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The concept of a solar-powered phone is not new – Samsung entered this space in 2009 with its Indian handset the Solar Guru – but the technology has failed to go mainstream.
Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi seemingly wants to change that after filing a patent for a device fitted with a solar panel.
The patent, spotted by LetsGoDigital, give very little away but features a number of drawings depicting a smartphone with a solar panel on the rear beneath the camera lens.
One of the significant problems with developing solar-powered tech is that it cannot produce the levels of energy as current sources, not to mention the fact solar-powered tech in countries which experience cold, cloudy seasons – like the UK – may struggle to achieve its potential.
The Samsung Guru E1107 would reportedly have to be on charge for at least an hour to be capable of providing enough power for a short phone call. However, it was designed for markets where power outages were common so the solar element was only needed as a backup.
Chances are, Xiaomi’s solar panel will work in a similar way. It will give a much-needed battery boost to your phone if it’s running low but won’t replace your traditional charger. The patent images suggest as much because they show what appears to be a USB Type-C charging port on the bottom of the device.
It’s also worth noting that solar technology has advanced significantly since Samsung’s first foray into solar-powered phones. A number of manufacturers have released solar-powered portable phone chargers, for example, so Xiaomi’s panel could prove more useful than Samsung’s.
