Back in 2019, Xiaomi had announced the Mi MIX Alpha. The device in question is a concept smartphone, which meant that it arrived with new and experimental designs and features and would not be sold commercially. However, a new patent has just surfaced that looks like another version of the same device, meaning it could be a variant made specifically for mass production.
One of the most notable feature of the Xiaomi Mi MIX Alpha was its flexible OLED panel. This was unique due to the fact that the display covered a majority of the smartphone’s body. In other words, it wrapped around the front and back of the device, offering a 180.6 percent screen to body ratio (a never before achieve ratio). Now, a new patent has surfaced that details a Xiaomi smartphone that also has a curved display, although not as bold as the last and still leaves more area for the rear panel to be placed.
This will not only allow for better durability but also prevent unnecessary scratches while laying the smartphone flat on its back. As per the images that accompany the patent, the supposed commercial variant of the Mi MIX Alpha features a similar curved display, but the rear panel is more prominent than before and will be made of plain glass. Furthermore, the Xiaomi patent also reveals a dual camera setup on the rear alongside an LED flash.
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Xiaomi probably made the shift to a more practical design as the protection of a full display smartphone is still questionable by the technology standards of today. Smartphones like Mi MIX Alpha follow futuristic designs and aesthetics but are not suitable for everyday use. Thus, the move seems plausible as this will allow the product to be more commercially viable as well.
The Mi MIX Alpha was announced back in September 2019 and has yet to go on sale. Xiaomi did plan on selling a limited number of units but that has not been realized to date. Notably, a senior executive had stated that the company is capable of mass producing the device, but its affordability and viability was questionable. Unfortunately, it is still unclear if such a patented smartphone will actually be made, and we will have to wait for some form of official announcement to make any confirmations.
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