Without any real surprise, Xiaomi is working, like many of its competitors, on the development of a folding clamshell smartphone. A patent testifying to its intentions has been filed in China.
The clamshell format is popular. Directly targeting those nostalgic for the “clap” – signaling that a communication was over – they now rely on folding screens. Samsung, which is its first ambassador, has been offering its second generation of terminals of its kind since the summer of 2021, with a Galaxy Z Flip 3 benefiting from a large communication campaign. Others intend to follow in his footsteps, starting with Huawei, whose P50 Pocket was formalized a few days ago in China, or even Motorola, whose third generation of Razr could soon be unveiled.
Xiaomi, which does not yet offer a folding model in Europe, all formats combined, could soon join these manufacturers. At least that is what suggests a patent filed in China with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and identified by MySmartPrice. The device has no name for the time being.
According to the diagrams published by the site, the device considered by Xiaomi is classic to say the least. The sketches reveal a double back photo module, accompanying a small screen presumably reserved for the display of notifications and visual feedback accompanying the capture of selfies. An oblong punch inside also testifies to the integration of a double module in the device. It remains to be hoped that the Chinese brand will launch a smartphone of this type to succeed the Mi Mix Fold with vertical folding, presented in spring 2021.