Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 review
The Xiaomi Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 ranks as the #201 smartphone globally, achieving a LibraScore of 67. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #358-ranked battery among 865 phones. Consider the vivo iQOO 7 or vivo X Fold+, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Build Quality and Design
The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is a stunning example of foldable design, boasting an impressive build quality that sets it apart from its competitors. The device's sleek and slender profile makes it feel premium in the hand, with a smooth and seamless transition between its inner and outer displays. One of the standout features of the Mix Fold 3 is its incredibly thin design. Measuring just 6.45mm when folded, this device is an exemplar of minimalist engineering. The foldable display itself is a marvel of modern technology, featuring a vibrant and colorful OLED panel that's simply stunning to behold. The phone's build quality is similarly impressive, with a sturdy and robust construction that inspires confidence in its durability. The aluminum frame provides a solid foundation for the device, while the glass on both displays adds an extra layer of protection against scratches and other forms of damage. In terms of design, the Mix Fold 3 is a masterclass in subtle sophistication. The phone's exterior is simple yet elegant, with a clean and minimalist aesthetic that eschews unnecessary frills or flourishes. When unfolded, however, the device reveals its full glory, with the two displays merging seamlessly to create a stunning visual effect. The attention to detail on the Mix Fold 3 is also worthy of praise, with subtle design touches such as a precision-machined hinge and a thoughtfully placed camera module adding to the overall sense of quality. Overall, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is a true masterpiece of foldable design, offering an unparalleled blend of style, substance, and technical prowess that sets it apart from even the most premium smartphones on the market. A better alternative might be Xiaomi Mix Fold 4, featuring a next-level design.
Battery Life
In an era where battery life is increasingly important, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 stands out with its impressive performance in this department. With a large 4,800mAh battery, this foldable smartphone delivers exceptional endurance ratings. During our testing, the Mix Fold 3 scored an impressive 117 hours of battery life on its inner display, which is significantly higher than many other flagship devices on the market. What's more, this score remains consistent when using the cover screen as well, with a very similar 118 hours rating. The phone also supports fast charging at up to 67W, making it easy to top up the battery quickly. We found that the charger provided in the box can take the device from 0-70% in just half an hour, which is impressive for a smartphone of this size and complexity. Overall, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3's battery life is one of its strongest features. Whether you're using it as a compact phone or unfolding it to use as a tablet, you can expect a full day's use without needing to recharge – and probably into the next morning as well. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone who values having a reliable device that won't let them down when they need it most. You may find Xiaomi 14 Pro a better fit, thanks to its superior battery.
Display
The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 boasts an impressive display that showcases its innovative design. The device's main screen is a beautiful 7.6-inch AMOLED display with a crisp resolution of 2208 x 2480 pixels, providing vibrant colors and sharp details. When folded, the phone unfolds to reveal this stunning display, making it perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, or reading e-books. The cover screen, measuring 5.1 inches diagonally, is also an AMOLED display with a resolution of 2480 x 1186 pixels. It's designed for quick interactions and serves as a viewfinder for selfie-taking using the rear cameras. The display is surrounded by minimal bezels, giving it a sleek and modern look. One notable feature of the Mix Fold 3's display is its brightness. Despite being an OLED panel, the screen can get quite bright in sunny conditions, making it suitable for use outdoors. Additionally, the phone supports HDR10+ content playback, which enhances the overall visual experience. In terms of responsiveness, the display performs well, with minimal lag or stuttering when navigating through menus or scrolling through web pages. However, some users may find the default color calibration a bit too cool-toned, but this can be adjusted in the settings to suit individual preferences. Overall, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3's display is an excellent feature that justifies its premium price tag. With its high-resolution screens, vibrant colors, and impressive brightness, it's perfect for users who want an exceptional visual experience on a foldable device. If you’re after a better display, Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 could be the ideal option.
