Xiaomi 18 fold display review: Nearly 3,800 nits, but one flaw could deter users

With the Xiaomi 18 Fold, the Chinese manufacturer demonstrates that foldable smartphones no longer have to compromise when it comes to display brightness. In our in-depth test, the foldable OLED panel achieves an impressive peak HDR brightness of 3,759 cd/m². The outer display is hardly any different, reaching 3,735 cd/m². As a result, both screens offer enormous brightness reserves for HDR content. However, when adjusted manually, the values are significantly lower: here, we measure a maximum of 621 cd/m² on the inner display and 639 cd/m² on the outer display. Consequently, these high peak values cannot be applied without restriction to everyday use.

Color accuracy is also impressive. In the Pro Warm profile, the foldable display covers the sRGB color space completely and stands out with low color deviations. The color temperature and gamma curve remain close to their respective ideal values. Combined with a refresh rate of up to 120 Hz, this delivers a high-quality visual experience. Nevertheless, our oscilloscope measurements reveal a potential weakness. At minimum brightness, the foldable OLED exhibits pronounced brightness modulation at a frequency of around 120 Hz. Additionally, a secondary frequency of 1,315 Hz can be detected. However, this higher secondary frequency does not automatically mean that the display is trouble-free for sensitive users; the strength and pattern of the low-frequency modulation are also crucial factors.

Ultimately, the Xiaomi 18 Fold leaves a mixed impression: while brightness and color reproduction are top-notch, the display flicker could be a decisive drawback for individuals sensitive to PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation).