With Apple's first foldable expected to debut on September 9, Xiaomi has already launched the Xiaomi 18 Fold. Here is a detailed breakdown of how these two titans compare in design, power, and price.
- Xiaomi 18 Fold is already available; iPhone Ultra/Fold is expected on September 9.
- Apple's device is rumored to be thinner (4.5mm) than Xiaomi's (5.02mm).
- Xiaomi leads in camera resolution with a 200MP Leica sensor.
- Both devices adopt a 'passport-style' book-folding form factor.
The foldable smartphone race has reached a fever pitch as Xiaomi has beaten Apple to the punch with the launch of the Xiaomi 18 Fold. Apple is widely anticipated to unveil its first-ever foldable—potentially named the iPhone Ultra or iPhone Duo—during its "Surprise and Shine" event on September 9, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series.
Design and Display Dynamics
The Xiaomi 18 Fold utilizes a book-style folding mechanism featuring a 5.38-inch AMOLED cover display and a massive 7.58-inch internal AMOLED screen. Both panels boast a 120Hz refresh rate and a stunning 4,000 nits peak brightness. In contrast, the iPhone Ultra is expected to feature a 5.5-inch outer display and a 7.8-inch inner OLED screen. Apple is rumored to implement a 4:3 aspect ratio for the inner display, providing a wider, more tablet-like experience.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that Apple's primary competitive edge will not be raw specs, but industrial design. By targeting a thickness of 4.5mm and focusing on a nearly invisible crease, Apple aims to solve the two biggest pain points of current foldable technology, potentially shifting the market standard from 'functional' to 'seamless'.
"The entry of Apple into the foldable space is the catalyst the industry needs to move beyond novelty and into mainstream professional adoption."
Processor and Internal Power
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 18 Fold is powered by the 3nm 10-core Xring O3 AI flagship chipset, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR6 RAM. Apple, however, is expected to leverage the A20 chip, built on TSMC's cutting-edge 2nm process. This leap in fabrication could give the iPhone Ultra a significant advantage in energy efficiency and raw computational speed.
| Feature | Xiaomi 18 Fold | iPhone Ultra (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 200MP (Leica) | 48MP Dual Setup |
| Processor | Xring O3 AI Chip | A20 (2nm) |
| Battery | 6,000mAh | Dual Battery Setup |
| Thickness | 5.02mm | 4.5mm |
Camera Capabilities and Battery Life
Xiaomi has gone all-out with a Leica-tuned triple camera system, featuring a 200MP primary sensor and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens. Apple is expected to be more conservative, likely opting for two 48MP sensors to maintain the device's ultra-thin profile. Regarding power, Xiaomi offers a robust 6,000mAh battery with 67W wired charging, while Apple will likely utilize a dual-battery system split across the hinge.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the expected price of the iPhone Fold?
It is rumored to cost upwards of $2,000 (approximately ₹1.89 lakh), making it one of the most expensive iPhones ever.
2. Does the Xiaomi 18 Fold support fast charging?
Yes, it supports 67W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.
