appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

isVideo

articlePageQuery

article

articleSchemaContent

content

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

appConfig

filter

json

liveArticle

Masha Borak

This article originally appeared on ABACUS
A new patent from Xiaomi either shows some unusual ideas or the next big thing in phone design. The oddest part is not the wraparound foldable screen — but a massive pop-up module with a mind-boggling five pop-up cameras. It’s like Xiaomi decided to take the most hyped-up trends in smartphones and turn it into a five-eyed Frankenstein.
The patent was found by the TigerMobiles.com website on China’s IP national agency CNIPA. The patent was registered in August 2018, but so far it hasn’t become a reality.
Like many Chinese smartphone makers, Xiaomi has been experimenting with bold designs to attract more attention in an increasingly crowded market. In January it teased a foldable phone that folds twice. But while it looked cool, many noticed an odd omission: There didn’t appear to be space for a camera. More recently, Xiaomi unveiled a US$2,800 concept phone, the Mi Mix Alpha, with a screen that wraps around the body.

For more insights into China tech, sign up for our tech newsletters, subscribe to our award-winning Inside China Tech podcast, and download the comprehensive 2019 China Internet Report. Also roam China Tech City, an award-winning interactive digital map at our sister site Abacus.



Chinese AI smart glasses take off with focus on user needs

Why is Chinese DRAM maker CXMT’s IPO attracting so much attention?

China says integration of AI, advanced manufacturing can help offset economic headwinds

After Trump visit, China’s top party journal doubles down on manufacturing push

Xiaomi

Xiaomi patent shows a phone with five pop-up cameras

Xiaomi’s new phone has a screen that folds around the body and a whopping five cameras. (Picture: TigerMobiles)

Xiaomi patent shows a phone with five pop-up cameras

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Vivo NEX pioneered the pop-up camera, but Xiaomi is taking it to the next level

Vivo NEX pioneered the pop-up camera, but Xiaomi is taking it to the next level