Xiaomi Mix Flip Global Version Review: The Best Flip Phone Yet?

The Xiaomi Mix Flip Global Version has taken the market by storm. Xiaomi, a brand known for its innovative designs and value-driven products, has entered the global foldable market with its first international release of a flip phone. This marks a significant moment for Xiaomi, as it seeks to expand its influence beyond the Chinese market and into the competitive foldable phone arena dominated by brands like Samsung and Motorola.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into the Xiaomi Mix Flip to see how it performs across the board, from its display and cameras to battery life and software experience. This review will also explore key areas that matter most to flip phone users—durability, usability, camera performance, and overall value. For those interested in the technical nitty-gritty, we’ve included detailed comparisons, tables, and key features of this new contender in the flip phone market.

Key Highlights of the Xiaomi Mix Flip Global Version

• Global Availability: Xiaomi’s first global release of a foldable phone, marking a major milestone for the brand.
• Superior Camera Setup: A 50 MP primary camera that outperforms most flip phone cameras.
• Enhanced Outer Display: A 4-inch LTPO screen with an impressive 3000 nits brightness.
• Improved Software: Global version runs HyperOS, solving many issues found in the China ROM version, such as delayed notifications and app compatibility.
• High-End Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon Gen 3 chipset and equipped with 12 GB RAM, offering a smooth and powerful user experience.
• Competitive Pricing: Comes at a lower price point compared to Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, making it a value-for-money option.

Now, let’s break down each aspect of this flip phone in detail.

Global Launch: A Major Milestone for Xiaomi

The Xiaomi Mix Flip represents the brand’s ambition to compete in the global foldable market. Previously, Xiaomi’s foldable phones were available only in China, limiting their exposure to international users. The Xiaomi Mix Flip Global Version changes that narrative by addressing several concerns users had with the China ROM version.

In the China ROM version, issues such as delayed notifications, incompatibility with Android Auto, and limitations with third-party apps on the external screen were often flagged by users. Fortunately, the global version of HyperOS fixes these problems, making the phone more adaptable to international users’ needs. Google Wear compatibility and Gboard integration have been added, and SwiftKey is also supported, giving users flexibility with third-party keyboards.

However, the trade-off for these software improvements is a slight reduction in battery efficiency. While the global version consumes a bit more battery due to additional background processes and optimizations, it still holds up well compared to other flip phones.

Design & Display: A Visual Delight

Outer Screen: Functional and Bright

The 4-inch outer screen of the Xiaomi Mix Flip is one of the most practical implementations we’ve seen on a flip phone. While many flip phones offer small, notification-only external displays, Xiaomi has made its outer display a fully functional secondary screen.

This LTPO display offers a dynamic refresh rate, which helps conserve battery life while maintaining a fluid user experience. With 3000 nits of brightness, the outer screen is readable even under direct sunlight, making it highly practical for quick tasks.

Most importantly, Xiaomi has made sure that almost any app can run on the outer display, including YouTube, messaging apps, and even productivity tools. Although the apps open in a rectangular format, preventing key elements from being cropped out, it is a convenient way to interact with apps without flipping the phone open. For those who prefer voice input, Google Voice Typing works seamlessly on the outer display, which makes typing quick and easy even in confined spaces.

Key Specs of the Outer Display:

• Size: 4-inch LTPO AMOLED screen.
• Brightness: 3000 nits.
• Functionality: Supports all apps with a rectangular format, eliminating display cropping issues.
• Typing Options: Supports third-party keyboards and Google Voice Typing.

Main Display: Immersive and Ultra Bright

When you flip the phone open, you are greeted by a 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display, which is among the brightest in the market, reaching the same 3000 nits as the outer screen. This is a game-changer for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, as it offers excellent visibility even in the brightest conditions.

The Xiaomi Mix Flip also features an adaptive refresh rate that ranges from 1Hz to 120Hz based on the content you are viewing. This dynamic refresh rate not only provides a smoother experience but also helps extend battery life by adjusting performance based on the task at hand.

Another area where Xiaomi has improved is the visibility of the crease in the display. Compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, the crease is less noticeable both visually and when swiping your finger across the screen. This results in a more seamless experience when using the main display.

Camera Performance: Unmatched in the Flip Category

50 MP Main Camera: A Photography Powerhouse

One of the most standout features of the Xiaomi Mix Flip is its 50 MP primary camera, which rivals even some flagship phones in terms of performance. In the flip phone segment, where cameras are often compromised, Xiaomi has managed to deliver a camera setup that not only meets but exceeds expectations.

