Xiaomi Mix Flip Review: Disappointing Foldable Phone Falls Short of Expectations

Xiaomi’s Clamshell Foldable Fails to Impress: A Missed Opportunity?

When Xiaomi first unleashed its foldable phone in China earlier this year, the excitement was palpable. The anticipation was that it would revolutionize the market, just as the initial wave of foldables had. Alas, it appears that the Xiaomi Mix Flip is more of a mixed bag than a knockout hit. After spending time with this clamshell foldable, I must confess that my expectations were disappointed.

Don’t get me wrong, the concept is tantalizing – a full-screen smartphone that unfolds like a mirror to reveal an inner display. However, in this case, Xiaomi’s implementation falls short, with notable drawbacks that weigh heavily against its positives.

One of the major gripes is the presence of a very noticeable crease, which is far from imperceptible like its counterparts from other companies. Not only is the crease a nuisance but it’s also a giveaway of the phone’s cheaper construction, which is another concern.

Speaking of durability, Xiaomi’s Mix Flip surprisingly omits water resistance, an essential feature now common among high-end phones, particularly those with complex hardware. The hinge is another disappointment, offering a curious and inconsistent feel while lifting and expanding the screen. Sometimes it’s stubborn, sometimes it’s not. Consistency is king in engineering, and in this instance, it feels like the Mix Flip didn’t quite get it.

While exploring the phone, I stumbled upon another minor yet infuriating issue with the cover screen. Unusually, it renders apps in a 16:9 format, making text and elements smaller and more challenging to tap. Now, that might sound harmless at first, but I soon realized it was downright annoying to navigate the mini screen.

It seems Xiaomi went for quantity over quality with the Mix Flip. If they had pushed for precision engineering, innovative software solutions, and a comprehensive focus on user experience, it would have been worth the extra cost. The fact is, there’s more disappointment than delight, leaving users wondering what the company got wrong.

All isn’t lost, as I’ll admit the Xiaomi Mix Flip has some nifty features, such as its in-built speaker, taking calls without unfolding, and lightning-fast 67W charging. However, when contrasted with the raft of compromises, these innovations struggle to make a case for its £1,099 price tag.

It feels as if Xiaomi’s attempts to replicate the foldable experience on a budget missed the mark. What makes me worry is that in an age where users seek value, Xiaomi’s mix of impressive specs and shortcomings at such a premium could drive sales away.

Would the world be a different place if Xiaomi had applied the same innovative approach they pioneered for undercuts? While I still have hope that future versions will redeem their brand, for now, I struggle to recommend this particular offering to foldable fans.