Foldable smartphones have transformed the way we perceive and use our devices, offering an innovative blend of cutting-edge technology and sleek design. Xiaomi, known for pushing the boundaries of innovation, recently introduced its latest foldable device, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3. But how does it stack up against one of the foldable pioneers, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5?
In this article, we delve into the features, specifications, and value proposition of these two foldable giants, aiming to determine whether the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 offers a better value proposition than the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Design and Build
Both the Mix Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 share a common feature: a folding hinge mechanism. This hinge allows the foldable screens to be positioned at various angles and ensures a gap-free closure when folded. If you want to learn more about how the waterdrop hinge works, you can read this article.
Mix Fold 3 takes the lead in terms of thickness. It measures just 10.9mm when folded, compared to the Z Fold 5’s 13.4mm. When opened, the Mix Fold 3 is an impressive 5.6mm, outshining the Z Fold 5’s 6.1mm. These millimeters might seem insignificant, but they affect the device’s feel in the hand and pocket.
Interestingly, both devices weigh almost the same. The Z Fold 5 weighs 253 grams, while the Mix Fold 3 is slightly heavier at 255 grams. Foldables can feel a bit heavy, but that’s a compromise for the expansive screens they offer. While the Galaxy Z Fold 5 has the advantage of S Pen compatibility (sold separately), this feature is absent in the Mix Fold 3.
For a closer look at the design, check out our hands-on video with the Mix Fold 3.
Here, the Mix Fold 3’s slim and elegant design clearly positions it as the superior choice in aesthetics when compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Display
When making a side-by-side comparison, the sizes of both the inner and cover displays are important. The Mix Fold 3 boasts a large 8.01-inch inner AMOLED display, enhancing multimedia and multitasking experiences. Its cover display measures 6.52 inches, making it suitable for quick tasks and notifications without unfolding.
Conversely, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 offers a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner display, promising vibrant visuals, while its 6.7-inch cover display provides a more conventional smartphone feel when folded.
So, the Mix Fold 3 has a slight edge over the Z Fold 5 in terms of day-to-day usage, mainly due to its larger inner display. Since foldable phones are often chosen for their expansive screens, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 is definitely a better option.
Durability
Another talking point is durability. Foldables are still relatively new, and one of the significant concerns is how often you can fold and unfold these devices before they give in. Xiaomi promises a whopping 500,000 folds for the Mix Fold 3. That’s more than double what Samsung and Google are putting on the table.
But here’s a grain of salt — real-world durability often varies from these numbers. Only time will tell who holds up better. Notably, Samsung takes the lead in water resistance with its IPX8 rating, an attribute that ensures the Galaxy Z Fold 5 can withstand accidental encounters with liquids.
Camera Capabilities
When it comes to camera capabilities, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 truly stands out. Xiaomi’s collaboration with Leica has elevated the Mix Fold 3’s photography prowess, positioning it as a strong contender in the camera department. One of the standout features is the incorporation of periscope camera technology within its 5x telephoto lens. This unique addition allows for impressive optical zoom capabilities, making distant shots more accessible and clear.
The Mix Fold 3 features a quad-camera setup, including a 50-MP main lens for high-resolution shots, a versatile 12-MP ultra-wide camera, a 10MP periscope lens (115mm) for extended reach, and an additional 10-MP telephoto lens (75mm) with optical image stabilization for steady distant shots. Additionally, there’s a 20-MP selfie camera.
Comparatively, the Samsung Z Fold 5 also boasts a strong triple camera setup with a 50-MP main lens, a 10-MP telephoto lens, and a 12-MP ultra-wide lens.
Early photo samples indicate that the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 has impressive camera capabilities.
While real-world testing is crucial, on paper, the Mix Fold 3 is a clear winner here. Do wait for our full review soon on our YouTube channel.
Performance and Power
The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, which powers both the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5, ensures quick performance and seamless multitasking. The Mix Fold 3 offers up to 16GB of RAM, providing an extra edge in memory-intensive tasks.
With its higher RAM allocation, the Mix Fold 3 holds a clear advantage in the performance category, making it the superior choice in this aspect.
Battery and Charging
Battery life is crucial, especially for power users. The Mix Fold 3 is equipped with a 4800mAh battery, supporting 67W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. Xiaomi claims that the device can be fully charged in just 40 minutes, making it a convenient choice for those on the go.
On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 offers a smaller 4400mAh battery, 25W wired charging, and 15W wireless charging.
With its larger battery and faster charging, the Mix Fold 3 clearly takes the lead in this department, catering to users seeking efficiency and extended usage.
Software Experience: MIUI vs. One UI
Software plays a significant role in the overall user experience. The Mix Fold 3 runs on MIUI Fold 14, based on Android 13, while the Galaxy Z Fold 5 operates on One UI 5.1.1, also based on Android 13. Both UIs offer distinct features and customizations.
One UI is known for its user-friendly interface and multitasking capabilities, which complement the foldable design. MIUI Fold 14 brings Xiaomi’s unique flavor to the foldable experience.
The choice between the two largely depends on personal preference and familiarity.
Value Proposition: Is the Mix Fold 3 the Winner?
Starting at a price of $1,239, the Mix Fold 3 offers a considerably better value, especially when compared to the starting price of $1,799.99 for the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
You can currently get the Mix Fold 3 via Giztop and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 internationally via retailers like Amazon.
With comparable or potentially better specifications and a significantly lower price, the Mix Fold 3 offers exceptional value for users seeking high performance without overspending.
However, availability could be a deciding factor since Xiaomi is not available in many regions while Samsung is available practically everywhere.
Final Verdict
The Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 possess distinct strengths and appeal.
While the Galaxy Z Fold 5 caters to those valuing features such as IPX8 rating and S Pen support, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 strikes a balance between specifications and affordability. In the Chinese market, the Mix Fold 3 will gain prominence due to Xiaomi’s strong local presence and tailored offerings.
Outside China, factors like global availability, after-sales support, and brand recognition might favor the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Real-world experience often depends on factors such as software integration and customer support, which can outweigh technical specifications.
In an ideal scenario where both devices are accessible, my preference would lean towards the Xiaomi Mix Fold 3.
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