For better or worse, we could soon see Android smartphones sporting their own version of Apple’s Dynamic Island

Having eschewed the humble notch with the launch of its new iPhone 14 Pro, Apple has debuted a feature that we haven't seen on Android smartphones yet – the Dynamic Island. Polarizing opinions, the Dynamic Island is an adaptive area of display that houses the front camera and Face ID sensors, which also turns into an alert, notification, and interactive media hub. As you might expect, more than one Android OEM is looking at developing its own take on Apple's Dynamic Island.

First, we have Realme which has asked its community to share ideas on how they would use the brand's version of Dynamic Island and what they think it should look like. Realme will then pick three ‘suitable proposals and concepts based on originality, comprehensiveness, and feasibility' which will be presented in a poll for the community members to vote on.

While Realme would appear to look upon the Dynamic Island as a positive thing, Xiaomi doesn't seem entirely sold on the idea with its President, Lu Weibing, asking if users “really need a ‘Smart Island.'” That being said, Xiaomi is plainly evaluating the idea even if it isn't committing to it just yet. The comment does point to Xiaomi's version being called the ‘Smart Island' though. If you simply can't wait for an official version, there is already a third-party-designed MIUI theme that is inspired by Dynamic Island and is pending Xiaomi's approval.

Depending on your viewpoint, it could be argued that Realme and Xiaomi could be copying Apple's Dynamic Island or that this is merely the flip side of Cupertino offering its version of a feature that has been present on Android phones for years, such as Always-on-Display and widgets. Whatever the case, we hope that Realme, Xiaomi, and whoever else decides to develop a version of the adaptable pill shape, will also ensure that it's both not a blatant copy and also that it actually serves a function for the average user.

It's certainly an interesting take on the conundrum of the front-facing camera, and one we'd like to see on Android smartphones provided that it's done properly and serves the purpose of the user.