While Samsung puts the finishing touches on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Apple prepares to surprise with its first foldable phone, Xiaomi refuses to be left behind. The Chinese company has revealed initial details of its next bet in the foldable segment: the Mix Fold 5, a device that promises to compete directly with Samsung and iPhone's flagship offerings in this emerging category.

More practical and compact design

The first leaked images of the Mix Fold 5 reveal significant changes compared to previous generations. Unlike traditional foldables, this model will adopt a more square format on the outer screen, while the inner flexible panel will be more elongated. According to hipertextual.com, this configuration is precisely what Samsung will launch shortly and what Apple will copy in its iPhone Ultra.

The practical result is clear: a device that is much more compact and versatile, manageable with one hand both when closed and open. Additionally, the manufacturer appears to have addressed a historically problematic aspect of foldables: the hinge. The images suggest a pronounced hinge that could drastically reduce—or even eliminate—the visible crease on the inner flexible panel.

HyperOS 4: software designed for flexible screens

One detail that stands out is that the Mix Fold 5 will come standard with HyperOS 4, Xiaomi's next major operating system update. Although the leak does not reveal specific features, all signs point to this version being completely optimized for foldable screens.

The fact that it includes HyperOS 4 is also an indicator that launch is imminent. Without this update, the device could not deliver a polished experience to users.

Specifications and expected price

Rumours point to fairly ambitious features:

• Foldable screen: between 7.5 and 7.6 inches
• Battery: 6,000 mAh
• Main camera: 200 megapixels
• Processor: Xring O3, a Xiaomi proprietary chip

As for price, speculation suggests it will cost around 10,000 Chinese yuan, equivalent to approximately 1,300 euros at current exchange rates. This would place it in a competitive price range, slightly below what Apple's iPhone Ultra is likely to cost.

The foldable market heats up

The race to dominate the foldable smartphone market is intensifying. In just weeks we will see Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8 launch, and shortly after comes Apple's turn with the iPhone Ultra. With the Mix Fold 5, Xiaomi demonstrates it has strong cards to play in this segment as well.

For now, we must wait for Xiaomi's official announcement to confirm all these specifications and learn details that leaks have not yet revealed. But early impressions suggest we are looking at a device that, at the very least, will force competitors to take note.