LEAKS  Smartphones  May 10, 2024  Reading time: 3 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

The foldable smartphone market is gearing up for a significant shift in 2024, with Xiaomi's latest entrants poised to make waves. According to recent leaks, the Chinese technology giant plans to launch the Mix Fold 4, which is expected to set new records for lightness and thinness among foldable devices. The foldable's sleek design and waterproof feature place it in direct competition with current leaders like the Honor Magic V2 and the Vivo X Fold 3. Alongside the Mix Fold 4, Xiaomi also has plans to release the Mix Flip, a clamshell-style foldable with a similar camera setup.

Design and Weight: A Step Above the Rest

While last year's Honor Magic V2 set a high standard with a thickness of just 4.7 mm and a weight of 231 to 237 grams, and the Vivo X Fold 3 and its Pro variant offered comparable thinness, the Mix Fold 4 aims to go even further. According to leaks, the Mix Fold 4 will weigh approximately 220 grams, suggesting it could become the lightest foldable on the market. This impressive feat is even more notable given the inclusion of waterproofing, a feature typically reserved for non-foldable devices with robust chassis designs.

Camera Specs and Leica Branding

The Mix Fold 4 and Mix Flip are expected to feature similar camera configurations, with both incorporating a 50 MP Omnivision OV50E sensor for the main camera, equipped with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), and a 60 MP OV60A sensor for dual zoom and portrait shots. The Mix Fold 4 will offer additional sensors, including a 13 MP ultra-wide angle and a 10 MP telephoto lens, creating a versatile camera array. Leica branding, which signifies premium quality, is expected to be present on both devices, indicating a continued partnership between Xiaomi and the renowned camera brand.

Launch Dates and Market Reach

Although the Mix Flip is expected to launch globally, the Mix Fold 4 might only be available in China, contrary to earlier rumors suggesting a broader release. The anticipated launch window for both devices is the third quarter of 2024, with more details likely to emerge in the coming months. This staggered release strategy indicates that Xiaomi is focusing on different market segments with each device, potentially reserving the more innovative Mix Fold 4 for its domestic market.

Competition in 2024

With the foldable market growing rapidly, Xiaomi's new devices are set to challenge existing leaders like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold5 and the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold6. As other competitors also prepare to launch new foldables in 2024, including models from Honor, Vivo, and potentially others, the competition for the thinnest and lightest foldable will only intensify.

Overall, the upcoming Mix Fold 4 and Mix Flip from Xiaomi are set to redefine the foldable smartphone landscape with their focus on lightweight design, thinness, and advanced camera capabilities. As more details surface, consumers and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how these new devices impact the foldable market.

 IMAGES CREDITS: XIAOMI