Xiaomi MIX Fold 6 leaks: Could the ‘Xiaomi 17 Fold’ arrive with a 200MP camera?

Friday, 26 September 2025 at 22:29

The foldable phone market has been full of surprises lately, especially for Xiaomi fans. Over the past year, the company left many puzzled after certifying the MIX Fold 5 but never bringing it to market. The MIX Flip 2 also failed to reach global shelves. Now, new leaks suggest that Xiaomi is preparing a very different approach for its next foldable — and it might even mark a shift in branding.

A new name: From MIX Fold to Xiaomi 17 Fold?

According to insider reports, a device with the codename “pecan” and model number 26023PN08C is under development. The “PN” in the code hints at something unusual: instead of being part of the MIX family, this phone may fall under Xiaomi’s main flagship lineup. If that’s the case, the next device could arrive as the Xiaomi 17 Fold, not the MIX Fold 6.

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The timing is also changing. Earlier Fold models were traditionally announced in June, but this new foldable is expected in February 2026. A related model number, P18S, has also surfaced, where the “S” likely indicates satellite connectivity. Interestingly, there is no plain “P18” listing, which suggests Xiaomi may release only a satellite-enabled version. As with many of the brand’s most advanced models, the launch is expected to be exclusive to China.

Camera focus: a 200MP main sensor

Perhaps the biggest headline here is the camera system. Based on the leaks, the Xiaomi 17 Fold will borrow a setup similar to what we’ve seen rumored for the MIX Flip 3. It reportedly features:

200MP main camera (Samsung S5KHP5)
50MP ultra-wide (OV50M)
50MP secondary front camera (OV50M)
16MP inner front camera (OV16F)

What stands out is Xiaomi’s decision to go bold with a 200MP main sensor on a foldable — a first for the company. This move signals Xiaomi’s intention to bring its imaging expertise to larger-format devices, bridging the gap between traditional flagships and foldables. However, the absence of a dedicated telephoto lens may raise eyebrows among users who value zoom performance.

My take

From my perspective, this shift in branding makes sense. Xiaomi seems to be aligning its foldable line more closely with its flagship numbered series, rather than treating it as a separate experimental branch. If the device really does launch as the Xiaomi 17 Fold, it could benefit from stronger brand recognition compared to the more niche MIX Fold name.

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The camera hardware alone shows that Xiaomi is treating this as more than just an incremental update. A 200MP sensor in a foldable form factor is ambitious, and if tuned well, it could help Xiaomi stand out against Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold line. The lack of a telephoto may disappoint enthusiasts, but Xiaomi’s focus seems clear: deliver a premium foldable with cutting-edge photography at the center.

If the leaks are accurate, February 2026 could be the company’s most important foldable launch yet — not just because of the specs, but because of what it says about the future direction of Xiaomi’s lineup.

Key points

New Branding – The next Xiaomi foldable may launch as the Xiaomi 17 Fold instead of MIX Fold 6, signaling a shift from the MIX series to the main flagship line.