Chinese smartphone brand Infinix has once again captured attention with its bold concepts at this year’s Mobile World Congress, drawing inspiration from the sun for its latest innovations.
The company showcased a smartphone with an integrated solar panel on its back, alongside a solar charging phone case. Though both are still in the concept phase, the functional demo units presented at MWC have sparked interest.
Infinix’s new SolarEnergy-Reserving technology utilizes perovskite solar cells — a material also used in Anker’s beach umbrella and cloak concepts. These cells are thinner and more cost-effective to produce compared to traditional silicon solar cells.
To optimize energy absorption, the system employs Maximum Power Point Tracking, a method that regulates voltage to maximize power while managing heat — a crucial balance to prevent phones from overheating under direct sunlight.
Currently, the solar charging technology can generate up to 2W of power, designed not as a primary charging method but as a way to gradually boost a phone’s reserved battery when not in use.
Among the concepts, the solar phone case stands out as a practical solution. It works with a prototype phone equipped with small contacts on the side, allowing the case to transfer solar energy directly to the device.
This modular approach means users can swap the solar case for a regular one when heading out at night or keep it handy during power outages — offering both flexibility and convenience.
Adding to the excitement, Infinix also revealed its second-generation color-changing E Ink phone. Unlike the previous version, where the back panel only shifted colors when plugged in, the new model now operates using the phone’s internal battery.
Users can customize the display with a variety of patterns and palettes, even selecting a photo as inspiration or syncing colors with the weather — a feature powered by artificial intelligence.
