Innovation in design smart phones has had as one of its main recent trends the search for borderless displays or with virtually nonexistent bezels. This aesthetic and functional approach, which seeks to maximize the device's usable surface area, has transformed the way we interact with our smartphones and continually redefines the concepts of usability, technology, and visual experience.
What are borderless displays on mobile phones?
The borderless displays These screens refer to those in which the frame surrounding the display area has been reduced to a minimum. The goal is to make the front practically all-screen, eliminating the side, top, and bottom bezels and achieving a unique sense of immersion. This type of screen has spread to mobile phones of different ranges, from high-end models from brands such as Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei, and Apple, to mid-range devices that seek to offer a premium design.
The implementation of borderless screens is not only due to aesthetic reasons. It also responds to the user demand by larger screen area in compact bodies, optimizing space and facilitating the consumption of multimedia content, games, and web browsing.
The evolution of design: from prominent edges to infinite screens
The first mobile phones featured wide bezels which made it easier to grip and protected the screen from accidental impacts. As smartphone use became more popular for browsing the internet, watching videos, and gaming, reducing bezels became a priority. Samsung was a pioneer with its screens Dual Edge in the Galaxy S range, where the side edges were curved to increase the visual surface.
With the arrival of terminals like the Xiaomi Mi Mix or iPhone X, the concept of the "infinity display" was consolidated. These models featured a utilization of the front surface of up to 90% or more, integrating creative solutions for positioning the front camera, sensors, and speakers, such as notches, display islands, retractable systems, or under-display cameras.
Technological evolution has allowed manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung, and Apple to continue reducing bezels, even opting for screens curved on all four sides, eliminating physical side buttons, and moving toward full screen integration with functions previously reserved for external hardware.
Key technologies behind borderless displays
To achieve borderless screen real, multiple innovations have been developed:
- Advanced OLED, AMOLED and IPS panels: These technologies allow for greater flexibility and thinness, making it easier to bend and fit the phone's frame.
- 3D Lamination and Edge Gloss Control: They improve visual continuity at the edges of the screen and reduce reflections, making the bezels virtually invisible to the naked eye.
- Integration of sensors under the screen: One of the great challenges has been to incorporate fingerprint readers Optical or ultrasonic sensors, and front-facing cameras without interrupting the continuity of the display. Although the quality of the under-display camera still needs to be refined compared to traditional sensors, the industry is making rapid progress in this regard.
- Removing physical buttons: Devices like Huawei Mate 30 Pro They have replaced the classic side buttons with touch controls on the edges of the screen, allowing customization according to user preferences (for example, for left- or right-handed users).
- Redesign of internal components: To make the screen occupy almost the entire front, it's necessary to relocate speakers, proximity sensors, infrared sensors, and other critical components, which has led to new technical solutions.
Advantages of borderless displays
- Larger screen size in less space: It's possible to enjoy large screens (for example, 6,4 inches) in bodies similar to those of older 5,5-inch phones, maximizing space utilization and making them easier to operate with one hand.
- More immersive multimedia experience: By occupying almost the entire front of the device, videos, games, and photos are enjoyed in a more immersive and immersive way, with fewer visual distractions.
- Attractive and modern design: Borderless phones are often associated with high-end or premium models, although the design has gradually reached more affordable models, democratizing cutting-edge aesthetics.
- Innovations in functionality: Curved, borderless displays have enabled the development of unique features such as shortcuts, context menus, touch controls on the sides, and information displays on the edges.
For example, on devices like the curved-screen Samsung Galaxy S, the side controls offer shortcuts to apps, contacts, or notifications, while on models like the Huawei Mate, the side controls can be customized for volume or accessibility features.
Challenges and problems of borderless displays
Despite its advantages, the integration of borderless displays poses challenges that affect both manufacturers and users:
- Front camera location: Without physical space on the front, solutions such as the notch, the island (Dynamic Island), pop-up cameras and, more recently, emerged under-screen camerasAlthough the progress is notable, they still do not fully match the quality of conventional cameras.
- Fingerprint readers: The front-facing fingerprint reader was considered more convenient by many users. It's borderless, and is usually moved to the back or below the screen. While optical and ultrasonic sensors have advanced, many find unlocking via the home button or from the side more intuitive.
- Essential sensors: Elements such as proximity sensors, infrared sensors, and advanced facial recognition (like Face ID) require physical space. Integrating them without affecting the display or design remains a challenge, especially in models that aim for screen-to-body ratios close to 100%.
- Status bars and usable space: While the "full screen" feel is very appealing, some of the space above or below is reserved for displaying status information or accommodating cutouts for speakers and cameras. Furthermore, many videos, games, and apps don't fully utilize the corners of curved displays or the specific shape of the screen, resulting in black bars or cut-off content.
- Fragility and ergonomics: Removing the bezels can make the device more prone to accidental bumps and less ergonomic to grip, forcing users to resort to specific cases or additional protection.
- False heartbeats: With the reduction in bezels, the risk of accidental touches when holding the phone increases, although many operating systems introduce software to distinguish between real and accidental touches.
The future of borderless displays: challenges and trends
The industry is moving towards complete elimination of bezels, with brands like Samsung and Apple investing in frameless OLED displays nor visible cutouts, including technologies such as the invisible under-display camera (UPC). These types of panels require:
- Decrease the thickness of the protective layers to provide more usable space and allow light transmission to the cameras under the screen.
- Develop better encapsulation systems that protect the OLED panel from moisture and oxygen, without adding thickness.