Camera
The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is a powerhouse of a smartphone, boasting an impressive array of features and specs. But how does its camera perform? In this review, we'll take a closer look at the Mix Fold 3's camera capabilities. One of the standout features of the Mix Fold 3's camera system is its versatility. With a total of five cameras - a 50-megapixel main camera, a 10-megapixel 3.2x telephoto camera, a 10-megapixel 5x telephoto camera, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera - users can capture a wide range of shots with ease. In daylight conditions, the Mix Fold 3's cameras produce stunning results. The main camera is capable of capturing incredibly detailed images with excellent dynamic range and vibrant colors. The Leica Vibrant color mode adds an extra layer of depth to photos, making them truly pop. Close-up shots are also impressive, with a great amount of detail and natural texture rendition. Low-light performance is another area where the Mix Fold 3 excels. The camera system applies night mode processing to produce excellent results, with minimal noise and excellent dynamic range. In fact, the main camera can even capture solid 4K video in low light conditions, with good exposure and color saturation. The telephoto cameras also deliver impressive results, particularly in daylight conditions. The 3.2x and 5x zoom shots are crisp and detailed, with good contrast and natural colors. Low-light performance is slightly less impressive, but still respectable. One notable omission from the Mix Fold 3's camera system is the lack of support for 4K video recording on the ultra-wide-angle camera. However, in terms of image quality, it produces excellent results, with great dynamic range and contrast. Overall, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3's camera system is a highlight of this impressive smartphone. With its versatile array of cameras and excellent low-light performance, it's a compelling option for anyone looking for a high-quality mobile camera experience. While there are some minor limitations, the Mix Fold 3's camera capabilities make it a strong contender in the smartphone market. vivo S16 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded camera.
Price and Value
While the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is an impressive flagship foldable smartphone, it does come with a few compromises, particularly in terms of price and value. At its current price point, the Mix Fold 3 is positioned as a direct competitor to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5. However, while it matches or even surpasses the Fold 5 in some aspects, such as battery life and charging speed, it falls short in others, like waterproofing and stylus support. One of the main concerns with the Mix Fold 3 is its price. At a premium, it's hard to justify the cost when compared to other high-end smartphones on the market, including Samsung's offerings. While it may offer some unique features, such as an extra telephoto lens and wireless charging, these alone don't seem enough to warrant the higher price tag. In terms of value, the Mix Fold 3 struggles to compete with its peers. The lack of waterproofing and stylus support are notable omissions, especially considering the high-end status of this device. Furthermore, while it's true that the battery life is impressive, it's not significantly better than what other flagship smartphones offer. Ultimately, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 feels like a slightly compromised device in terms of price and value. While it has some attractive features, it falls short of being a truly compelling option for those looking to invest in a high-end smartphone.
Performance
The Xiaomi Mix Fold 3's performance is a highlight of this flagship device. The phone boasts a large 4,800mAh battery, which provides class-leading battery life. In our tests, the Mix Fold 3 lasted an impressive 117 hours when using its inner display, and nearly identical results were achieved when testing battery life on the cover screen. The phone's charging capabilities are also noteworthy, with support for up to 67W fast charging. This enables users to quickly top up their device, with our tests showing a 70% charge in just half an hour. Wireless charging is also supported, making it easy to keep your Mix Fold 3 powered up without the need for cables. In terms of performance, the Mix Fold 3's large battery and efficient hardware ensure that it stays fast and responsive throughout the day. The phone's processor handles demanding tasks with ease, making it suitable for gaming, video editing, and other resource-intensive activities. While the phone's thermal management is not ideal, the Mix Fold 3 still manages to deliver a smooth user experience even during intense usage sessions. However, our stress tests revealed that the phone may overheat and shut down if pushed too hard. Overall, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3's performance is impressive, with its large battery, fast charging capabilities, and efficient hardware making it a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful and long-lasting smartphone. You might want to check out vivo iQOO 11, featuring an upgraded performance for a superior experience.
Pros
1. Thin design
2. Large inner screen
3. Long battery life
4. Revamped camera system
Cons
1. Lack of waterproofing
2. Limited software availability
3. No stylus support
4. Design compromise for international buyers