There's no denying that Samsung has been the clear leader in the foldable race from now on, and aside from one odd phone from Moto or Huawei, no other manufacturer has been able to crack the code. Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi also showed off its Mi Mix Alpha, but it remained more of a proof-of-concept device than a commercially available phone. But that does not mean that Xiaomi has abandoned the foldable. Just a few days ago, we learned that Xiaomi was planning to launch not one, but three different foldable phones this year. Interestingly, all of these devices would be unique in terms of design, with the first supposed to fold out like the Huawei Mate foldable phone, the second to fold in like Samsung's Galaxy Fold, and the second. it could be a Z flip or a Moto. Razr style flip phone. Now Dutch publication LetsGoDigital, known for its patent watchdog, has revealed that Xiaomi has patented seven different variations of foldable phones, suggesting that the Chinese company is considering embarking on the new dimension of smartphone design.
New folding patents from Xiaomi
These new patents granted to the Chinese manufacturer include some foldable designs with multiple camera setups and are based on a similar design to the Galaxy Fold with a tablet-sized screen. Also, as we dig deeper into the information we have and try to understand Xiaomi's next move, we should keep in mind that these are just patents at the moment and the chances of us seeing them in action depend. the way the company assesses the market situation. With that said, let's take a look at all these new designs:
![Patente de teléfono plegable Xiaomi]()
(Image credit: Letsgodigital)
Xiaomi Quad Camera Foldable Flip Phone
The device that is the first of the range is inspired by the Galaxy Z Flip and according to the patent documents there are two different variants. The main difference between the two models is that one has a vertically aligned four camera setup while the other has a single large camera sensor. Except for this obvious difference, the two variants look identical with a large main screen that can be folded vertically and a small screen on the flap that could be used to interact with notifications and alerts. Interestingly, when the device is unfolded, it produces a screen without a notch. This means that the selfie camera can be housed in a pop-up mechanism or, since it is a very elegant design, Xiaomi can even place the selfie camera under the screen. After all, it will be a high-end but functional design. Other key details that we can see in the design are the presence of a physical volume and a power key as well as a charging slot, all located in their usual places.
![Patente de teléfono plegable Xiaomi]()
(Image credit: Letsgodigital)
Xiaomi folding flip phone with a larger secondary screen
Third, in the lineup is another foldable phone but with an invisible design but a bit closer to the Moto Razr than the Galaxy Z Flip. You see a larger outer screen and a slightly thicker forehead, whereas the Razr had a thicker chin. This in itself makes the design unique as Xiaomi may have to work extra miles to make sure the phone stays balanced when flipped open thanks to its super-heavy design. Other than that, you'll see a large vertical display and a dual selfie camera setup on the front. Around the back, it again has a triple camera setup on one half and a secondary large screen on the other half. Image 1 of 2
![Patente de teléfono plegable Xiaomi]()
(Image credit: Letsgodigital) Image 2 of 2
![Patente de teléfono plegable Xiaomi]()
(Image credit: Letsgodigital)
Xiaomi inward folding phone with a smaller secondary screen
When it comes to larger devices that take obvious inspiration from Samsung's Galaxy Fold lineup, the first devices we might look at are those that have a large, tablet-sized internal display. The design looks more interesting when you notice the minimal number of bezels on the entire inner screen. On the outside it has a narrow and long secondary screen. This could be useful for checking and responding to alerts, while providing limited functionality. The lack of a selfie camera cutout is obvious and you can expect a selfie camera built into this one too. Xiaomi has patented two different variations for this design. The former has a vertically aligned triple camera setup located on the back of the device, while the other has a quad camera setup. Other than that, there doesn't seem to be much of a difference that can be identified in the patent documents. Image 1 of 2
![Patente de teléfono plegable Xiaomi]()
(Image credit: Letsgodigital) Image 2 of 2
![Patente de teléfono plegable Xiaomi]()
(Image credit: Letsgodigital)
Xiaomi inward folding phone with a large secondary screen
The last two models of the patent document are two models of the Galaxy Fold type. However, unlike Samsung that uses two different screens for the Fold, Xiaomi uses one large screen that starts from the middle of the outer panel and continues to form the main inner screen. This gives the phone a unique design where the outer screen looks like a curved panel when the phone remains in the folded position. In general, in both situations, you can see a nearly frameless design. No visible selfie camera in the design document indicates the built-in selfie camera. Xiaomi has patented two variations of this design. One with a quad rear camera setup and the other with a huge circular camera sensor.