Xiaomi foldable phones: what models exist, how to choose and use correctly

Foldable smartphones are no longer exotic — today it is a full-fledged alternative to traditional flagships, combining compactness and performance. Xiaomi has not remained on the trend: the brand has released several models with flexible screens that compete with the offerings of Samsung, Huawei and Oppo. But how to understand the line of foldable Xiaomi, if you see them for the first time?

In this article, we will take a look at all of Xiaomi’s current foldable phones (June 2026), compare their specifications, talk about the nuances of operation and give you recommendations for choice. You will learn how the Mix Fold 3 differs from the Mix Fold 2, whether to overpay for the newest model, and how to care for a flexible screen to last longer.

What foldable Xiaomi phones are in existence in 2026

To date, Xiaomi has released three generations of foldable smartphones under the Mix Fold brand (plus one model under the Mijia brand, but it is not intended for the mass market).

• 📱 Xiaomi Mix Fold (2021) – the first model, already outdated, but still found in the secondary market.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 (2022) – a significant update to the design and hardware, the first generation with stylus support.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mix Fold 3 (2023) – the current flagship with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and an improved hinge.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mijia Foldable Phone (2022, limited edition) – experimental model for testing technologies.

It's important to understand that the Mix Fold 3 is not just an "updated" version of previous models, but a fundamentally new approach to design, for example, it uses a dual hinge with a titanium alloy, which reduced the weight by 11% compared to the Mix Fold 2. And also – for the first time in the lineup there was support for wireless charging 50W.

If you’re looking for a foldable Xiaomi in 2026, the real choice is between the Mix Fold 2 (if budget is tight) and the Mix Fold 3 (if top specs are needed).

Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 and Mix Fold 3: What has changed

At first glance, the Mix Fold 2 and Mix Fold 3 look similar, but the differences are in detail, and we've put together the key parameters in a table to make it easier for you to compare:

Critical difference: Mix Fold 3 uses a screen with technology UTG (The second generation Ultra Thin Glass, which makes it 30% more scratch-resistant than the Mix Fold 2, doesn’t mean the screen can’t be scratched, but the risk of damage in everyday use is much lower.

Another important point is software optimization: in Mix Fold 3, Xiaomifinally refined multitasking for a flexible screen: you can now run up to 4 applications simultaneously in multi-window mode (versus 3 in Mix Fold 2). MIUI Fold - specialized shell for folding devices.

⚠️ Note: If you plan to use a foldable Xiaomi for shooting videos, note that Mix Fold 2 does not support the entry 8K, whereas Mix Fold 3 But both smartphones get warm when you record long periods of time. 4K@60fps — This is a common problem of all foldable devices due to the compact housing.

The Pros and Cons of Xiaomi’s Foldable Phones

Foldable smartphones are not just a “regular flexible-screen phone”; they have unique advantages, but also specific disadvantages that are worth knowing about in advance.

Advantages

• 🎯 Multimedia without compromise: a big screen for movies and games that fits in your pocket.
• 📝 Performance: All Mix Fold models are equipped with flagship processors, making them more powerful than many “regular” smartphones.
• 🖋️ Stylus support (in Mix Fold) 2/3): You can draw or take notes like on a tablet.
• 🔄 Flexibility: External screen for fast tasks, internal screen for serious work.

Deficiencies

• 💰 Price: even the Mix Fold 2 in 2026 is more expensive than many flagships with a hard screen.
• 🛠️ Repairability: Replacing the flexible screen costs 30-50% smartphone-price.
• 🔋 Autonomy: Despite having larger batteries, foldable phones discharge faster due to two screens.
• 📦 Weight and thickness: Even the Mix Fold 3 weighs 255g - it's heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

One of the most common questions is, “Should you buy a foldable Xiaomi instead of a regular flagship?” The answer depends on your priorities:

• ✅ Yes, if you need a large screen to work with documents, watch videos or create (drawing, editing).
• ❌ Not if you value compactness, long-term autonomy, or drop your phone frequently.

💡

Before buying, check if foldable Xiaomi supports your favorite apps in multi-window mode. For example, some banking apps may block flexible screens for security reasons.

How to care for a folding screen: 5 rules

Flexible screens are not only innovations, but also vulnerabilities in a foldable smartphone, and if you don't follow simple rules, it can fail early.

Do not press the screen when folding

Avoid getting sand and dust into the hinge

Use the original film (included)

Do not fold the phone with small items (keys, coins)

Regularly update the software to optimize the hinge-->

Now let’s look at each item in more detail.

1. Don't push the screen when folding. Unlike hard displays, the Mix Fold flexible screen is sensitive to point loads. If you're used to folding your phone with one hand, pressing the middle, over time, this can lead to "dents" (distortion of the matrix), the right way is to hold the phone out of the side and fold it smoothly, effortlessly.

2 Dust and sand are the main enemies of the hinge. Abrasive particles between sections of the screen can cause scratches when opened. If you are often on the beach or in dusty rooms, keep your phone in a closed-top case (for example, Xiaomi Original Foldable Case).

