- Vivo and Transsion have started working on rollable phones.
- The first devices will be ready by 2024 end.
- The reason behind this is to get a step ahead of Samsung in the rollable phone market.
Vivo and Transsion are reportedly planning to launch the world’s first smartphone with a rollable screen next year. We have seen concept smartphones and prototypes of rollable phones but there hasn’t been a commercial launch yet. The two Chinese companies are planning to bring rollable smartphones to consumers by the end of 2024.
First rollable phones by 2024 end
Vivo and Transsion are actively developing smartphones with rollable displays, and the devices should be ready for launch by the end of 2024, according to a report by CNMO. Although more than a year from now, the launch timeline still seems early considering how nascent the rollable smartphone industry is, and how we’re still getting used to foldable phones.
The reason why Chinese companies are pushing ahead with rollable smartphones is reportedly to get ahead of Samsung. These companies have realised that it’s ‘difficult’ to surpass Samsung in the foldable phone market. Samsung has also given a glimpse to future displays for smartphones, which include a rollable display but for now it will most likely focus on the foldable phone market. With the first rollable phones, Chinese companies will get a head start in the race.
Like Samsung, Vivo also has foldable phones in the market. Earlier this year, it launched the X Fold2 and X Flip where the former is a book-style folding phone, and the latter is the company’s first clamshell-folding phone. For Vivo’s first rollable phone, the display is speculated to be supplied by CSOT, Samsung Display or China Star Optoelectronics. We’re expecting more details to come up soon.
Tecno Phantom Ultimate rollable phone
Tecno, one of Transsion’s smartphone brands, recently unveiled a concept smartphone with a rollable display. The Tecno Phantom Ultimate’s display expands into a bigger screen from the side with the touch of a button on top. A live wallpaper is visible on the screen that expands simultaneously with the display as it’s rolled out.
In terms of specs, the Tecno Phantom Ultimate has a 6.55-inch display that expands into a 7.11-inch display once rolled out. It’s an AMOLED screen with 2,296 x 1,596 pixels resolution and 388 PPI.The extra display is visible on the rear panel, and it doubles as an Always On display. Tecno is using a single-drive motor system for the display to roll out from the phone.
This is the second concept smartphone from Tecno, and we’re expecting Transsion’s first rollable phone to launch under this brand. The Chinese company has more brands under its wing including Infinix and itel.
