All for a new camera, better zoom: Xiaomi patents periscope lens technology

BEIJING: After Huawei and Oppo, now Xiaomi working on a news smartphone with a periscope lens. A patent application approved by the State Intellectual Property Office of China on July 2, reveals key details of Xiaomi’s upcoming telephoto implementation.

As per a report by a Chinese publication MyDrivers citing the company's recent application carrying titled 'Camera Components and Electronic Devices', it appeared to be working on a device with a periscope lens.

According to the patent, there is a main camera with at least one complimentary periscope lens which will be placed perpendicular to the main one. Due to the process of ligh refraction, the lens will be able to achieve varying zoom magnifications without increasing the size of the primary camera. The ones from Huawei and Oppo go up to 125mm and 135mm focal length respectively, Xiaomi’s version is likely to be in the same range.


The patent carries an application number CN201822150093.2, dated December 20, 2018, which was released to the public few days back.

It is not yet known in which of its upcoming smartphones will Xiaomi use this new technology. If speculations are to be believed, the feature may be avaialable in the upcoming Mi MIX smartphone. The Chinese smartphone giant is known to pack the latest technology in its Mi MIX devices. And, if renders and leaks are to be believed, the company is expected to launch the next generation of Xiaomi Mi MIX devices, the Mi MIX 4 in coming weeks if not months.

As it is a premium feature, one can expect it to be used by a high-end smartphone such as the Mi Mix 4.

Recently various speculations have also hinted that an upcoming smartphone from the company might use a 64MP Samsung ISOCELL GW1 sensor.

Flagship smartphones from Chinese brands, namely the Huawei P30 Pro and Oppo Reno 10X Zoom have already used a periscope lens to enhance photography experience.