3. The original protective film is not a whim. Complete with Mix Fold 2/3 It's a special film with an oleophobic coating, thinner than normal glass, but better protects against scratches, and it's not recommended to remove it, because without it, the screen will be covered faster with microdamage from keys or coins in your pocket.

⚠️ Warning: If you notice that the screen has started to "crunch" when folding or a backlash appears in the hinge, immediately contact the service center. These are signs of foreign particles hitting, and further operation may aggravate damage.

4. Small items in the pocket = Even if the screen is protected by film, contact with metal objects (keys, coins, knife) can lead to scratches.

5. Software updates affect the durability of the hinge. Xiaomi regularly releases patches that optimize the folding mechanism. MIUI 14 appeared mode "Eco-hingle", which reduces the load on the mechanism with frequent disclosures.

What foldable Xiaomi to choose in 2026: recommendations

The choice between Mix Fold 2 and Mix Fold 3 depends on your budget and requirements.

• 💼 For work and multimedia: The Mix Fold 3 is the best choice thanks to its improved screen, processor and Dolby Vision support.The large internal display is convenient for working with tables or watching movies.
• 🎮 For gamers: Mix Fold 3 with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 will provide high performance in games, but note that the phone will warm up.
• 📸 For the photo: Mix Fold 3 beats its predecessor with a Leica camera with a 5x zoom. However, if the budget is limited, the Mix Fold 2 will also cope with everyday shooting.
• 💰 For savings: Mix Fold 2 You can find cheaper 20-30%, Be prepared to make concessions in autonomy and productivity.

If you’re wondering if you should be paying too much for Mix Fold 3, ask yourself two questions:

1. Do you need a wireless charging and a brighter screen?
2. Is it important to have the latest “stuffing” for future updates?

If the answer is yes to just one question, take the Mix Fold 3, otherwise the Mix Fold 2 is still a great option.

💡

The Mix Fold 3 is justified if you plan to use the phone for longer than 2 years.Its CPU and screen will stay relevant longer than the Mix Fold 2.

Where to buy a folding Xiaomi and what to look for

Xiaomi foldable phones are officially sold in Russia through the following channels:

• 🛒 Official website mi.com - 1 year warranty, original firmware.
• 🏬 Communication salons (Svyaznoy, MTS, Beeline) - often there are promotions with gifts (headphones, covers).
• 🌍 Marketplaces (Wildberries, Ozon, Yandex Market) – check the seller’s rating and availability of a guarantee.

When buying, be sure to specify:

1. Is there a Russian firmware (some parties come from the global market) MIUI, Where Google Services may not be available).
2. Whether a protective cover and film are included (sometimes sold separately).
3. What is the warranty – official (1 year) or store (may be shorter).

⚠️ Note: In the secondary market (e.g. Avito), Mix Folds with damaged hinges are common. Before buying, check: Folding uniformity (no skewings), no backlash when opening, and the state of the protective film (if removed, the screen is likely to be scratched). It is better to buy used folding phones from official retailers with verification (Back Market, Refurbed).

Prices for new models (June 2026):

• Xiaomi Mix Fold 2: from 89 990 ₽ (12/256 GB).
• Xiaomi Mix Fold 3: from 129 990 ₽ (12/256 GB up 149 990 ₽ (16/512 GB).

The first configuration of foldable Xiaomi: checklist

After buying a foldable Xiaomi, take your time to use it as is.Go through the initial setup to avoid problems in the future:

Update to the latest version (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system)

Install a protective film (if not pasted)

Set up multi-window mode (Settings) → Special facilities → Multi-window)

Disable unnecessary background processes (Settings) → Battery → Optimization)

Check the hinge (open/fold the phone 10 times, listen to the sounds)-->

Now let’s look at each item in more detail.

1. Software Update. The first batches of Mix Fold 3 had bugs with the camera working in multi-window mode. Xiaomi fixed them in updates, so check the firmware relevance right away. → The phone. → Updating the system.

2. Security tape. If you bought a phone without the tape pre-stick, do it yourself. Use only the original film from the kit - third parties may not fit the size or damage the oleophobic coating.

3. Multi-window setting. The split screen mode is disabled by default.

1. Go to Settings → Special Opportunities → Multi-window.
2. Enable the option "Separate Screen".
3. Select applications that can be opened in a multi-window (not all programs are supported).

Battery optimization: Two screens mean higher energy consumption, to extend the autonomy:

• Turn off background activity for unnecessary apps (Settings) → Battery → Optimization).
• Set a dark topic — AMOLED-The screen consumes less energy when displaying black.
• Limit the refresh rate of the external screen to 60 Hz (unless you need 120 Hz smoothness).

5. Check the hinge, open the phone and fold it after unpacking. 10-15 I'm just listening to the sounds:

• A slight click when fixing in the folded / open state.
• Soft friction when moving (not creaking!).

If you hear creaking, crunch or metal clang - this is an occasion to contact the service.

Frequent questions about Xiaomi foldable phones