iPhone Duo vs Xiaomi 18 Fold: How these foldables stack up
The iPhone Duo and Xiaomi 18 Fold are premium foldable phones with similar passport-style designs and matching screen sizes, but differ in cameras, materials, software and availability. The comparison matters to buyers weighing Apple’s ecosystem and durability claims against Xiaomi’s lighter build and stronger listed camera and charging specifications.
Both have 7.6-inch inner and 5.4-inch outer displays with 120Hz refresh rates; Xiaomi claims a brighter peak display, while Apple adds a glare-reducing screen layer and an IP68 rating. The Duo starts at $1,999, with pre-orders from 16 October and sales from 23 October; the 18 Fold starts at 10,999 yuan, about $1,640, and is currently limited to China. Xiaomi lists a 200-megapixel main camera, 16GB of RAM, a 6,000mAh battery and faster charging, while Apple highlights its A20 Pro chip and iOS 27 foldable features. Neither phone had received an in-depth review at the time of comparison.
- Both phones pair 7.6-inch inner screens with 120Hz refresh rates.
- Xiaomi lists more camera sensors, more RAM and faster charging.
- Apple offers IP68 protection; Xiaomi has not shared an IP rating.
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Foldable phones open out to provide a larger screen while folding down to a more compact size. The iPhone Duo and Xiaomi 18 Fold use a passport-style design, with a main screen inside and a smaller screen on the outside.
Apple and Xiaomi are major smartphone makers, but their phones work with different software ecosystems: the Duo runs Apple’s iOS, while Xiaomi’s devices use Android-based software. That can affect which apps and connected devices buyers can use, as well as how familiar the phone feels.
For buyers, the choice also involves price, camera and battery specifications, build and availability. The Duo is due to go on sale in several markets, while the 18 Fold is currently limited to China; detailed independent reviews had not yet assessed how either performs in everyday use.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The iPhone Duo may appeal to buyers who value Apple’s software, ecosystem and stated durability features, including its IP68 rating and glare-reducing screen layer. Its A20 Pro chip and foldable features in iOS 27 may also offer a more integrated experience for people already using Apple devices.
The case against
The Xiaomi 18 Fold may offer stronger listed hardware for the price, with a 200-megapixel main camera, more RAM, a larger battery and faster charging. Its lighter build and lower starting price could make it attractive to buyers prioritising specifications, though its China-only availability limits access elsewhere.