What You Need to Know About Rollable Phones

In recent years, smartphone technology has taken a remarkable leap forward with the emergence of foldable and rollable phones. Unlike foldable devices, rollable phones feature expandable screens that seamlessly extend or retract without the need for folding mechanisms. With major players like OPPO, Samsung, Vivo, and others venturing into this innovative territory, understanding the ins and outs of rollable phones is beneficial—especially if you’re thinking of buying one.

What is a rollable phone?

A rollable phone is a type of smartphone equipped with a flexible display that can be expanded or rolled out to increase the screen size. Unlike foldable phones that rely on hinges to bend the display, rollable phones utilize advanced flexible OLED technology to achieve their expandable form. This allows users to enjoy a larger screen size without compromising portability or durability.

How does a rollable phone work?

From OPPO Official Website

Rollable phones feature a flexible OLED display that can bend and curve without getting damaged. When the user activates the roll-out feature, the display gradually extends from its compact state to reveal more screen space. This seamless expansion is possible thanks to micro-mechanical components and motors embedded within the device, which facilitate the smooth rolling and unrolling of the display. Advanced software algorithms ensure that the user interface adjusts dynamically to accommodate the changing screen dimensions, providing a consistent and intuitive user experience.

The OPPO X 2021 exemplifies a rollable concept phone with a scroll-like display. Built with an OLED flexible screen that measures as small as 6.7 inches and as large as 7.4 inches, thanks to a dynamic sliding frame and Roll Motor powertrain, it extends and retracts smoothly with no hard folding involved. According to OPPO, as the display unrolls or retracts, the sliding frame and the rear battery cover move off the panel to provide better protection and a seamless experience. 

From Samsung Official Website

At CES 2023, Samsung unveiled its Flex Hybrid, a device that can roll and fold, combining slidable and foldable technologies. According to the company, foldable technology is applied to the left side of the screen, with slidable technology on the right side of the Flex Hybrid. This device aims to push the boundaries of innovation in the smartphone market.

Advantages of rollable phones

Rollable phones offer various advantages that set them apart from traditional smartphones. 

1. Versatile form factor Rollable phones offer the versatility of both compact and expanded screen sizes, catering to diverse user preferences and usage scenarios.

2. Enhanced portability With their ability to roll up into compact form, rollable phones are more portable than traditional smartphones, making them ideal for on-the-go use.

3. No crease Unlike foldables, rollable displays don’t have a visible crease, offering a seamless viewing experience.

4. Immersive multimedia experience: The larger screen size of rollable phones enhances the viewing experience for multimedia content such as videos, games, and web browsing, providing users with a more immersive and engaging interaction.

Limitations of rollable phones

While rollable phones offer promising features and functionalities, they also have certain limitations. 

1. Early-stage technology: Rollable phones are still in their early stages of development, meaning technology and designs are evolving rapidly.

2. Durability concerns: Rolling mechanisms and flexible displays raise questions about long-term durability and scratch resistance.

3. Cost: As with any pioneering technology, expect a premium price tag for early adopters.

4. Software optimization: Adapting apps and software to fit various screen sizes seamlessly is an ongoing challenge.