iPhone Duo and Xiaomi 18 Fold compared: specs, price, durability
Apple's iPhone Duo and Xiaomi's 18 Fold are both premium book-style foldables with 7.6-inch inner displays and 5.4-inch outer screens. The Xiaomi model is lighter and claims a brighter display, while the iPhone Duo uses a titanium frame, Ceramic Shield glass, and an IP68 rating. The Duo starts at $1,999 and launches soon in more markets, whereas the Xiaomi 18 Fold costs about $1,640 and is currently limited to China.
Both phones arrived two days apart and use a tall, book-like shape rather than the squarer design common among older foldables. Their inner and outer screens match in size and refresh rate, but Xiaomi claims a brighter peak, while Apple adds a glare-reducing inner layer and a selfie camera hidden under the display.
Apple's A20 Pro is built on a 2nm process, whereas Xiaomi's XRING O3 remains 3nm. Xiaomi pairs 16GB RAM with a 6,000mAh silicon-carbon battery and faster charging; Apple has not shared battery details. Camera hardware also differs sharply, and neither device has been fully reviewed yet.
Consumers weighing premium foldables may benefit from sharper competition, especially around weight, display brightness, camera flexibility, and charging speed. Apple's higher price and broader launch could appeal to buyers wanting durability and ecosystem support, while Xiaomi's lower price may attract cost-conscious enthusiasts—though China-only availability limits its reach. As foldables become lighter and more durable, they could move from niche status toward mainstream consideration, though price and availability may still shape adoption.