Xiaomi 18 Fold Launches at 10,999 Yuan, Targets Mid-Size Foldable Market
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Xiaomi officially launched its 18 Fold foldable smartphone on Monday (September 7), introducing what it calls a "mid-fold" category that sits between traditional large-format and compact folding devices. The flagship device features the company's self-developed 3nm Xuan Ring O3 AI processor, a Leica-powered triple-camera system headlined by a 200-megapixel main sensor, and a substantial 6,000mAh battery. Priced starting at 10,999 yuan, the 18 Fold is now available through mainland China's official online store. Xiaomi Group Chairman and CEO Lei Jun revealed the product was conceived two years ago and underwent 20 months of intensive research and development, representing the company's highest-end smartphone offering to date .
Key Points
- The 18 Fold features a 5.38-inch external display and 7.58-inch unfolded internal screen, both sharing an approximately 2:1 aspect ratio similar to A-series paper proportions .
- The device achieves an unfolded thickness of just 5.02mm and a folded thickness of 10.68mm, weighing approximately 219 grams .
- The new Xiaomi Dragon Bone hinge employs a three-level linkage structure that reduces the display crease depth to under 30 micrometers, while dual-layer UTG glass enhances impact resistance .
- The Leica optical system comprises a 200-megapixel 1/1.56-inch main camera with OIS, a 50-megapixel 3.5x optical periscope telephoto lens, and a 50-megapixel ultrawide shooter .
- Pricing ranges from 10,999 yuan for the 12GB+256GB base model to 15,999 yuan for the ceramic special edition with 16GB+1TB storage .
Why It Matters
The 18 Fold represents Xiaomi's most direct challenge yet to Samsung and Apple in the premium foldable segment, with competitive pricing that undercuts comparable offerings while delivering flagship specifications . Hong Kong consumers, who frequently purchase smartphones from mainland e-commerce platforms, will likely see the device become available through parallel import channels shortly, offering an alternative to established brands in the high-end foldable market .
The 18 Fold represents Xiaomi's most direct challenge yet to Samsung and Apple in the premium foldable segment, with competitive pricing that undercuts comparable offerings while delivering flagship specifications . Hong Kong consumers, who frequently purchase smartphones from mainland e-commerce platforms, will likely see the device become available through parallel import channels shortly, offering an alternative to established brands in the high-end foldable market .