TL; DR
- Samsung has filed a new patent for a retractable phone.
- The device also has a camera under the display.
Samsung is pushing its foldable phone program, but that doesn’t mean it rejects other form factors. According to a new patent, the company is working on a sliding smartphone with a rollable screen.
The patent (h / t LetsGoDigital) outlines a device that is not too different from a conventional smartphone. If necessary, however, the display can be extended using springs and rollers in the device. The screen size does not double, but grows by a third of the original size.
Also included in the device is a camera under the display. While this technology hasn’t made a big impression yet, it would make sense to include it in this device to maximize the screen real estate.
The phone can also come with an in-display fingerprint sensor, a triple rear camera array, and two speakers on the bottom. It is noteworthy that the underside of the extended display case also appears to contain a speaker.
When will Samsung launch a rollable phone?
It’s unclear when Samsung will unveil its first roll-up phone, considering it’s avidly foldable. This patent was filed in November 2020 but was only recently published at WIPO. However, this is not the first indication that Samsung is actively developing a rollable device. Samsung has already researched roll-up phones and registered a trademark for the Z Roll name earlier this year. Samsung Display recently unveiled its own new form factor designs.
The advantages of this form factor over foldables are also obvious. Users don’t have to deal with display creases while protecting the motorized components inside the phone’s body. This is supposed to make retractable phones more durable. And if they are not rolled up, retractable telephones should usually be indistinguishable from existing devices. We’ve seen Oppo last invest in this form factor and the results are pretty impressive.
Nonetheless, it appears that foldable phones will be a part of Samsung’s future for at least another year. The company is expected to introduce the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 in the coming months.
What do you think of Samsung’s roll-up phone design? Would you buy it Vote in our poll above and let us know in the comments below!
