Source says, Rollable smartphone expected in 2025
Past prototypes spotted and new display technology revealed too
Samsung Electronics is expected to actually launch a 'rollable smartphone' by 2025 at the latest, according to foreign media reports.
Lee Jae-yong, then Vice Chairman of Samsung Electronics (second from the left), is holding a design strategy meeting on November 12, 2020, at the Seoul R&D Campus located in Umyeon-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, reviewing designs related to next-generation mobile devices.
On the 28th, according to sources in the IT industry and related foreign media, Samsung Electronics is expected to release the world's first 'rollable smartphone' that expands the screen by pulling it out, ahead of Chinese companies. Foreign media predicted that it would be actually launched on the market by 2025 at the latest.
Samsung is known to have selected rollable as the next-generation form factor following foldable smartphones and is focusing on its development.
A device presumed to be the rollable phone Samsung is developing was also spotted in the hands of Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong in the past.
At that time, based on the position of Chairman Lee’s right thumb holding the device and the hand movements of a researcher explaining beside him, it was interpreted that the product was likely a rollable device with a screen that unfolds.
If the rollable phone is actually released, Samsung is expected to launch it under the Galaxy Z lineup. It is also reported that Samsung has already filed trademarks such as 'Galaxy Z Roll' and 'Galaxy Z Slide.'
The rollable phone can be used by rolling part of the screen inward to reduce its size or pulling it out to expand.
LG Electronics also revealed the actual appearance of a rollable phone. At that time, the rollable phone had a structure that expanded the screen to about 1.5 times its original size when pulled out.
Although the product attracted attention as the world’s first rollable smartphone, it was never commercialized after LG withdrew from the mobile business three years ago.
At ‘SID Display Week 2023’ held in Los Angeles, USA, last May, Samsung Display showcased a rollable flex OLED panel that can expand up to 12.4 inches. It has a form that can be rolled and unfolded vertically from a minimum length of 49mm to 254.4mm. This represents an expansion of up to five times.
Apple, which has been delaying the launch of foldable phones, is also reportedly showing special interest in rollable phones, and Chinese companies are known to be putting effort into developing rollable phones as well. However, it is expected that product commercialization will not be easy.
An industry insider said, "Rollable phones remain a mystery due to more difficult durability and higher prices than foldable phones," adding, "Nevertheless, as the next-generation smartphone following foldable phones, they are receiving great attention, and Samsung Electronics, which is leading the foldable phone market, is expected to be the first in the world to release a rollable phone as well."
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