Xiaomi 18 Fold: Xiaomi has officially entering a new era with their foldable phones through the Xiaomi 18 Fold, a wide-format, book-style smartphone that prioritizes the more classic form factor of a phone even when folded. Announced in China on September 7, the phone is scheduled for two days before Apple’s big event on September 9, in which the company is predicted to release their first foldable iPhone.
This new foldable from Xiaomi includes a 5.38-inch outside display, a 7.58-inch inside display, 6,000mAh battery, a 200-megapixel Leica-enabled main camera, and 3nm XRing O3 processor from Xiaomi. The phone is particularly slim with a thickness of only 5.02 mm when unfolded, weighing only 219 grams.
Xiaomi 18 Fold Launch Date
The Xiaomi 18 Fold was officially launched in China by Xiaomi on September 7, 2026, at its flagship product event in the autumn season. This launch event took place just ahead of the iPhone launch event by Apple, scheduled to take place on September 9. In case you see an article dated September 8, remember that it refers to the day after the launch event.
Xiaomi 18 Fold Launch Time
The Xiaomi 18 Fold launch event began at 7:00 PM China Standard Time (GMT+8) on September 7 and that corresponds to 4:30 PM IST for Indian viewers. The phone itself is scheduled to go on sale in China from 10:00 AM on September 10.
Xiaomi 18 Fold: Price and Availability
- 12GB + 256GB: CNY 10,999, about ₹1.55 lakh
- 12GB + 512GB: CNY 11,999, about ₹1.69 lakh
- 16GB + 512GB: CNY 12,999, about ₹1.83 lakh
- 16GB + 1TB LPDDR6: CNY 14,999, about ₹2.11 lakh
- Ceramic limited edition: CNY 15,999, according to current reports
- China sales begin September 10
- Xiaomi has not confirmed international availability yet.
At CNY 10,999, the starting price is considerably below the reported $2,099-$2,299 starting range expected for Apple’s foldable iPhone.
Xiaomi 18 Fold: XRing O3 Powers
The Xiaomi 18 Fold is the first top-tier Xiaomi phone with a 3nm XRing O3 AI flagship chip from Xiaomi and this company is marketing its own silicon as an alternative to the most recent chips from Apple, touting their capabilities in terms of speed and AI. This is accompanied by up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage. The most premium model features also LPDDR6 memory made by a Chinese company CXMT, underlining Xiaomi’s push for greater control over its hardware platform.
Xiaomi 18 Fold Features
- 5.38-inch outer AMOLED display
- 7.58-inch foldable AMOLED inner display
- Up to 120Hz refresh rate
- Peak brightness of up to 4,000 nits
- 200MP Leica-backed main camera
- 50MP periscope telephoto camera
- 50MP ultra-wide camera
- Dual 16MP selfie cameras
- 6,000mAh battery
- 67W wired and 50W wireless charging
- Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0
- 5G connectivity and NFC
- Up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage
- HyperOS 4 based on Android 17
- IP58/IP59-rated protection reported for the handset.
Xiaomi 18 Fold: Battery Leaks
One of the biggest talking points about the battery prior to launch was the 6,000 mAh battery capacity and the Chinese company utilizes high-density stacking with 20% silicon content in its batteries and 920Wh/L energy density. That way, they manage to provide a powerful battery that can be included in a slim foldable design. In terms of charging, it offers 67W of wired and 50W of wireless charging, providing a huge edge on paper compared to Apple’s new foldable phone battery and charging setup.
Xiaomi 18 Fold: Design & Display Upgrades
The 18 Fold uses the so-called medium-fold method used by Xiaomi unlike other traditional devices that have a vertical aspect ratio of foldable screens, this new smartphone has a more compact design with an aspect ratio similar to ordinary smartphones when closed.
This foldable model features a thickness of 10.68 mm when folded and only 5.02 mm when unfolded and its weight is 219 g. The inside screen of 7.58 inches provides a space similar to a tablet, allowing the user to work with three apps at once while both screens support up to 120Hz refresh rate and brightness of up to 4,000 nits.
Xiaomi 18 Fold Colours Availability
The Xiaomi 18 Fold is rumoured to be released in Black, Nishino Red and Warm Gold White colors while another ceramic limited edition has been rumored as well, priced higher than the others and providing a luxurious touch to the series. Among all the colors of the Xiaomi 18 Fold, the red one can be considered the most distinct, which makes Xiaomi stand out from other manufacturers in the field of foldable phones.
Xiaomi 18 Fold Latest Leaks
- Xiaomi revealed the 6,000mAh battery before launch, confirming earlier reports.
