– Compact, wide foldable form factor is becoming the new norm, with multiple brands aiming for a thin, wide design (Huawei leading, Samsung and others following).
– Samsung reportedly preparing a thin, wide foldable (Galaxy Z Fold8) to compete with an anticipated iPhone Ultra/ Fold in September.
– Xiaomi is tipped to join with a Mix Fold 5 (possibly rebranded as the Xiaomi 18 Fold), potentially marking a design shift from the Mix Fold 4, and may feature a 200MP main camera in a prototype.
Overview and Speculation
A compact and wide design seems to be the new norm in the foldables space. After Huawei took the lead with the Pura X Max, Samsung is expected to follow suit in July by launching a thin foldable with a wide and compact form factor – reportedly called Galaxy Z Fold8 – in a bid to steal the spotlight from the Apple iPhone Ultra (aka iPhone Fold), rumored for a September debut. The chatter suggests a pivot toward more usable screens that fold gracefully, balancing portability with screen real estate. Some insiders hint at a design language that blends sturdiness with a lighter frame, though concrete specs remain unconfirmed as yet.
Industry Claims and Naming
According to a leaker, Xiaomi is set to become the fourth company to join the fray for the best foldable in this emerging form factor. In two X posts, Kartikey Singh emphasized that the much-rumored Xiaomi Mix Fold 5 may not only end up being called the Xiaomi 18 Fold, but also mark a major departure from its predecessors, such as the Mix Fold 4, in terms of design. The rumors point toward a bold rethinking of hinge mechanics and screen layering, suggesting a device that could appeal to users who want both style and practicality in a single package.
Prototype Details and Camera Rumors
Aside from the new form factor, the leaker also revealed several spec-related details about a prototype, which won’t necessarily make it into the final product. For now, the upcoming Xiaomi foldable is reportedly being tested with a triple-camera setup, similar to the Huawei Pura X Max. As with the Xiaomi 17 Max, its main camera is said to feature a 200MP sensor. However, it remains unclear whether this Xiaomi foldable will see a global launch, especially given that the compact Xiaomi Mix Flip phones have apparently been discontinued. The information paints a picture of ambitious imaging goals that may or may not survive the product development funnel.
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