Xiaomi plans to launch a solar-powered smartphone, reveals patent
What's the story
Xiaomi has filed a patent with the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) for a new smartphone that features an integrated solar panel on the rear of the phone.
The patent images reveal an in-trend all-screen design but the phone's highlight will be an improved battery life thanks to its capability to juice up with solar power.
Here's everything to know.
Details
Everything we know about Xiaomi's solar-powered smartphone
According to LetsGoDigital, the patent was filed by Xiaomi last year in July. The documents enclose seven sketches that reveal a smartphone with a notch-less, bezel-less display.
However, there are no signs of a pop-up selfie camera or punch-hole camera, suggesting the phone may either lack a front-facing camera or house it under the screen- a technology Xiaomi has already demoed.
Information
The rear panel will feature an integrated solar panel
On the rear, the phone will feature a dual-lens rear camera and an integrated solar panel that will cover over 50% of the area. Further, the lack of a physical fingerprint reader suggests the handset will come with an in-display fingerprint sensor.
Application
The idea of a solar-powered smartphone: Yay or Nay?
An integrated solar panel on the back of your phone will allow you to wirelessly charge the phone by exposing it to sunlight.
However, this one-of-a-kind concept has some limitations. Firstly, you can only charge under direct sunlight and its not a quick process. Further, the phone may get overheated and it will be virtually impossible to use it while charging.
Just a patent?
Will Xiaomi ever make a device like that?
A patent doesn't guarantee that a product is in the works. However, it certainly does weigh in on the idea of a possibility.
Will Xiaomi ever release a solar-powered phone? We don't know. But surely, the patent is a good indication that the tech giant is working on new designs and applications that will make our future smartphones charge on the go.