Xiaomi Patent Application Reportedly Describes a Detachable Clamshell Smartphone

Xiaomi’s patent application reportedly highlights a smartphone design that can be detached from the middle in two sections.

Written by Akash Dutta, Edited by Siddharth Suvarna | Updated: 9 October 2024 18:41 IST

Xiaomi Patent Application Reportedly Describes a Detachable Clamshell Smartphone

Photo Credit: Xiaomi

The two sections of the Xiaomi phone appear to be attached using pogo pins

Highlights

The design of the phone appears similar to the Xiaomi Mix Flip
The top segment is said to swivel around the vertical axis
The company is expected to launch the Xiaomi 15 Pro in the coming months

Xiaomi has reportedly filed a patent application for a new smartphone design. As per the report, the Chinese consumer tech brand is working on a clamshell-styled foldable smartphone that can be detached into two segments. Based on the images seen, the smartphone appears similar to the Xiaomi Mix Flip, which was launched last month. When not detached, the smartphone has a tall design with a single display and can be folded into half like typical flip phones. Separately, the company is also expected to launch the Xiaomi 15 Pro before the end of the year.

Xiaomi Reportedly Working on Detachable Smartphone

According to a 91mobiles report, the patent application for the new smartphone design was spotted on the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), the patent and trademark regulator of the country. The application contained several diagrams showcasing the design and functioning of the phone.

Based on the images, the smartphone in its non-detached state has a design similar to standard flip-styled smartphones. It appeared to have a taller body than a typical candy bar-like handset in the unfolded state. The display connected in the middle and there was no separation edge to protect the display in the detached state.

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When folded, the smartphone reportedly did not have an external hinge mechanism. Instead, both sides contained grooves for pogo pins, which could be the way the two segments attach to one another. The hinge mechanism could exist on the sides or via magnets, however, it cannot be said for sure. Gadgets 360 staff members could not verify the documents.

Additionally, one of the drawings showcased the smartphone rotating across the vertical axis. The purpose of the movement is also not known. However, considering how Xiaomi has experimented with unique designs, this would not entirely be on the left field.

However, it should be noted that the details of the patent application have not been confirmed by Xiaomi. And as it stands with patent applications, even if the design is granted, it is not necessary that the company will bring out a similar phone soon, or ever. However, this is another design option the Chinese brand now has in its arsenal.

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Further reading: Xiaomi, Patent Application, Smartphones, Flip Phone, Foldables

Akash Dutta Email Akash Dutta

Akash Dutta is a Senior Sub Editor at Gadgets 360. He is particularly interested in the social impact of technological developments and loves reading about emerging fields such as AI, metaverse, and fediverse. In his free time, he can be seen supporting his favourite football club - Chelsea, watching movies and anime, and sharing passionate opinions on food. More