Xiaomi designs a smartphone with integrated solar panel
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If you are the outdoorsy type Xiaomi may have a smartphone which appeals to you.
LetsGoDigital has uncovered a design patent from the company for a smartphone with an integrated solar panel at the back.
The otherwise modern design appears to feature a full-bleed screen without an obvious selfie camera, suggesting an under-screen camera, and similarly lacks an obvious fingerprint reader.
Notably, as can be seen from the side view above, the device is not significantly thicker from integrating the panel.
Of course, it can be rightfully asked how useful solar charging can be on a phone. A 2010 solar charging battery cover by LG could add 2 minutes talk time for 10 minutes of charging, but that was a long time ago, and solar cells have both gotten more efficient and phones more power-hungry.
Most people are likely better served with an extra power bank. Do our readers agree?
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