The setup seems to sport an infrared camera sensor and an infrared illuminator, much like Apple’s FaceID system on the iPhone X. (Image: Weibo)

Since Apple adopted facial recognition for its flagship iPhone X handset, every other smartphone manufacturer has made it compulsory to include a facial recognition verification system on their flagship as well as popular budget smartphones. However, unlike Apple’s system, most of their face unlock systems are basically dependent on software instead of dedicated hardware, which means that they aren’t as secure as Apple’s FaceID. Xiaomi, who takes huge ‘inspiration’ from Apple, had also opted for a software-based Face Unlock system on their popular budget phone Redmi Note 5 Pro. However, Xiaomi could follow Apple’s suit and do a real FaceID rival.

Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship smartphones, the Mi 7, is expected to break cover pretty soon. The Mi 7 has been rumoured to sport a dual rear camera setup and a narrow-bezel display, following the trend of the market. However, recent leaks of the phone have suggested that the Mi 7 will sport a notch, unlike the Mi MIX 2S. While this appears to be another example of giving in to the notch trend completely, a leaked image on Weibo has suggested that Xiaomi might be actually using the notch to implement an actual FaceID-rivalling system. The image shows an array of sensors sitting in the notch, which appears to be a setup meant for facial recognition verification system. The setup seems to sport an infrared camera sensor and an infrared illuminator, much like Apple’s FaceID system on the iPhone X.

Since the notch takes up space in the idle, the image is also showing a slightly redesigned MIUI status bar. The crisp edges of the display also suggest that Xiaomi may have finally adopted an AMOLED display.

Do note that this isn’t an official announcement, which means that the chances of this becoming a reality could be vague. However, Xiaomi is known to bring high-end technology to the mass-market devices and there could be a chance that we might finally end up seeing a FaceID rival in the market.

Disclaimer: The above report is completely based on online rumours and leaks from the respective sources. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Deccan Chronicle and/or other staff and contributors to this site.

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