Fold 2 truly shines is its camera capabilities. The Leica partnership has resulted in a camera setup that produces stunning photos and videos. The 50-megapixel main camera, accompanied by an 8-megapixel telephoto lens and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, takes breathtaking shots with excellent detail, sharpness, and color accuracy. The Mix Fold 2's performance is also complemented by its fast charging capabilities, which can charge the phone from zero to 77% in just half an hour. This feature, combined with the phone's overall speed and responsiveness, makes it a joy to use on a daily basis. In conclusion, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2's performance is a major selling point for this device. Its powerful processor, ample RAM, and excellent camera capabilities make it a top contender in the premium smartphone market. While there may be some minor issues with thermal management, overall the phone delivers an exceptional user experience that is hard to match at its price point.