The f/1.7 aperture on the main camera allows more light to enter the sensor, providing detailed and sharp photos, even in low-light conditions. The large sensor is capable of capturing intricate details, making the Mix Flip a great option for photography enthusiasts who don’t want to carry around a bulky camera.

• Optical Zoom: The Xiaomi Mix Flip comes with a 50 MP f/2.0 telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. But what makes it stand out is the in-sensor cropping technology, which allows for up to 4x digital zoom without significant loss in quality. This is a feature rarely seen in flip phones and puts the Mix Flip ahead of its competitors like the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6.
• Leica Filters: Another notable feature is the integration of Leica filters, which allow users to apply professional-grade color profiles to their images. These filters are particularly useful for landscape photography or creating cinematic effects. The black-and-white Leica filter, in particular, produces stunning, dramatic images that stand out from standard smartphone photos.

Vlogging and Video Capabilities

Thanks to the large outer screen, the Xiaomi Mix Flip is an excellent tool for vlogging and content creation. Users can film themselves using the outer screen while still maintaining access to the full camera array. The 4K video recording capabilities, combined with stereo speakers and a front-facing microphone, make this a versatile device for content creators on the go.

The camera experience on the Xiaomi Mix Flip is second to none in the flip phone category, and it delivers a performance that rivals even top-tier flagship devices. If you’re into photography or vlogging, this phone should definitely be on your radar.

Performance and Battery Life: Powerful but with Thermal Management Concerns

Snapdragon Gen 3 Chipset

The Xiaomi Mix Flip is powered by the latest Snapdragon Gen 3 chipset, making it one of the most powerful flip phones on the market. Paired with 12 GB of RAM, the phone handles multitasking, gaming, and other intensive tasks with ease. However, during extreme stress tests, some thermal issues have been reported.

In a 20-minute 3DMark extreme stress test, the phone overheated and even shut down. This indicates that while the phone is powerful, its thermal management system could use some improvement, especially for users who plan to push the phone to its limits with gaming or intensive tasks.

Impressive Battery Life

Despite the thermal concerns, the battery life on the Xiaomi Mix Flip is one of the best in its class. The phone is equipped with a 4780 mAh battery, which is larger than the batteries found in competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and even some foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold 6.

• Battery Life: The Xiaomi Mix Flip can easily last a full day with moderate use, and for light users, it can stretch well into the second day. On a full charge, you can expect 6 to 7 hours of screen-on time, making it a great option for those who need a device that lasts throughout the day without needing to recharge.
• Fast Charging: With 67W wired charging, the Xiaomi Mix Flip can go from 0 to 100% in under 40 minutes, which is faster than most other flip phones. However, unlike some competitors, it does not support wireless charging, which might be a downside for some users.

Software and User Experience: Optimized for Global Users

The Xiaomi Mix Flip Global Version ships with HyperOS, which is Xiaomi’s proprietary operating system based on Android 14. One of the biggest improvements in the global version is the streamlining of notifications, Google services integration, and the addition of features that were missing in the China ROM version.

Key Software Features:

• Google Services: Fully integrated with Google Play, Google Wear, and other Google apps.
• Multi-Tasking: Seamless app switching and window resizing, especially useful on the outer display.
• Third-Party App Support: Unlike the China version, all apps work smoothly without any limitations on the external display.

Final Verdict: A Top Contender in the Flip Phone Market

The Xiaomi Mix Flip Global Version is an impressive device that sets a new standard for flip phones. With its stellar camera performance, functional outer display, and competitive pricing, it offers a solid alternative to more expensive options like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Motorola Razr 40 Ultra. While it has some drawbacks, such as the lack of wireless charging and minor thermal issues, it still stands out as a top pick for those looking for a powerful and affordable flip phone.

Pros:

• Excellent Camera Performance: The 50 MP camera system is best in class.
• High-Quality Displays: Bright, sharp, and functional outer and inner displays.
• Global Version: Fixes software issues from the China ROM.
• Fast Charging and Long Battery Life: 67W charging and a 4780 mAh battery ensure long-lasting power.

Cons:

• No Wireless Charging: A feature some users might miss.
• Thermal Issues: Under extreme stress, the phone can overheat.
• Hinge Looseness: Slight looseness in the hinge when opened at certain angles.

In conclusion, the Xiaomi Mix Flip Global Version delivers a premium flip phone experience at a reasonable price, making it a strong contender in the ever-competitive foldable phone market.