Detachable camera modules in smartphones appears to be an emerging trends in recent patent filings from multiple companies. Now, TCL has joined the bandwagon as well, with a smartphone with a detachable dual camera module that can be used as a rear and front facing shooter.

According to a LetsGoDigital report, the Chinese electronics brand filed a design patent with the CNIPA (China National Intellectual Property Administration). The news as other brands like Xiaomi, Vivo, and Samsung also patenting detachable camera modules. Looking at the patent images from TCL, the device resembles a modern day handset with a dual camera module on the back. Although, this module can be detached from the main housing.

Notably, after detaching the camera, there is also a way to mount the module on to the side of the smartphone. Users can mount the module on the side thanks to two small connectors, which would allow one to take high resolution selfie shots as the camera module now faces the front. This would be especially useful for great shots as the dual camera system might also include a wide angle lens and the higher resolution might help with online video conferences as well.

As of right now, it is unknown if the detachable camera module can be used without being attached to the smartphone. To achieve this, it would have to have its own small power source and a communications module, which the patent does not describe. Furthermore, its still unknown if the company is actually working on such a product or covering all bases.

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TCL is known as a TV manufacturer across the world. But the company also sells phones under brands like Alcatel. But this year, it even started launching smartphones with its own branding. That being said, the company has now patented a smartphone design with in-display camera.

The race for perfect full-screen smartphones is still on. Companies have been trying various solutions such as notches, pop-ups, and punch-holes. But the ideal solution is in-display/under-display cameras.

Xiaomi and Oppo have already showcased prototypes featuring in-display camera last year. But the tech is still not ready for the public. But earlier this week, Visionox announced that it has begun to mass manufacture this solution and a report even suggested that it could be exclusive to Huawei for the time being.

Keeping that in mind, we can see how this TCL design patent can be a reality someday. But for now, we can only mesmerize this design in our imagination.

The phone seems to have a curved display with visible bezels all around. At the back, it has a quad-camera setup and dual-LED flash separated from each other.

Also, this TCL phone looks to sport a screen with 21:9 aspect ratio just like the recently launched Sony Xperia 1 II.

The Chinese tech company is known for affordable TVs. It is trying to build its reputation in the smartphone market by launching one of the cheapest 5G handsets in the US called TCL 10 5G for only $399.

Since TCL has been targeting customers at the end of the spectrum for years, we can expect the company to bring phones with in-display camera for the masses in the near future.

UP NEXT: Samsung & LG’s Withdrawal from LCD market will bring opportunities for Chinese companies

(Via)

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