Xiaomi’s next foldable smartphone may not be far from its official debut. Fresh reports coming out of China suggest that the company is moving closer to launching the Xiaomi Mix Fold 5, a device that could introduce several notable upgrades while also showcasing Xiaomi’s growing ambitions in the custom silicon space. New certification listings have now surfaced online, adding weight to speculation that the foldable flagship could arrive within the next few months.
The upcoming device is expected to succeed the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4, which launched in 2024 and competed against premium foldables from Samsung, Honor, Vivo, and Huawei. While Xiaomi has yet to officially confirm the handset, regulatory approvals often signal that a product is entering the final stages before launch. If the latest leaks prove accurate, the Mix Fold 5 could become one of the first major foldable smartphones powered by Xiaomi’s next-generation in-house chipset.
Xiaomi Mix Fold 5 Appears in Chinese Certification Database
According to information shared by Chinese tipsters, a Xiaomi smartphone carrying the model number 2608BPX34C has reportedly received radio certification from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Previous leaks have linked this model number to the Xiaomi Mix Fold 5, leading many industry watchers to believe that the certification belongs to the company’s next foldable flagship.
The regulatory listing reportedly confirms support for 5G connectivity and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. UWB has become increasingly important in premium smartphones, enabling more precise location tracking, faster device-to-device communication, and improved integration with smart home products and connected ecosystems. Its inclusion suggests Xiaomi is positioning the device firmly in the ultra-premium segment.
One of the more interesting claims surrounding the certification is that the phone may launch under a different name. Some reports indicate Xiaomi could market the device as the Xiaomi 17 Fold rather than continuing the Mix Fold branding. However, there is currently no official confirmation regarding a potential name change.
The leaks also suggest the handset could debut as early as August, potentially arriving ahead of Xiaomi’s next flagship smartphone lineup.
HyperOS 4 and Xring O3 Could Be the Biggest Upgrades
Perhaps the most significant rumour surrounding the Xiaomi Mix Fold 5 involves its processor. Multiple reports claim the device will feature Xiaomi’s upcoming Xring O3 chipset, which would mark another major step in the company’s efforts to reduce dependence on third-party chip suppliers.
Over the last few years, smartphone manufacturers have increasingly explored custom silicon to better optimize performance, battery efficiency, AI processing, and software integration. Apple has demonstrated the advantages of this approach with its A-series and M-series chips, while Google has developed its Tensor platform. Xiaomi appears eager to follow a similar strategy with its Xring lineup.
Another leak from well-known Chinese tipster Digital Chat Station claims the Mix Fold 5 will be the first Xiaomi smartphone to ship with HyperOS 4 pre-installed. If accurate, that would make the foldable a showcase device for Xiaomi’s latest software experience before the arrival of the Xiaomi 18 series.
HyperOS has become a central part of Xiaomi’s ecosystem strategy, connecting smartphones, tablets, smart home devices, wearables, and electric vehicles through a unified software platform. HyperOS 4 is expected to introduce deeper AI integration, smoother multitasking features, and additional cross-device capabilities, although Xiaomi has not yet revealed its official feature list.
What to Expect Compared to the Mix Fold 4
While specifications remain largely under wraps, expectations are naturally high given the hardware found in last year’s model. The Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 featured a 7.98-inch AMOLED inner display paired with a 6.56-inch cover screen, delivering a large tablet-like experience when unfolded while maintaining a relatively compact form factor when closed.
The device was powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and packed a 5,100mAh battery with support for 67W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. It also focused heavily on reducing thickness and weight, helping Xiaomi compete with some of the slimmest foldable phones on the market.
For the Mix Fold 5, industry observers expect improvements in battery technology, durability, camera performance, and hinge engineering. Foldable smartphones have become increasingly competitive over the past year, with manufacturers racing to produce thinner devices while improving crease visibility, battery life, and overall reliability. Xiaomi will likely need meaningful upgrades to stand out in an increasingly crowded premium segment.
Another reported detail suggests the handset could be priced around $1,000. If that estimate proves accurate, Xiaomi could position the Mix Fold 5 aggressively against rival foldables, potentially offering flagship-level specifications at a more competitive price point than some competitors.
With certification approvals now reportedly in place and launch rumours intensifying, the Xiaomi Mix Fold 5 appears to be moving steadily toward an official announcement. Whether it launches under the Mix Fold name or adopts the rumored Xiaomi 17 Fold branding, the device could become one of Xiaomi’s most important smartphone releases of the year, especially if it serves as the debut platform for both HyperOS 4 and the company’s next-generation Xring O3 chip.
