Earlier this year, Xiaomi filed for a patent for a smartphone that showcases two bold quadrilateral curved waterfall screens.
The only difference between the two patents is the curvature at the round corners. In one, the screen wraps around rounded corners, just like the MIX Alpha. These patents do not have any physical buttons on all four sides of the frame. There is also no opening or bezel on all four edges.
Based on the patent sketches, LetsGoDigital produces a set of renders of the smartphone. From the images, we can see that the A model uses a flexible screen to cover the front and four sides of the phone. However, this display does not rotate on the sides of the smartphone.
The frame of the phone is divided into 4 segments, and the edge of the screen does not completely wrap around the side frame. The camera module on the back of the phone has a two-stage ladder design, the main camera is relatively thick, and there is a microphone hole at the bottom.
Xiaomi's second design, the B model, is even more attractive. The mobile phone screen completely covers the corners, creating a perfect 90° waterfall screen effect. In addition, there are no holes or gaps on the screen. Otherwise, the design of the frame and back of the phone is the same as the first one.
Futuristic patents may never go into mass production
Looking at these renders, we can see that the design is absolutely futuristic and we may not see such smartphones anytime soon.
Also, these smartphones will apparently come with an under-display camera solution. In addition, there are no holes for the earpiece, speaker, microphone, etc.
Xiaomi Mi MIX Alpha
This is not the first smartphone of its kind from a Chinese manufacturer. Earlier, Xiaomi released a concept phone with a three-dimensional screen Xiaomi Mi MIX Alpha. The screen of this concept phone has a side bezel that covers the back of the phone, and the width of the top and bottom bezels is 2,15mm.
It does not have any physical button on the side, and uses touch and press methods to achieve the features of the side buttons. This smartphone comes with a 108MP Samsung camera and is priced at RMB 19 (> $999).
However, it is important to note that the Xiaomi Mi MIX Alpha never made it to market. If the solution in Xiaomi's patent moves forward, it will likely use the MIX Alpha's screen sound and other technologies.
