Huawei is reportedly planning to release a phone with a notch-like hole for the selfie camera.

Unlike a notch, the hole would be completely surrounded by the display.

This could allow for an even greater screen-to-body ratio, without resorting to a pop-up camera.

Huawei is reportedly planning to release a phone with a notch-like hole in the display panel that would house the front-facing camera. According to ETNews, the device would have a 6.39-inch LCD display and Huawei is expected to release it in the fourth quarter of this year.

The hole appears to be a unique way to further increase the phone’s screen-to-body ratio without resorting to a pop-up camera like found on the Vivo Nex and the Oppo Find X. Unlike a notch, the hole would be punched into the display panel itself, meaning it would be completely surrounded by the screen.

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Diagrams seen at ETNews show the camera placed in the hole, while the speaker and sensors are placed above on a tiny bezel (though it’s not clear if this is how ETNews expects Huawei to implement the hole, or if it’s simply a representation of one possibility). This may result in a design that’s much less intrusive than a notch.

ETNews doesn’t mention which Huawei device they expect to get the new setup. However, a Huawei roadmap leaked late last year suggests the company will release a Mate Pro and Mate Lite device in quarter four this year; if such a feature is on the horizon, it’s likely headed to a premium device.

A screen with a hole may not please those who are completely against notches, as it would still result in some screen real estate being lost. However, it could make for even smaller cutouts than those seen on the likes of Huawei’s own P20 series.

What are your thoughts on the possibilities? Let u know in the comments.

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