- Overcoming image quality limitations in invisible cameras and sensors, especially in features like advanced facial recognition.
Technology UPC (Under Panel Camera) It's still being perfected, but there are already phones on the market that implement "invisible" cameras, such as some Xiaomi and Samsung models. However, for now, the image quality is still inferior to traditional front-facing sensors.
The ultimate breakthrough will come when they manage to integrate all the sensors, speakers, and cameras under a single curved glass surface, without cutouts or perforations, allowing for a truly "infinite" screen.
Featured models and recent examples of borderless displays
The quest for perfection in the "all-screen" design has led to the emergence of iconic devices:
- Xiaomi Mix Series: This line of phones has set a trend with its radical commitment to eliminating borders. The Xiaomi Mix 4 and rumors about the Mix 5 point to the consolidation of more mature under-screen cameras, without a notch or perforation, a completely clean front, next-generation AMOLED, and a high refresh rate.
- Samsung Galaxy with 'All Around Full Screen' panels: Samsung phones with curved displays and “zero bezel” concept projects promise the disappearance of bezels and a fully integrated visual experience.
- Huawei Mate 30 Pro: With its 88° curved screen and the elimination of physical buttons, it focuses on touch interaction on the edges, ideal for customizing controls and improving the gaming experience.
- Apple iPhone with Dynamic Island: The maximum notch reduction and the transition to floating islands allow for better use of the screen, although there is still room for the sensors and cameras needed for Face ID.
- Sharp Aquos Crystal: One of the pioneers in eliminating side and top frames, anticipating the trend that would later become widespread.
In all these cases, the trend is clear: to offer Smartphones with larger, more aesthetically pleasing screens, without compromising functionality nor sacrifice image quality or security.
Impact on user experience and daily use
The implementation of borderless displays on smartphones has transformed not only the visual aspect, but also the way we use our devices.
- Multimedia and gaming experience: By reducing the frames, the immersion in games and videos is much larger. Additionally, devices like the Huawei Mate offer custom touch-sensitive side controls that simulate gaming buttons. This facilitates a console-like experience, ideal for gamers.
- Ease of navigation and multitasking: Larger displays allow you to better utilize split-screen mode, view more content in apps and documents, or take advantage of advanced context menus on curved edges.
- Impact on ergonomics: Although design is a priority, ergonomics are sometimes compromised by increased fragility and the difficulty in holding the phone without accidentally touching it. It's important to choose appropriate cases that don't compromise the borderless design or add unnecessary thickness.
- Software adaptation: Operating systems have evolved to take advantage of borderless screens, adjusting app displays, adding navigation gestures, and adapting the interface to cutouts, islands, or curved corners.
Frequently asked questions about borderless displays on mobile phones
- Are they really borderless? Although advertising speaks of "full screen," in most cases there is always a small bezel, necessary to prevent accidental touches and accommodate components. Progress is moving toward making this border increasingly smaller and even invisible.
- Does it affect the resistance of the mobile? Without the protective frame, borderless phones tend to be more delicate and require specific cases or high-quality tempered glass.
- Does hiding the camera lose camera quality? Currently, under-screen cameras offer acceptable results for video calls or quick selfies, but those seeking maximum quality still prefer traditional solutions or pop-up cameras.
- Are touch functions on the edges worth it? The experience varies by model. On some phones, it's useful for quick access, volume controls, or secondary tasks. On others, it can cause unintentional taps if the software isn't well optimized.
- When will we see completely bezel-less phones with the perfect invisible camera? Although technology is advancing rapidly, the complete integration of the camera, sensors, speakers, and Face ID under the display still presents challenges. Future generations promise to get closer to this ideal, but it's not yet a mass reality.
Design as a driving force: fashion or real improvement in use?
The visual aspect of borderless phones has been one of their main attractions. Many users choose them for their avant-garde design, associating them with innovation and status. However, not everyone considers "all screen" to be the best option in practical terms:
- Some people find it inconvenient not to be able to easily unlock their phone while it's on a table, when the fingerprint reader is only behind or under the screen.
- In daily use, not all content takes full advantage of the display, and some games or videos show cutouts due to the shape of the display.
- Demanding photography users often value outstanding cameras and high-quality sensors more than invisible under-panel integration.
The trend is clear: manufacturers will increasingly compete to offer higher screen-to-body ratio, full integration of components and increasingly spectacular designs, while improving user experience, durability and image quality.
Are borderless phones worth it?
The answer depends on the user's priorities. Those who seek maximum multimedia immersion, modern design, and advanced features will find borderless phones the best option. Those who prioritize durability, classic ergonomics, or top-quality front cameras can wait until the technology fully matures.
Remember that bezel-less phones require special care, a suitable case, and making the most of the features offered, such as customizable side controls or quick access points on the edge of the screen.
What do you think about borderless displays on mobile phones? Share your experiences and preferences in the comments section of this article. The mobile design revolution continues unabated, and we'll undoubtedly see many more innovations in the near future, with increasingly spectacular, useful, and tailored-to-users' real-world mobile devices.
RE: Borderless screens: are they really necessary?
These borderless smartphone are very spectacular, I am behind the Blackview S8 that at the moment looks very good.
RE: Borderless screens: are they really necessary?
borders? Yes, but short. Valid especially for the sides.
It is a problem of putting the screen as big as possible with a mobile as small as possible.
But without exaggerating, because there are things that should go on the top and bottom edges.