Xiaomi 18 Fold in Everyday Test: 35 g Lighter Than the iPhone Duo – But Only Available in China

TVS News AI, editorially supervised, presents Xiaomi 18 Fold in Everyday Test: 35 g Lighter Than the iPhone Duo – But Only Available in China.

A folding phone that is officially not sold in Europe at all is gearing up to challenge the upcoming top models from Samsung and Apple. The Xiaomi 18 Fold adopts the form factor of the iPhone Duo down to the millimeter, yet weighs 35 grams less and packs a 6,000 mAh battery into the chassis. Sounds like a sure thing – but it's only half the story.

A tester from Frandroid has used the foldable in France on a daily basis, even though it is officially sold only in China. The very first impression makes one thing clear: Xiaomi is delivering the form factor that the next generation of folding flagships will have to measure up against. A comparison with the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the iPhone Duo is natural – on pure format, the 18 Fold pulls ahead of both, according to Frandroid.

On the software side, the verdict is mixed: it still needs work. That makes the 18 Fold less a worry-free all-rounder and more a clear statement for a well-designed folding format.

Format point for Xiaomi, with a software caveat attached

The dimensions of the Xiaomi 18 Fold match those of the iPhone Duo down to the millimeter. It tips the scales 35 grams lighter – noticeable in everyday use, especially with a foldable that you keep opening and closing. Add to that a 6,000 mAh battery, which is far from a given in this device class.

On the other side sits the software. Frandroid puts it succinctly:

The software still needs work.

Which specific shortcomings are involved – missing app adaptations for the inner display, translation issues, or the update policy outside China – does not emerge from the available test excerpt.

The folding convinces in everyday life – the software lags behind

In France, the folding format proved its worth over several days. The tester is convinced:

The format won me over.

A signal to Samsung, whose Galaxy Z Fold 8 is heading in a similar direction, and to Apple, whose iPhone Duo is being used here as a direct comparison. On form factor, the 18 Fold pulls ahead of both, according to Frandroid.

The fact that the 18 Fold is still sold only in China remains the biggest hurdle for anyone wanting to use it outside the home market. Those who import it get a device that sets the bar on form factor – and have to bring patience to the software.

Six points that matter to you

Import or wait? The 18 Fold is officially only available in China. Outside that market, you'll have to import it – there are no signs of a European launch so far.

Format lead in folding. Same dimensions as the iPhone Duo, 35 g lighter. You feel it when folding and unfolding day in, day out.

Battery giant in folding format. 6,000 mAh in a foldable is above average for this class.

Software with rough edges. According to Frandroid, the software isn't fully mature yet – the available test excerpt leaves open which concrete problems that means in daily use.

Competition in sight. The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and iPhone Duo are the comparison models the 18 Fold has to measure up against – on form factor, it pulls ahead of both, according to Frandroid.

Everyday format passed. The format won the tester over in daily use – a strong signal for anyone who values the folding factor more than software polish.

More on the topic: The full review of the Xiaomi 18 Fold can be found at Frandroid.