Xiaomi will launch the Xiaomi Mix Flip along with the Mix Fold 4 on July 19. However, many of Xiaomi’s competitors have been offering clamshell foldables for quite a while. Today the company’s CEO reveals the reason why Xiaomi is yet to release a clamshell foldable. According to him, the product “will not be released until it is ready”.
Lei Jun released a video today, revealing the internal design of a number of prototypes of the MIX Flip, and explaining to users why the Xiaomi clamshell foldable has not been launched yet. You can check out the images of the prototypes below.
As you can see, the first prototype had a triangular camera deco that also included a small display. While the design was unique, Xiaomi decided to cancel it as the small display lacked practicality. The small display could only be used for message reminders.
The second prototype included a circular outer screen integrated with the camera module. Xiaomi reportedly planned to offer a smartwatch-like UI for the outer screen. This plan was rejected because its functionality overlapped with that of a smartwatch.
A more recent prototype includes a much bigger external screen, where the cameras are reportedly placed on the other side. In addition, there is a button located just at the top of the right frame of the outer screen. This plan was rejected because it was impossible to use the rear camera to take selfies.
Finally, Xiaomi has managed to overcome all the limitations. You can see the final design here, which has also been officially revealed by the company. The final product equips a large external display with narrow and nearly uniform bezels on all four sides and has two circular cutouts for the rear camera setup.
(Source)
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