Xiaomi Mix Fold 5: first hands-on of a compact foldable aiming at Galaxy Z Fold 8 and iPhone Ultra
Hardware 7 h agoAdd to bookmarks
An image of the Xiaomi Mix Fold 5 in the grip under HyperOS 4 reveals a more compact and lighter foldable. Xiaomi is directly targeting Samsung and the rumored iPhone Ultra.
Design
The first hands-on photo of the Xiaomi Mix Fold 5 has just been published by Notebookcheck (July 18, 2026). The device appears more compact and clearly lighter than the Mix Fold 4, while retaining the book format. The chassis seems to be made of aluminum with a matte coating; the hinge is more discreet than on the previous generation. The software visible on the screen is HyperOS 4, Xiaomi's custom skin.
Hands-on
The image does not allow for measurement, but the visual comparison with the Fold 4 (5.86 mm thickness when open, 226 g for the Global Model) suggests progress on both criteria. The 16:11 ratio in unfolded mode is retained, which remains more readable for reading the press and multitasking than the 4:3 of an iPad mini.
Positioning
Xiaomi is targeting two goals:
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, expected in the summer of 2026: Samsung has played the thinness card (4.2 mm open on the Fold 7), Xiaomi must respond on the ergonomics of the closed hand.
- The rumored iPhone Ultra foldable, attributed to Apple for 2027. Xiaomi is seeking to occupy the terrain before Apple arrives.
The 2026 challenge in the foldable market is twofold: reduce the thickness of the closed hand to less than 10 mm, and reduce the weight to less than 220 g to achieve parity with "classic smartphones".
What we still don't know
- Battery capacity and technology (Xiaomi uses silicon-carbon on its latest flagships, which leaves hope for 5500 mAh in a compact chassis).
- Embedded chip: very likely Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 or a derivative.
- Launch price and availability outside of China - no Mix Fold has officially crossed the European market.
- IP certification and hinge durability (the Achilles' heel of the Mix Fold 4).
Quick comparison
| Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 (ref.) | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 | Xiaomi Mix Fold 5 (rumors) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open thickness | 5.86 mm | 4.2 mm | less than 5.5 mm expected |
| Weight | 226 g | 215 g | less than 220 g expected |
| Main screen | 7.98" LTPO | 8.0" LTPO | 8.0" LTPO |
| OS | HyperOS 2 | One UI 7 | HyperOS 4 |
Provisional verdict
Another Chinese foldable - but if Xiaomi keeps its promise of compactness, the direct comparison with the Fold 8 will be brutal. The European market will probably remain imported (grey market), unless there is a surprise.
To remember
A promising teaser without official specs. To watch: the keynote announcement expected in China in the coming weeks.
Article produced by artificial intelligence, reviewed under human editorial control.
