As far as concepts go, this one is pretty practical.
Infinix, the Chinese smartphone brand renowned for pushing boundaries with bold innovations, has turned its gaze to the sky for inspiration. At this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC), the company unveiled groundbreaking concepts that could change how we think about charging our devices. Infinix introduced a phone with an integrated solar panel on the back and a solar-charging phone case, both of which are still in the concept phase but already show immense promise.
SolarEnergy-Reserving Technology: Power from the Sun
Infinix calls its new innovation SolarEnergy-Reserving Technology, which uses perovskite solar cells — the same lightweight and cost-effective material seen in Anker’s solar-powered beach umbrella and cloak concepts. These cells are not only thinner and cheaper to produce than traditional silicon-based solar cells but are also more flexible, making them a perfect fit for smartphones.
The system incorporates Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), a technology designed to optimize energy collection while managing heat. This is a crucial feature because, while sunlight is essential for solar charging, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause devices to overheat. MPPT carefully regulates the voltage, balancing power efficiency with thermal safety.
At present, the technology can charge a phone at up to 2W, which isn’t enough to fully power your device but can add valuable extra hours of standby time when the phone is not in use. Imagine leaving your phone on a sunny windowsill and coming back to find a bit more juice in your battery — perfect for emergencies or situations where traditional charging isn’t an option.
A Built-in Solar Panel or a Swappable Case?
The phone with the built-in solar panel is an intriguing idea on its own, but Infinix’s solar-charging phone case might be even more practical. The prototype phone features small side contacts that allow the case to transfer power directly to the device.
This design gives users the flexibility to swap out the solar case for a regular one when they don’t need solar charging — for instance, when heading out at night. Conversely, during daytime activities like hiking, beach trips, or even during unexpected power outages, the solar case could be a lifesaver. It’s a clever solution that adds versatility without permanently altering the phone’s design.
Innovation Beyond Solar: Color-Changing E Ink 2.0
Infinix didn’t stop at solar power. The company also revealed the second generation of its color-changing E Ink phone, an evolution of last year’s concept. In the earlier version, the back panel could change color only when the phone was plugged in. Now, the color-shifting magic runs on the phone’s internal battery, making it more practical and interactive.
Users can choose from a broader range of patterns and palettes, and, thanks to the ever-ubiquitous artificial intelligence, the panel can adapt based on context. For example, it might reflect your local weather, shifting to blue hues on a rainy day or warming up with oranges and reds when it’s sunny. You can even select a photo to inspire a custom color palette, adding a touch of personal flair to your device.
A Glimpse Into the Future
While both the solar-powered devices and the color-changing E Ink phone are still concepts, they paint an exciting picture of the future of smartphones. Infinix’s willingness to experiment with unconventional technologies shows that the company is serious about reimagining what our devices can do.
Imagine a world where you never have to worry about running out of battery during a day out, where your phone subtly changes color to match your mood or surroundings, and where sustainable energy solutions are seamlessly integrated into everyday tech. Infinix’s innovations might just bring that future closer than we think.
For now, we’ll be keeping a close eye on how these concepts evolve — and hoping they make their way to consumers sooner rather than later. One thing’s for sure: the future of smartphones is looking bright, literally powered by the sun.
