Xiaomi seems to want to develop a different rollable smartphone. It seems like the company is developing a rollable smartphone that extends on both sides. Well, at least that’s the conclusion we can come by as the company just patented such a design.
Xiaomi aims to offer a different rollable smartphone
Based on a USPTO listing, Xiaomi has patented such a smartphone (images shown below the article). This signals a different approach to the one OPPO took with the OPPO X 2021. For those of you who are out of the loop, the OPPO X 2021 is essentially the world’s first rollable smartphone.
That handset got announced at the end of last year, and even though it’s just a concept device, it works. That handset won’t become available to purchase, though, so keep that in mind.
The OPPO X 2021 extends on one side, its right side. Many companies patented a similar design to this one. Well, Xiaomi wants to do things a bit differently, it seems.
This handset extends from both sides
If this handset even becomes a reality, it will extend from both sides, and the camera will be in the middle. What’s also interesting is that the display seems to extend to the back panel when not rolled out.
This actually reminds us of the Xiaomi Mi MIX Alpha, a concept smartphone that Xiaomi announced. That device had a 360-degree display, all around the phone.
This is a rather interesting approach by Xiaomi. We’re not sure when will the company’s first rollable smartphone arrive, but it could utilize the tech that we’re seeing in this patent.
Xiaomi is expected to announce new foldable smartphone(s) this year. It already announced the Mi MIX Fold, and one or two more will follow before the end of the year.
It’s also certain that the company’s rollable smartphone won’t become a reality in 2021. Such a device may get announced next year, though. Samsung is also, allegedly, aiming to deliver a rollable smartphone in 2022.
