iPhone Duo vs Xiaomi 18 Fold: Why these two new foldables look so similar
Dubai: Two new foldable smartphones have launched just days apart, and their similarities have already caught the attention of tech experts and social media users. Apple unveiled its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo , on September 9, while Xiaomi officially launched its Xiaomi 18 Fold in China on September 7. While the two phones come from very different smartphone ecosystems, both are…
Two new foldable smartphones have entered the market just days apart, causing tech enthusiasts to notice their striking similarities. Apple unveiled its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, on September 9, while Xiaomi officially launched the Xiaomi 18 Fold in China on September 7. Despite coming from different smartphone ecosystems, both devices aim for a compact passport-style design that transforms into a larger screen when unfolded.
The iPhone Duo is Apple's most premium iPhone yet, with the 256GB model priced at $1,999 (Dh8,499 in the UAE). It will be available for pre-orders starting October 16, with a global launch on October 23. The Xiaomi 18 Fold, currently available only in China, is priced at ¥10,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage version, approximately Dh6,019. Pre-orders were open starting September 10, with sales beginning at 10am China time. An official UAE price for the Xiaomi 18 Fold has not been announced yet.
Both foldables showcase a similar concept, as they transform into tablet-sized screens when unfolded. The Xiaomi 18 Fold features a 7.58-inch inner display and a 5.4-inch outer screen, while the iPhone Duo has a 7.6-inch folding display and a 5.4-inch outer screen. Additionally, the two phones have outer screens measuring around 5.4 inches, allowing for normal phone usage when closed and unfolding for a larger screen when needed.
The two devices also share a similar transition between outer and inner displays, providing a more seamless experience compared to switching between two distinct screens. However, the Xiaomi 18 Fold is slightly lighter at 219 grams, while the iPhone Duo weighs 254 grams. The cameras on each phone employ different approaches as well.
The Xiaomi 18 Fold features a 200MP Leica triple-camera system, while the iPhone Duo has a 48MP Dual Fusion rear camera system. Apple is using its foldable design advantage by displaying a live camera preview on the outer screen during the camera usage, enabling subjects to see their framing.
In terms of durability, Apple has placed a strong emphasis on making the iPhone Duo robust, using Grade 5 titanium frame, Ceramic Shield 2 on the front and back, and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. Xiaomi's foldable, on the other hand, utilizes a 7000-series aluminium alloy frame and Xiaomi Shield Glass 3.0, with the hinge designed to offer additional protection to the folding display.
Both manufacturers are addressing the primary concern around foldables: the ability of a large folding screen to withstand regular use. For now, the iPhone Duo has a head start outside China, but the Xiaomi 18 Fold demonstrates that Apple is not the sole company investing in passport-sized foldable phones.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
