Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 debuts with an improved design, high-end display tech and Leica-tuned cameras

Samsung might believe that its Galaxy Z Fold4 is off to a flying start in the race for 2022 foldable glory. However, the Mix Fold 2 is now in close pursuit with its competing specs and form-factor.

Xiaomi has touted its second-gen phablet in terms of a new minimum thickness of 5.4mm (while open), and while the Fold 2 lives up to this, its new and significantly enlarged camera hump can lift it up to 11.2mm off a table.

This new, Mi 11 Ultra-esque window houses a 50MP main camera, a 13MP ultra-wide angle lens and an 8MP telephoto module that supports 2X optical zoom for, as the OEM asserts, true flagship photography in this foldable. They are also Leica-tuned for the first time, which might make comparisons with the 12S Ultra interesting.

The cameras can be controlled via 2 displays of a design perhaps more up-to-date than projected. Its new 6.56-inch, Gorilla Glass Victus-enhanced cover screen has a more 'normal' 21:9 aspect ratio this time around, and opens on an 8.02-inch main screen with slim bezels and an absence of punch-hole.

Xiaomi has equipped both Mix Fold 2 panels with Dolby Vision, "TrueColor" tuning, 120Hz refresh rates, and 1000-nit brightness modes. However, only the main flexible display is associated with Samsung Eco2 AMOLED with LTPO 2.0 technology covered by Schott UTG and a 1,300 nit max brightness.

The OEM claims that it decreases power consumption in the Mix Fold 2 by 23%, and increases clarity by up to 33%, although compared to what is less transparent. In any case, the device's dual screens will be kept on using a 4,500mAh battery with Xiaomi's 67W charging standard.

That power will also sustain the latest Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, to be kept cool by a more extensive system incorporating graphite, a vapor chamber and a new boron nitride-based form of thermal tape.

Xiaomi has developed a build called MIUI Fold 13 (even though it is still based on Android 12) for its new flexible flagship, loaded with

split-screen and multi-tasking features which, as the OEM asserts, will get the most out of its form-factor. Therefore, the Mix Fold 2 might well be the foldable to beat - especially in the form of its new top-end 12GB RAM/1TB internal storage SKU.

It is priced at 11,999 yuan (~US$1,780), although there is also a 12/256GB alternative at the slightly more reasonable price of 8,999 yuan (~US$1,340), or a third 512GB option at 9,999 yuan (~US$1,484).

The 2022 Mix Fold can be pre-ordered at those prices in black or gold from now in China, with no sign of global availability in sight.