The patent in question, which was first reported on earlier this month, envisions a smartphone with two massive displays and an ‘AI Super Camera’ which is coupled with a zoom lens that extends from the device like a compact camera.
If Xiaomi moves ahead with the patented design, the resulting device will feature a massive waterfall display on the front that extends to the top and bottom edges with no room for a controversial forehead or chin.There is no notch or punch hole for the selfie camera and/or 3D facial recognition system either. That means Xiaomi may either skip both features on the front panel or implement them with the help of advanced in-screen technology.
Thanks to the chosen waterfall panel, the display curves over the entire side of the smartphone. But unlike the original Xiaomi Mi Mix Alpha, the potential second-generation model boasts a front screen that ends when it reaches the rear panel.
Fortunately, the overall user experience shouldn’t be too different. Xiaomi has selected a large display for the rear of the patented smartphone that starts only millimeters away from where the waterfall screen ends – they’re separated by a very slim metal frame.
It extends from the very bottom and occupies about two-thirds of the rear. The rest belongs to the ginormous ‘AI Super Camera,’ which replaces the increasingly common dual, triple, quad, and Penta-camera modules.
The implementation seems to be a modern take on the ideas and technologies that led to the iconic Nokia Lumia 1020 and less popular Samsung Galaxy K Zoom. It should easily give the Huawei P40 Pro+ and Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra a run for their money.
As for internal specifications, the Mi Mix Alpha 2 is expected to launch as an ultra-premium smartphone that is possibly even more expensive than recent foldable products. Therefore, high-end hardware is to be expected inside.
The most likely option for a chipset is the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ which is expected to be used inside the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra too. That makes 5G network connectivity a standard feature. A massive battery should be included as well.