Xiaomi Releases 18 Fold Foldable Phone with Proprietary Chip
- tech360.tv
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi has released a new foldable smartphone, the 18 Fold, featuring its own system-on-chip and memory components. This launch occurs during a busy period for foldable phones, with Huawei also introducing a new model and Apple expected to unveil its first foldable device later this week. The activity reflects an industry focus on this growing market segment.
The Beijing-based firm presented the 18 Fold, a handset equipped with a 19.25 cm inner display and its proprietary Xring O3 system-on-chip. It uses LPDDR6 memory chips from ChangXin Memory Technologies. Lei Jun, Xiaomi's founder and chief executive, noted its construction includes a new hinge structure, a high strength aluminium frame, and strengthened cover glass. Sales for the 18 Fold commence at 10 a.m. later this week, with a starting price of 10,999 yuan, approximately US$1,639.
Mr Lei detailed performance gains from the Xring O3. This artificial intelligence processor contains 24 billion transistors, a 26 per cent increase over its Xring O1 predecessor. The Xring O3's central processing unit performance is 60 per cent higher than the O1, with power consumption for specific tasks reduced by 25 per cent. And, Xiaomi has allocated 50 billion yuan towards its long-term proprietary chip development, despite current challenges. The organisation's research and development budget has increased, with 105.5 billion yuan invested over the last five years, and 200 billion yuan planned for the next five.
This industry activity follows Huawei's earlier introduction of its Mate XT 2. This trifold handset runs on the company's internally developed Kirin 9050 Pro system-on-chip, featuring Huawei's new LogicFolding architecture. Richard Yu Chengdong, chairman of Huawei's Consumer Business Group, reported that Huawei's trifold series has sold over 1 million units globally. The Mate XT 2 model is priced from 19,999 yuan.
The US technology firm Apple is scheduled to hold its annual product event in California later this week. Apple is expected to unveil its first foldable iPhone, reportedly named the iPhone Ultra. Market researcher TrendForce estimates this new Apple device could be priced between US$2,099 and US$2,299. So, the high-end smartphone market faces renewed competition among Big Tech companies as new models emerge.
The intensified competition in the smartphone market occurs during a challenging year for the overall industry. A global scarcity of memory chips has increased component costs, forcing manufacturers to raise prices, reduce lower-end product lines, or accept reduced profit margins. This has severely impacted budget phones, with price-sensitive consumers delaying upgrades or opting for refurbished devices. Counterpoint reported in Feb. that global smartphone shipments are predicted to decline by 12.4 per cent this year, marking the sharpest annual contraction on record.
Foldable phones show notable growth despite market difficulties. The global foldable segment is anticipated to surpass 100 million cumulative shipments by year-end, a significant milestone since its 2019 emergence. Counterpoint indicated that Apple's market entry, along with new releases from Samsung and Huawei, would stimulate further demand. Global foldable shipments are projected to rise by 37 per cent year on year in 2027, with the next 100 million devices shipping within three years. But, Tarun Pathak, a research director at Counterpoint, stated that foldables remain a small part of the overall smartphone market, suggesting considerable room for expansion.
Xiaomi also showcased various models in its Skynomad SUV series, publicised in late July. These vehicles can travel over 1,000 kilometres on a single charge, using a small petrol engine to recharge the battery. Xiaomi has priced its Skynomad models at a discount to Tesla's Model Y L SUV. The five-seat N70 Pro will sell from 209,900 yuan, and the seven-seat N90 Max will start at 269,900 yuan. Another product introduced was the Xiaomi Pad 9 Pro Max tablet, which also uses the Xring O3 chip and has a starting price of 4,799 yuan.
Xiaomi launched the 18 Fold foldable phone, featuring its proprietary Xring O3 chip and LPDDR6 memory, priced from US$1,639.
Huawei introduced the Mate XT 2 trifold handset, powered by its own Kirin 9050 Pro SoC, starting at 19,999 yuan.
Apple is anticipated to unveil its first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Ultra, this week, with an estimated price range of US$2,099 to US$2,299.
The global smartphone market faces a 12.4 per cent shipment decline this year, but foldable phones are a growth segment projected to exceed 100 million cumulative shipments by year-end.
Xiaomi also revealed its Skynomad SUV series and the Pad 9 Pro Max tablet, both using the Xring O3 chip, expanding its product range.
Source: SCMP
