Xiaomi today presented a new concept smartphone that takes curved screens to the next level. The device builds on the expertise Xiaomi has gained from the Mi Mix Alpha concept and it has a quad-curved Waterfall Display that wraps seamlessly around all edges.
We first heard about the new concept device in April last year, when Xiaomi filed for a patent for a phone with a waterfall display and a camera below the screen. Now the company has finally revealed the device in a video posted on it Weibo. As you can see in the attached video, the new concept device has no borders at all. Instead, the display on the device curves around all four edges, giving it a futuristic look.
Like the Mi Mix Alpha, the new Xiaomi Concept seems to use a modified version of MIUI that illuminates the left and right edges for incoming notifications. In addition, the device appears to have all of the status bar icons on the right side, which makes it look neater on the front. Since the device doesn’t appear to have physical buttons on the sides, it probably uses the same pressure-sensitive virtual side buttons as the Mi Mix Alpha. At the rear, the concept device features a rectangular camera module with a single camera and a flash.
It is here 😍 Xiaomi’s new concept smartphone with curved screens on all four sides and no ports!
I’ve seen and touched the real product, and I have to say … this form factor might just be the new trend. pic.twitter.com/BK6A8Zv0EE
– Agatha Tang (@aggasaurus) February 5, 2021
Along with the video, Xiaomi has also shared a teaser image for the Waterfall Display concept that reveals some additional information. According to the image, the device has a unibody design without ports. The innovative screen curves 88 ° over the edges, and Xiaomi claims it uses several groundbreaking advancements in glass bending and lamination technology. Furthermore, the image shows that Xiaomi has applied for 46 innovative patents during development.
While I’m a fan of the overall look, I’m concerned about its durability and the ability to accurately identify accidental touches. The latter could make it an absolute nightmare to use. What’s your take on Xiaomi’s new Waterfall Display phone? Share your thoughts in the comments below.