Xiaomi is gearing up to release two more fold phones by the end of the year, according to a fresh set of interesting rumors. With Xiaomi having already announced the Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold in April this year, it seems that the camera phone manufacturer is gearing up to have a total of three fold phones under its belt before 2022 rolls around.
The already-announced handset features an inward folding screen that's similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 (opens in new tab). However, one of the new fold phones (opens in new tab) that's in development will be an outward folding model that will reportedly be similar to the Huawei Mate Xs (opens in new tab).
• Read more: Best Xiaomi phone (opens in new tab)
In addition, the third fold phone is rumored to be a clamshell model, similar to the Motorola Razr (opens in new tab) and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip (opens in new tab). According to LetsGoDigital (opens in new tab), Xiaomi was awarded two design patents for a clamshell phone last week. The first model was similar to the Galaxy Z Flip, while the second seemed to be a cheaper variant that didn't feature a cover display and a camera system that was similar to the budget-friendly Redmi Note 9T.
LetsGoDigital and graphic designer Technizo Concept (opens in new tab) have teamed up to produce a series of 3D renders based on the patent documentation filed in China and Europe last week.
Both new Xiaomi fold phones are set to feature a flexible screen with a dual punch-hole camera that's located in the top left corner. Meanwhile, as LetsGoDigital explains, "When the device is folded open, the hinge disappears nicely, similar to the hide-away hinge from Samsung… Whether Xiaomi will also build in the same kind of Sweeper system as Samsung, to be able to remove dust and dirt, remains unknown for the time being".
Samsung's first fold phone, the Samsung Galaxy Fold (opens in new tab), was renowned for the teething problems it encountered. From review units breaking, to pre-orders being cancelled, Samsung had to claw back a lot of good will from now-wary consumers. This situation showed just how difficult manufacturing a decent fold phone can be – and it will be interesting to see how these two new rumored Xiaomi handsets will measure up.
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