Xiaomi Mi Mix 3: is a slider better than a notch?

The Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 is one of the first phones that uses a manual slider to reveal the front camera. We’re probably going to see this design from a few different manufacturers in 2019 — rumors are that the OnePlus 7 will have a similar sliding design, and we wouldn’t be surprised if we see other phones from Oppo, Vivo, Honor, Huawei, and more with this mechanism. You have to really ask yourself, how much do you hate the notch to prefer a design like this?

Correction: It appears that Xiaomi isn’t actually using springs for the Mi Mix 3's sliding screen, but is instead using a set of magnets to allow the screen to slide between the two positions and stay put until you push it back. It’s a clever system, but we’re still not convinced the system will be as durable as a non-sliding device.

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[TheVerge]

It appears that Xiaomi isn’t actually using springs for the Mi Mix 3's sliding screen, but is instead using a set of magnets to allow the screen to slide between the two positions and stay put until you push it back. It’s a clever system, but we’re still not convinced the system will be as durable as a non-sliding device. – Dan

[khaldounal-nuaimi]

the Mix 3 doesnt use a spring mechanism. It uses magnets to do the sliding thing. Check Jerrry rig everything video where takes the phone apart. Also awesome video as always Dan!

[nickmiller]

This review is incorrect, there is no "spring" that slides the display down. It is all done by magnets. Do your research before quickly judging a phone.

[BansGuy]

We used sliding phones for like 2 decades and nobody was worried about durability. Now in 2019 some people bring them back and it's a problem all of a sudden? 🙄

[ShamanBhat]

Not a srping. it's magnets. Acc to JerryRigEverything

[LeBeautiful]

I mean, having a sliding phone is better than a hugely noticeable notch. And it's _fun, _ too.

[jasperyip]

I feel like you are intentionally trying to find fault in this wonderful phone

[Grenyas]

I don't mind the notch. I'm not sure if the slider is better, but it's cool to see manufacturers doing things differently rather than following a trend.

[naimrahman]

For me, the notch is the worst thing in smartphones after removal of 3.5's. And yes i would buy this phone to avoid the notch.

[michaelmerrill]

Jerry rigged everything did a tear down and there are no springs in the mi mix 3... They need to get their facts straight... it's all done with metal rails and magnets. SMH.

[amitparida]

You are seriously nitpicking. I don't really think there's much to worry about here. If apple would have done the same thing, it would have been the greatest innovation of the decade!?? How can you be so biased ??

[lowercase]

I like it, new way to protect the front camera.

[MrMichaelcaesario]

I hate the notch so so bad that i decided to buy this a few weeks ago and i love it! The screen is so big and the battery last me for a full day, quite impressive considering the size of the battery and the slider, well, not a deal breaker, you only slide it when you take a selfie and theres a ton of case for this on Aliexpress, the only problem with this phone is just too BIG the screen makes my hand hold the phone in a uncomfortable way

[maximilianb]

There are actually no springs in the device, but magnets

[Ali___]

So many problems in the verges videos, from mispronunciations to wrong information about how things work. C'mon you can do better

[stevenzhu]

this design is far more better than OPPO find x

[JordmanFR]

The real question for me was, do you really take that much selfies ?
Because I don't.
But I understand that it's supposed to be there so I think that the slider is a great compromise.

[ZaneBlalock]

"Thick and heavy phone" - "When will the slider break" It's not that heavy nor that thick, and I'd prefer a thicker phone over a delicate easy to break one. The slider may break with wear and tear, just like screen's burn-in, speakers going out, etc. Unless there's clear evidence of the mechanism giving way in a very short amount of time, it's just a question on common life-span as of any other component of a device. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[lululemon]

this is so biased and nitpicking. Average John does not even touch the front facing camera every day. I like the verge but still u guys give big players too much credit they do not deserve. Xiaomi and Oppo are bringing the real innovation to this industry and at least they are bold enough to give it a try. That alone deserve the credit.

[CornusXBL]

Almost ever phone before the first iPhone had some sort of slider most of them for the keyboard. I don’t see why people think it’s such a problem now. I think it’s a great solution that brings in some older, yet updated tech