Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold vs Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2: The Ultimate Folding Phone Battle

Folding phones are no longer a futuristic fantasy; they're a reality. The Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G represent two distinct approaches to this innovative form factor. But which one offers the better experience?
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Mi Mix Fold boasts a superior Snapdragon 888, faster charging, and a more innovative design. However, the Z Fold2 benefits from Samsung's refined software, a more durable hinge (historically), and a more established ecosystem. The Mi Mix Fold offers more power, while the Z Fold2 provides greater reliability and polish.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - SM-F916B
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 421, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - SM-F916B
5G bands1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 Sub6 - SM-F916B
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat20 2000/200 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66 - SM-F916U1
Launch
Announced2021, March2020, August 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, April 16Available. Released 2020, September 18
Body
BuildGlass front (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) or ceramic back, aluminum frameGlass front (folded), plastic front (unfolded), glass back, aluminum frame
DimensionsUnfolded: 173.3 x 133.4 x 7.6 mm Folded: 173.3 x 69.8 x 17.2 mmUnfolded: 159.2 x 128.2 x 6.9 mmFolded: 159.2 x 68 x 13.8-16.8 mm
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight317 g (Glass)332 g (Ceramic) (11.18 oz)282 g (9.95 oz)
Display
Resolution1860 x 2480 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~387 ppi density)1768 x 2208 pixels (~373 ppi density)
Size8.01 inches, 198.7 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)7.6 inches, 180.8 cm2 (~88.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeFoldable AMOLED, 1B colors, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 600 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak)Foldable Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+
 Cover display: AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 650 nits (typ), 900 nits (peak) 6.52 inches, 840 x 2520 pixels, 27:9 ratioCover display: Super AMOLED, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 6.23 inches, 816 x 2260 pixels, 25:9 ratio
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x3.09 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G+ (7 nm+)
GPUAdreno 660Adreno 650
OSAndroid 10, MIUI 12Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1.1
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
 UFS 3.1UFS 3.1
Main Camera
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single20 MP, 27mm (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm-
Triple108 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/1.52", 0.7µm, PDAF 8 MP, 80mm (telephoto/macro), liquid lens, PDAF, 3x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.76", 1.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.4, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, 12mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Video8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@60fps, 1080p@60/240fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps (gyro-EIS), HDR10+
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR
Single20 MP, (wide)10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.22µm Cover camera: 10 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3", 1.22µm
Video1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoNo
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (4 speakers)Yes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio Tuned by Harman Kardon32-bit/384kHz audio Tuned by AKG
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 3.2
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Bixby natural language commands and dictation Samsung DeX (desktop experience support) Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) Ultra Wideband (UWB) support
Battery
Charging67W wired, PD3.0, QC4, 100% in 37 min25W wired 11W wireless 4.5W reverse wireless
TypeLi-Po 5020 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, CeramicMystic Bronze, Mystic Black, Thom Browne Edition, Aston Martin Racing Edition
ModelsM2011J18CSM-F916B, SM-F916U, SM-F916U1, SM-F916N, SM-F9160, SM-F916W, SCG05
PriceAbout 1300 EURAbout 960 EUR
SAR EU-0.86 W/kg (head)     1.45 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 81h
Camera- Photo / Video
Loudspeaker- -25.2 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 564907 (v8) GeekBench: 12607 (v4.4), 2715 (v5.1) GFXBench: 33fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold

  • Superior Performance (Snapdragon 888)
  • Faster Charging (67W)
  • Larger, Higher-Resolution Internal Display
  • Innovative Design

  • Software Optimization May Lag
  • Durability Concerns (Folding Screen)
  • Potentially Less Refined Software Experience

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G

  • Refined Software Experience (One UI)
  • More Established Ecosystem
  • Potentially More Durable Hinge (Historically)
  • Bright and Accurate Display

  • Slower Charging (25W)
  • Less Powerful Chipset (Snapdragon 865)
  • Smaller Internal Display

Display Comparison

The Mi Mix Fold features a larger, more expansive internal display (8.03 inches vs 7.6 inches) with a higher resolution, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The Z Fold2's display, while smaller, is exceptionally bright (714 nits) and color-accurate. Both have external displays for quick tasks.

Camera Comparison

The Z Fold2 generally has a more consistent and reliable camera system, leveraging Samsung's image processing expertise. While the Mi Mix Fold's camera hardware is competitive, software optimization is key, and Samsung has a head start. Both offer versatile camera setups with multiple lenses.

Performance

The Snapdragon 888 in the Mi Mix Fold significantly outperforms the Z Fold2's Snapdragon 865 5G+. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance on the Mi Mix Fold. The Z Fold2 is still capable, but the Mi Mix Fold has a clear edge.

Battery Life

Both phones offer endurance ratings of 81h, suggesting comparable battery life in typical usage. However, the Mi Mix Fold's 67W charging is dramatically faster than the Z Fold2's 25W wired charging, offering a significant convenience advantage.

Buying Guide

The Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold is ideal for tech enthusiasts and power users who prioritize performance and cutting-edge design. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G is best suited for those seeking a more polished, reliable, and user-friendly folding experience, especially within the Samsung ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which folding phone is more durable?
Historically, Samsung has had a slight edge in hinge durability. However, both devices are susceptible to damage from dust and debris, so careful handling is essential.
❓ Is the Mi Mix Fold worth buying if I'm already invested in the Samsung ecosystem?
If you heavily rely on Samsung's services and apps, the Z Fold2 might be a better choice due to its seamless integration. However, the Mi Mix Fold's performance and display could be tempting if you're willing to explore a new ecosystem.