The OPPO X 2021 employs a never-before-seen comb-like mechanism to support the display. Depending on the state of the display, the mechanism adjusts its position to ensure that the screen remains rigid at all times. The smartphone’s frame has two parts, one fixed and one movable. Depending on the display’s position, the latter slides in and out along with the battery panel to protect its innards. These technologies are the reason why the OPPO X 2021’s screen is free from kinks or imperfections regardless of what state it is in.
OPPO says it has taken special care to ensure that the X 2021’s screen is well-protected. The included Warp Track high-strength screen laminate curves around the edge of the display. It is made of rigid steel, allowing it to hold its own when stressed. With a thickness of only 0.1mm, it should be barely noticeable to the untrained eye but goes a long way towards securing the OPPO X 2021’s structural integrity.
It is unlikely that the OPPO X 2021 will ever see a full-scale commercial release. Concept smartphones seldom do, as they’re mainly used to showcase the technological chops of an OEM. However, we can expect the tech behind the Oppo X 2021 to trickle down into future products by the brand. It may be a while before we see a commercially available rollable smartphone though.