Key Takeaways
1. Rollable displays are a specialized concept with limited market availability, with previous attempts by companies like Oppo, LG, and Motorola not gaining traction.
2. Samsung is entering the rollable phone market with a new design that expands vertically, similar to the Galaxy Z Flip.
3. A recent US Design Patent by Samsung reveals a compact smartphone with a small display, thick chin bezel, and two rear cameras.
4. The thick chin is expected to house the motor and rolled display, while the design features substantial bezels, typical for a first-generation model.
5. Previous rollable phone concepts include Oppo X 2021 and Samsung’s Flex range, but there is still uncertainty about whether Samsung’s new device will be released or its specifications.
While rollable displays are not a completely fresh idea, they still remain a specialized concept with only a few products available. Companies such as Oppo, LG, and Motorola have explored rollable smartphone ideas before, but these attempts failed to capture the interest that the companies anticipated (none turned into actual phones). Now, Samsung appears to be entering the rollable phone market with a compact device similar to the Galaxy Z Flip that extends vertically into a larger phone.
New Patent Insights
A recent report from DomoAI in partnership with leaker xleaks7 reveals a US Design Patent submitted by Samsung for a smartphone featuring a rollable display. The information is limited, but the patent includes several images that indicate the phone, when compact, will have a small display with a chunky chin bezel and two rear cameras. The thick chin and covered sides imply that the screen will roll out from the bottom, allowing the phone to grow vertically.
Design Features
The chin area seems to be where the motor and the rolled display will be situated. The bezels surrounding the display are also quite substantial, but considering this is likely a first-generation model, such features are understandable. While the patent does not depict any buttons on the device, DomoAI’s render illustrates a single button located on the right side.
Currently, there are no details on the screen dimensions or camera specifications. It’s also uncertain whether this phone will actually reach the market or when that might happen.
Previous Attempts
In 2021, Oppo introduced its Oppo X 2021 concept phone, which featured a display that expanded horizontally. Then, in 2023, Samsung showcased several prototype devices in its Flex range with similar horizontally expanding displays. That same year, Motorola presented its concept phone, which had a vertically expanding display, though in this case, only the screen extended without the frame moving.
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