Details have emerged about Xiaomi's upcoming buttonless smartphone, expected to debut in 2025. According to XiaomiTime's research, this new device will be available in two distinct models. One variant will include satellite communication capabilities, while the other will forgo this feature.
Xiaomi's Buttonless Device Unveiled
In July, XiaomiTime discovered a device codenamed "zhuque" in Mi Code, initially presumed to be the Xiaomi MIX 5. Due to insufficient details at the time, this speculation wasn't shared publicly. The codename 'Zhuque' is linked to the Fire element and the southern direction in the Taoist Wu Xing system, often referred to as the Vermillion Bird of the South (Chinese: 南方朱雀, Nán Fāng Zhū Què). This association with the premium MIX series was bolstered by its listing alongside other high-end Xiaomi devices.
Recent developments have substantiated these initial assumptions. The "zhuque" model will indeed be available in two versions: "Satellite" and standard. This indicates that one variant will feature advanced satellite communication, a technology becoming popular in premium smartphones.
Design and Specifications
The Mi Code further revealed that the "zhuque" is likely to be buttonless. References to “Removebutton” codes in the HyperOS framework suggest a design with no physical buttons, maximizing screen real estate.
The device has two model numbers: 2503FVPB1C and 25031VP29C. As previously mentioned, the first corresponds to the satellite-enabled version, while the second is the standard model without satellite support.
The "25-03" prefix in the model numbers hints at a March 2025 release. Although XiaomiTime noticed these numbers in July 2024, they withheld the information due to uncertainty.
Historical Context
In 2018, Xiaomi unveiled a trifold MIX prototype, model U1, equipped with the SDM845 chip and devoid of buttons. The "zhuque" may adopt a design reminiscent of this earlier prototype.
