Xiaomi's stunning quad-curved waterfall phone makes Galaxy S21 look boring

Xiaomi Waterfall concept phone
(Image credit: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi's new "quad-curved waterfall display" is the future of smartphone design. At least according to Xiaomi.

The screen on its new concept phone wraps almost the whole way around the sides of the handset. Aside from looking spectacular, It results in a "port-free unibody design," which also means no buttons and no ports. It's enough to make even excellent phones like the Samsung Galaxy S21 look old fashioned.

There are still bezels, however. You can see the display's edges don't quite meet at the corners from these renders and in the video. It's similar to how the  Huawei P40 Pro managed its own quad-curve display, albeit to a less extreme degree.

Xiaomi Waterfall concept phone

(Image credit: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi is quite proud of this curved display, achieved over thousands of iterations according to its press release, and with the help of "self-developed glass processing equipment, hot bending under 800°C high temperature and pressure, four different polishing tools and up to more than ten complex polishing procedures."

Concepts such as this one are quite a separate thing from a working, purchasable phone. But a Xiaomi representative, speaking to The Verge, claims that there is a real-life prototype of this phone being tested at Xiaomi. So perhaps a real quad-curved display from Xiaomi is not too far off.

Our biggest concern with a display like this is sheer practicality. As cool as it is to see controls and text spill around the sides, how would a four-sided waterfall phone like this prevent accidental touches? 

Xiaomi Waterfall concept phone

(Image credit: Xiaomi)

Having no ports means this phone would need wireless everything, including wireless charging. Fortunately, Xiaomi already showed off Mi Air Charge last week, a charging system that lets you charge your phone without being in contact with a charging pad like currently.

In the meantime, Xiaomi is offering its new Mi 11 to look forward to. This new flagship phone line, which boasts a 6.8-inch 120Hz display, a Snapdragon 888 chipset and a 108MP main camera, has already been announced in China, but a European release event is taking place on February 8.

Richard Priday
Assistant Phones Editor

Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.

Latest in Android Phones
Pixel 9 Pro XL held in the hand with price drop badge.
Not a typo! This epic deal makes the flagship Pixel 9 Pro XL the same price as the budget Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a hands-on.
Pixel 9a’s on-device AI isn’t as good as the Pixel 9 — here’s what’s different
Google Pixel 9 Pro deal
Forget Pixel 9a — get the Google Pixel 9 Pro for $250 off at Best Buy right now
back of Iris Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a pre-orders delayed due to 'component quality issue' — here's when you can get one
Pixel 9a vs Pixel 7a side by side composite.
Google Pixel 9a vs. Pixel 7a: Biggest differences explained
Showing the front of a Galaxy S25 Ultra held in hand
One UI 7 will arrive late for US Samsung users — here’s when it’ll launch for you
Latest in News
Apple Peek Performance
Apple makes a move to revive its Siri revamp — and the Vision Pro boss could play a part
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Friday, March 21 (#649)
Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
Deleted image reveals Steam games in the Xbox app — here's what it could mean
Severance season 2 finale
How to watch 'Severance' finale online – stream final episode of season 2 tonight
Render of the alleged design of the iPhone 17 Pro
New iPhone 17 Pro dummy leak highlights redesigned camera and part glass body
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 just tipped for three display upgrades — here's what we know