TCL Fold ‘n Roll could be the ultimate all-in-one smartphone we need
- TCL has introduced a 3-in-1 device that converts into a phone, phablet and tablet.
- The device combines foldable and rollable display technology.
- It starts as a 6.87-inch phone and goes up to a 10-inch size to become a tablet.
TCL has always been a leader in flexible display technology. After introducing both foldable and rollable phone concepts, the company has now developed a 3-in-1 prototype that can be turned into a phone, phablet, and even tablet. The concept phone, known as the TCL Fold ‘n Roll, was introduced alongside the new TCL 20 series.
As the name suggests, Fold ‘n Roll combines both foldable and scrollable display technologies in one device. The fold-out phone starts with a 6.87-inch screen that opens up to an 8.85-inch phablet. The opened screen becomes a 10-inch tablet. At this point the aspect ratio is adjusted to improve media playback. You can see the device in action in the video embedded below.
The company used its DragonHinge technology as well as a rollable mechanism to create this unique device. TCL says it is still in the process of researching specifications for such a device. The company is also trying to figure out how to use glass to make the screen more durable. The prototype currently uses plastic.
The Fold ‘n Roll looks amazing, but don’t expect it to hit the market anytime soon. As TCL puts it, such 3-in-1 devices are still some time away. They look attractive and may have a use case for those who want one device instead of three, but foldable devices are difficult to make and even harder to offer at an affordable price. A sophisticated device like the Fold ‘n Roll could be difficult to bring to market until these issues can be resolved.
TCL is slated to release a flexible phone later this year, but has not revealed whether it will be foldable, rollable, or both.
