Xiaomi might make a phone without buttons and I already hate it

The evolution of smartphone design has always been towards sleeker and simpler interfaces. Xiaomi is rumored to be taking it a step further by introducing a phone called “Zhuque” that will eliminate physical buttons entirely, focusing solely on the screen. The device is expected to feature a hidden under-display front-facing camera and a next-gen Snapdragon 8+ processor.

While details are scarce, it is speculated that Xiaomi may use touch-sensitive panels on the sides of the device to replace traditional buttons, along with haptic feedback. This design approach has been explored before, notably with the Meizu Zero concept, which also omitted speaker cutouts and USB ports in favor of wireless-only charging.

However, the idea of a button-less phone has its detractors. Some argue that physical buttons are necessary for certain functionalities and convenience, citing examples like customizable button mapping on Android devices. Fitbit, for instance, moved away from haptic touch-sensitive buttons in their newer designs due to accidental activations.

While the concept of a button-free phone is not new, it remains to be seen how consumers will respond to such a design. Xiaomi’s bold move with the Zhuque may polarize opinions, with some applauding the innovation and others preferring the familiarity of physical buttons.

Ultimately, the success of a button-less phone will depend on how well it addresses user needs and preferences. As smartphone technology continues to evolve, manufacturers like Xiaomi will continue to push boundaries in pursuit of the perfect device.