Xiaomi to address proximity sensor issues and takes action to solve them

In recent Xiaomi phones, there were proximity sensor issues and users have been complaining a lot about it. And finally, it appears that the company has listened and has planned to address those issues. In this post, let’s have a look at the proximity sensor issue in Xiaomi phones, the factors due to which it causes, and how Xiaomi plans to solve it.

What is a proximity sensor?

In case you don’t know, a proximity sensor is a component that turns off the display during phone calls in order to prevent accidental touches. In simpler words, at the time when a user is carrying the smartphone near their face during a call it detects and turns off the screen to prevent keypad presses and battery consumption from the display. The proximity/light sensor is placed at the right of the earpiece. Most smartphones come with an optical sensor that uses infrared waves which determines the proximity.

However, smartphone brands have begun to use digital alternatives for a dedicated sensor to keep cut costs. This seems to be the root of the problem that many Xiaomi users are facing on their devices.

What is the use of a Proximity Sensor?

• To prevent keypad pressing and battery consumption from the screen.
• Proximity sensors are also used to recognise air gestures and hover-manipulations.

Xiaomi phone’s proximity sensor issues

Here, the above-mentioned problem is not limited to certain smartphones or a brand under the Xiaomi umbrella. In fact, it is common in Redmi and Poco smartphones as well. 

Generally, these problems would be a result of faulty proximity sensors. As mentioned above, many of the Xiaomi smartphones these days do not come with dedicated hardware for proximity sensing. Rather, the company makes use of a virtual proximity sensor.

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This virtual sensor utilizes data from the microphone and speaker, which is fed into an algorithm to make out the user’s proximity. As you may know, this approach isn’t accurate every time. It’s completely understandable to apply these solutions in budget and mid-range phones. Samsung has also done it in its mid-range phones like the Galaxy A52 and A22. Nevertheless, Xiaomi has used it even for its flagship smartphones, such as the Mi 11.

Some recent devices using techniques similar to it are Redmi Note 10 Pro 5G, Mi 11 Lite (4G/5G), Redmi Note 10s, Redmi Note 10, and Redmi K40 (Game Enhanced Edition).

Xiaomi’s solution for proximity sensor issues

Xiaomi has initiated rolling out OTA updates to affected devices to re-calibrate the sensor. If it’s a software issue, this should apparently fix it. However, if it is a hardware problem, customers have no option rather than living with it until Xiaomi takes further action.

The update is limited to Europe and yet there is no news when it will come to Asia and other markets.

In order to avoid proximity sensor issues on future smartphones, Xiaomi has fragmented ties with Elliptic Labs. It was the main proximity sensor distributor for Xiaomi, including its flagship offering such as the Mi 11. In the Future, Xiaomi phones will be using sensors from Minghao Sensing. However, users will have to wait to observe if it makes any difference.

Meanwhile, Checkout Which Sensors Do You Have In Your Smartphone? (Source :Trakin Tech)