Xiaomi 18 Fold Is Already a Hit, With Sales Up 310%

Xiaomi’s 18 Fold launch in China, with 36,000 units sold on day one and a 310% sales jump over its predecessor, suggests growing momentum for the company in the premium foldable market. This is not merely a story about a new device; it reflects Xiaomi’s increasing ability to compete with established players like Samsung, Honor, Vivo, OPPO, and Huawei in a segment that is no longer novel. The significant sales increase at a price point exceeding $1,500 indicates that Xiaomi is successfully differentiating its offering beyond just form factor. The more important development for the Asian tech sector is Xiaomi’s integration of its proprietary XRING O3 chipset in the 18 Fold. This move reduces reliance on Qualcomm and underscores Xiaomi’s commitment to developing its own core hardware. It points to a broader trend among major Chinese tech firms to enhance supply chain resilience and control over key components, potentially impacting the competitive landscape for chip suppliers in the region. The challenge for Xiaomi will be sustaining this initial demand and expanding beyond the Chinese market, where its rivals are also heavily invested.