Xiaomi, the renowned Chinese smartphone manufacturer, has recently filed a design patent with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) for a new smartphone design that bears a striking resemblance to its previous concept device, the Mi Mix Alpha. The Mi Mix Alpha, unveiled in late 2019, showcased an innovative surround display with an exceptional screen-to-body ratio, although it was never mass-produced for consumers. Now, Xiaomi’s latest patent hints at a similar concept with some notable differences. Let’s delve into the details.
Credit @ gizmochina
The patent, discovered by IThome, showcases a new smartphone design featuring a surround screen concept reminiscent of the Mi Mix Alpha. However, there are some distinct variations in the layout. Unlike the Mi Mix Alpha, the rear portion of the device has a larger non-display area positioned at the center, as opposed to the left side.
This updated design not only offers a unique visual appeal but also provides a potential solution to some of the challenges faced by smartphones with full-surround displays. By shifting the non-display area to the center, Xiaomi may have addressed concerns regarding accidental touches and enhanced the overall user experience.
Notably, all the cameras are placed beneath the screen, enabling a seamless and uninterrupted display on the front of the device. This under-display camera technology allows for a cleaner design without the need for notches or punch-hole cutouts. By integrating the cameras beneath the screen, Xiaomi aims to achieve a more immersive viewing experience while maintaining the functionality of front-facing and rear cameras.
The front of the device houses a single front-facing camera positioned in the top left corner, enabling users to capture selfies and engage in video calls with ease. Meanwhile, the rear features a vertical alignment of triple cameras on the left side of the back display, allowing users to capture high-quality photos and videos from various perspectives.
Examining the physical layout, the bottom of the device is equipped with a SIM card slot, a USB Type-C port, and a speaker grille, ensuring convenient connectivity and audio output. Moving to the top, there is another speaker grille along with two holes, likely intended for microphones, facilitating clear sound recording during calls and multimedia playback. Additionally, the left edge of the device is adorned with capacitive power and volume keys, offering familiar and intuitive controls for users.
While the patent reveals an intriguing and innovative smartphone design, it is important to note that not all design patents result in the production of a commercial device. Xiaomi’s intention behind filing this patent remains unclear, as the company may choose to explore different design directions or incorporate specific features into future smartphone models.
Fans and tech enthusiasts will eagerly await further updates from Xiaomi regarding the development and potential release of this new smartphone design. As with any patent, it serves as a testament to the company’s continuous efforts to push the boundaries of smartphone design and deliver innovative devices to the market. Until then, we can only speculate on whether the features showcased in the patent will become a reality in the near future.
In an ever-evolving smartphone landscape, manufacturers like Xiaomi are constantly striving to introduce groundbreaking technologies and designs to captivate consumers. The patent for a Mi Mix Alpha-like smartphone design with under-display cameras demonstrates Xiaomi’s commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities in the realm of smartphone innovation. Whether or not this particular design materializes into a consumer product, it serves as a testament to Xiaomi’s dedication to delivering cutting-edge devices that redefine the smartphone experience.
