TCL’s foldable, rollable smartphone captured, and Samsung is racing to bring rollable display devices too

At DTC 2021 event in China, TCL has just unveiled the amazing rollable display concept. There is also a video on this new technology called Fold’n Roll Concept. This video comes on Twitter courtesy of FoldUniverse. The device seems to be in the early stages of development, so it may be far away to go into the mainstream. Although, it is a unique concept and highlights the convenience of modern screens.

The smartphone folds and expands like a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. In this case, the display stretches horizontally from the left side, effectively turning into a tablet. The UI is not optimized for the form factor, which is not particularly a deal-breaker, taking into account the fact that it is a prototype.

TCL Fold’n Roll Concept

This TCL prototype folds outwards, meaning it does not require an additional screen. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Z Folds inwards so another screen is required on the front. This TCL prototype device offers a 6.87-inch screen in its standard stance but expands to 8.55-inches when unfolded. The horizontal rolling screen transforms it into a 10-inch screen that delivers the full tablet experience.

TCL subsidiary CSOT has unveiled two new rolling display prototypes at CES 2021. Both are OLED panels, but one of them fits the description of the rollable display we are discussing now. Separately, TCL has also demonstrated a vertically rolling disc, so it is clear that the company has worked hard in this direction.

It should be noted that TCL is not the only company operating on a rollable display device. A few months ago, Huawei’s former brand HONOR patented a rollable smartphone with a “wraparound display”, indicating its interest in the region. Apart from this, Oppo is taking significant steps towards launching a rollable display phone.

Samsung is also expected to compete to bring the rollable display device to market. However, the Korean manufacturer’s immediate vision is to expand its foldable display product for the next generation of Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip smartphones.

//VIA