Xiaomi Mix Flip
Delivers for display and camera quality as well as performance, but the software offering falls behind rival flip phones
SCORE
PRICE £749 (£899 inc VAT) from amazon.co.uk
While other big names have grabbed the publicity, Xiaomi has been quietly mastering the art of making foldable phones. The Mix Fold handset is in its fourth generation, and the manufacturer now debuts its first clamshell design, the Mix Flip.
With an RRP of £1,099 inc VAT it would be competitive with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip6 (see issue 360, p73), but the usual flurry of cut-price deals means you can currently buy it for £899 from Amazon. And while the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra is cheaper (see issue 360, p68), starting at £699, the Xiaomi includes a more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, not to mention a generous 512GB of storage.
Desirable design
The Mix Flip has a look all of its own, with pillowed glass and a body that – although thicker than other clamshells – still feels pleasingly slim and comfortable both in the pocket and in the hand. It’s offered in black or a rather lavender-looking purple; the lightly textured glass on the back provides a classy contrast to the polished metal frame and glossy outer screen, and the hinge cleverly contains a microphone that’s exposed when the phone is closed, so you can make and receive calls without unfolding the case. When you do open it up, the action is smooth but sturdy, so you can happily prop the phone up in an “L” shape or tent format – ideal for watching content without a stand, or taking snaps without a tripod.