Mojo
It’s been a month since Xiaomi introduced the MIX Flip to the market, their first foray into the popular foldable flip phone segment. As a tech giant that has earned a reputation for delivering quality and innovation at a competitive price point, expectations were high. After using the MIX Flip as a daily driver for a month, it’s time to dive into a comprehensive review of Xiaomi’s latest gadget. Has it lived up to the hype? Let’s explore the design, build quality, display, camera, performance, battery life, software, and overall value to see how this device holds up after a month of use.
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Design and Build Quality
One of the standout features of the Xiaomi MIX Flip is its sleek and refined design. The phone is compact and lightweight when folded, easily fitting into a pocket, bag, or even the smallest of clutches. Once unfolded, it reveals a tall, slim form factor that feels comfortable in the hand. The hinge mechanism, a critical aspect of any foldable, feels sturdy and reliable. Xiaomi has put considerable effort into engineering a robust hinge that not only looks premium but feels solid when flipping the phone open and closed.
Over a month of usage, the hinge remains smooth and hasn’t shown signs of wear or looseness, a promising indication of its durability. The MIX Flip’s glass and metal combination gives it a premium feel, and the glossy finish, while a fingerprint magnet, contributes to its sleek aesthetic. Unlike some of its competitors, Xiaomi has added subtle touches like a textured grip on the sides, reducing the chances of accidental slips.
Display Quality
The Xiaomi MIX Flip comes with a 6.7-inch AMOLED primary display that unfolds beautifully. The screen has vibrant colours, deep blacks, and a refresh rate of 120Hz, making it perfect for content consumption, social media scrolling, and gaming. The crease in the middle of the screen, inherent to most flip phones, is noticeable when viewed from certain angles, but it does not interfere significantly with everyday usage. It’s something you get used to after a few days of use.
The cover display, while smaller, is bright and functional. It’s perfect for checking notifications, replying to quick messages, and controlling music without having to flip open the phone. The panel is surprisingly responsive, and Xiaomi has optimised its functionality well, allowing users to customise what they see and how they interact with it.
Camera Performance
The MIX Flip sports a dual-camera setup on the back, featuring a 50MP main sensor and a 13MP ultra-wide camera. There’s also a front-facing 32MP camera for selfies and video calls. After a month of testing, the camera has proven to be more than adequate for everyday use, delivering sharp images with good dynamic range and natural colours.
In daylight, the primary sensor produces stunning shots with plenty of detail. Low light performance, often a weak point in foldable phones, is surprisingly decent on the MIX Flip, with Xiaomi’s AI algorithms doing a good job of reducing noise and enhancing clarity. The ultra-wide camera is a handy addition, although it doesn’t quite match the quality of the main sensor. For casual photographers, this camera setup is more than sufficient.
The front-facing camera does a great job for selfies, with Xiaomi’s software providing subtle enhancements that don’t make images look too artificial. The flip form factor also allows for some creative angles when taking photos, thanks to the phone’s ability to prop itself up at different angles, making group shots and vlogging more accessible without additional accessories.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Xiaomi MIX Flip is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, coupled with up to 12GB of RAM. Over the month, the MIX Flip handled multitasking, gaming, and day-to-day tasks without breaking a sweat. Apps open quickly, and switching between them is seamless, thanks to the high refresh rate and the powerful processor.
In gaming tests, the MIX Flip performed admirably. Titles like “Genshin Impact” and “Call of Duty Mobile” ran smoothly at high settings, with no noticeable lag or thermal throttling. The cooling system appears to be well-optimised, keeping temperatures manageable even during extended gaming sessions. For everyday users and power users alike, this phone delivers excellent performance.
The fingerprint sensor, embedded in the side-mounted power button, is fast and reliable, making biometric unlocking a breeze. Face unlock, another security option, works well in good lighting but can be inconsistent in low light, which is typical for most phones in this category.
Battery Life
One of the biggest concerns with foldable phones is battery life, as the dual screens tend to consume more power. The Xiaomi MIX Flip houses a 4,400mAh battery, which, while not the largest, has proven to be adequate for most daily routines. After a month of usage, it’s clear that Xiaomi has done a solid job of optimising battery performance.
On a typical day of moderate use—social media, browsing, some light gaming, and watching videos—the MIX Flip manages to last a full day on a single charge. Heavy users might find themselves reaching for the charger by early evening, but the 67W fast charging ensures a quick top-up. In around 45 minutes, you can go from 0 to 100%, which is convenient for users on the go.
Software Experience
The Xiaomi MIX Flip runs MIUI 14, based on Android 13, which brings a blend of customisation and features. Xiaomi’s software skin is known for being feature-rich, and the MIX Flip is no exception. From theme customisations to a plethora of widgets, MIUI provides a user experience that’s both visually appealing and highly functional. The cover screen is well-integrated into the software, with several shortcuts and customisable widgets that make using the phone a breeze without flipping it open.
However, MIUI isn’t without its quirks. During the first few weeks, there were a couple of minor bugs, such as occasional app crashes and glitches with certain third-party apps not resizing correctly when transitioning from the cover display to the main screen. Thankfully, Xiaomi has been quick to roll out updates, fixing most of the early software hiccups.
Durability and Long-term Use
Durability is a critical aspect of any foldable device, and after a month, the Xiaomi MIX Flip has proven to be a resilient piece of tech. There are no noticeable scratches on the main display, and the hinge still operates smoothly, showing that Xiaomi’s engineering holds up to everyday use. The IP53 rating provides some peace of mind for dust and splash resistance, though it’s not fully waterproof like some flagship devices.
There are minor concerns about the longevity of the folding screen, as the flexible display material is inherently more susceptible to wear than traditional glass. Users will need to handle the MIX Flip with a bit more care than a standard smartphone, particularly around the hinge area.
Overall Value and Final Verdict
After a month of daily use, the Xiaomi MIX Flip has proven to be a worthy contender in the foldable phone market. It combines solid build quality, a beautiful display, decent camera performance, and top-tier hardware with the unique appeal of a flip phone. The MIX Flip stands out for its competitive pricing, offering a premium foldable experience without the premium price tag typically associated with the category.
While it’s not without its flaws—such as the crease in the display and the occasional software glitch—Xiaomi’s aggressive updates and attention to user feedback suggest a commitment to refining the experience over time. If you’re in the market for a stylish, powerful, and versatile flip phone that doesn’t break the bank, the Xiaomi MIX Flip is an excellent choice. It’s clear that Xiaomi’s debut in the flip phone market is not just a novelty but a solid step forward in their journey to becoming a major player in the foldable segment.
Pros:
- Stylish, compact design
- Great display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Reliable performance
- Good battery life with fast charging
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Slight crease visible in the display
- Occasional software quirks
- Ultra-wide camera could be better
Conclusion: One month in, the Xiaomi MIX Flip is a capable and stylish device that delivers a premium experience at a mid-range price. For fans of flip phones, it’s a solid and affordable choice that showcases Xiaomi’s ability to innovate and compete in a rapidly evolving market.
