I tried the Xiaomi 18 Fold, and I think Samsung and Apple should be worried

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Xiaomi gave us a chance to get our hands on its new ide foldable at IFA 2026, and after spending a very limited amount of time with it, I can already see why Samsung might want to pay attention.

The Xiaomi 18 Fold is the company’s first wide-screen foldable phone in its main numbered flagship series, and its timing is impeccable. The phone arrives shortly after Samsung launched its first wide-screen Galaxy Z Fold 8 and just days before Apple is expected to unveil its first folding iPhone. Xiaomi’s approach isn’t identical to either, though. The 18 Fold has a more rounded look, especially when it’s unfolded, and packs a surprisingly ambitious camera system into its passport-style body.

I only spent a short time with the phone at IFA 2026, but even that brief hands-on was enough to convince me that if Xiaomi brings the 18 Fold to global markets, Samsung has a serious new competitor on its hands.

The first thing that struck me about the Xiaomi 18 Fold is just how its proportions feel compared with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8.

When closed, the Xiaomi device has that familiar passport-like shape we’ve now seen from Samsung’s wide-screen foldable, but Xiaomi has gone for rounder corners on one side, while the hinged edge has flat corners. When you unfold it, those rounded corners make the 18 Fold look a bit softer and less boxy than Samsung’s latest Fold.

I actually quite like the overall look. The red finish I used at IFA is easily the standout option, with a deep cherry-red rear panel and matching metal frame. However, Xiaomi says the 18 Fold will also be available in black and white, but the red is the one I would pick.

The outer display measures 5.38 inches, while the internal screen measures 7.58 inches.