- The handset became the first Xiaomi foldable to use the XRing O3 processor.
- LPDDR6 memory from CXMT is available on the top-end configuration.
- The phone is scheduled to reach Chinese stores on September 10.
- Xiaomi has not announced a global launch date.
Xiaomi 18 Fold: What to Expect
- Strong multitasking performance from the 7.58-inch internal screen
- Longer battery life than many competing foldables, at least on paper
- High-end photography from the 200MP Leica system
- A wider closed shape that could be easier to use as a conventional phone
- Competitive pricing compared with Apple’s expected foldable
- Heavy focus on Xiaomi’s own silicon and software ecosystem
- Potential international demand if Xiaomi expands availability beyond China.
Xiaomi 18 Fold: Should You Wait for iPhone 18 Pro Max?
This would depend on the type of mobile phone that you require as the iPhone 18 Pro Max will continue to be an ordinary premium mobile phone, whereas the Xiaomi 18 Fold will have been designed on the premise of the flexibility of dual screens. The iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Ultra will be launched at the Apple event on September 9.
For buyers who value iOS, Apple’s ecosystem and traditional flagship photography, waiting could make sense and for buyers who specifically want a foldable today, Xiaomi already has a real product, confirmed specifications and a Chinese retail price, while many details about Apple’s foldable remain based on reports and expectations.
iPhone 18 Models Launching in Apple Event
- iPhone 18 Pro: Expected to feature the A20 Pro chip, smaller Dynamic Island and upgraded camera technology.
- iPhone 18 Pro Max: Expected to offer a larger display and battery than the Pro model.
- iPhone Ultra: Apple’s expected first foldable iPhone, with reports pointing to a roughly 5.5-inch outer screen and 7.8-inch internal display.
- Standard iPhone 18: Not expected at the September 2026 event and reportedly pushed to spring 2027.
- iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2: Also expected later rather than at the September event.
Xiaomi 18 Fold vs iPhone Ultra
Based on specs alone, the Xiaomi 18 Fold seems like an aggressive product with 6,000mAh battery, 67W wired charging, 50W wireless charging and three camera setups on the rear, this product has great hardware specs. Meanwhile, it is speculated that the iPhone Ultra will have a 7.8-inch OLED display inside, a 5.5-inch display outside, 12GB RAM and a 48MP dual camera setup.
| Specification | Xiaomi 18 Fold | iPhone Ultra |
| Outer display | 5.38-inch | ~5.5-inch, reported |
| Inner display | 7.58-inch | ~7.8-inch, reported |
| Refresh rate | Up to 120Hz | Up to 120Hz, reported |
| Processor | XRing O3, 3nm | A20 Pro, 2nm, reported |
| Battery | 6,000mAh | 5,400-5,800mAh, reported |
| Rear cameras | 200MP + 50MP + 50MP | 48MP + 48MP, reported |
| RAM | Up to 16GB | 12GB, reported |
| Starting price | CNY 10,999 | $2,099-$2,299, reported |
| Availability | China from Sept. 10 | Expected around September 2026 |
Apple’s foldable pricing, camera hardware and battery specifications in this table should be treated as reported figures, not final specifications, until Apple officially confirms them.
Xiaomi 18 Fold Key Specs
| Key specification | Xiaomi 18 Fold |
| Main display | 7.58-inch AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Cover display | 5.38-inch AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Main resolution | 1672 × 2364 pixels |
| Cover resolution | 1712 × 1168 pixels |
| Processor | 3nm XRing O3, deca-core |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB |
| Rear cameras | 200MP + 50MP + 50MP |
| Front cameras | 16MP + 16MP |
| Battery | 6,000mAh |
| Wired charging | 67W |
| Wireless charging | 50W |
| Operating system | Android 17 with HyperOS 4 |
| Folded thickness | 10.68mm |
| Unfolded thickness | 5.02mm |
| Weight | 219g |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC |
| Storage standard | UFS 4.1 |
As the Xiaomi 18 Fold is more than another foldable refresh. Its wider form factor, 5.02mm unfolded profile, 219g weight and 6,000mAh battery show Xiaomi trying to make foldables feel less like specialist devices and more like everyday flagship phones. Its timing also gives the company a useful head start before Apple officially enters the foldable market.
ALSO READ: Apple iPhone 18 Series Launch: 15 Biggest iPhone 18 Pro Upgrades Expected To Be Announced at Apple’s September 9 Event; Check Expected Release Date, Time, Price, Battery, Colours, Features & Leaks
Disclaimer: Prices, specifications and Apple comparisons are based on current reports and confirmed Xiaomi information; regional availability may change.
