Samsung may sell rolling screen smartphones in 2028

Theo Money Today of Korea, Samsung aims to launch a mobile device with the unique ability to stretch the screen within the next two years. The project is led by Samsung Electronics, in collaboration with subsidiary Samsung Display.

The information quickly attracted attention from the technology world, in a context where phones currently do not have many groundbreaking designs. In fact, Samsung Display has continuously demonstrated advanced flexible OLED panels in major technology exhibitions. At CES 2023, the company showcased the Flex Hybrid screen, which combines folding and sliding capabilities, or Rollable Flex, allowing the screen to roll and stretch to five times its original size.

Unlike the Galaxy Z Fold series, which uses a hinge mechanism to fold in half, the roll-screen smartphone hides part of the display area in the body. When large space is needed for work and entertainment, this section slides out. Thanks to that, the device has a large display space like a tablet but still ensures compactness, is easy to pocket and does not leave a fold in the middle like a folding screen.

However, according to Android Authority, Samsung will have to solve a very difficult technical problem. For example, they must optimize the mechanical motor system to ensure the machine rolls in and out hundreds of thousands of times without affecting the ultra-thin OLED panel. The company also needs to address the challenge of durability, dust resistance, and maintaining brightness and color accuracy when the screen is stretched.

Samsung is not the first company to develop a rollable screen smartphone. In 2021, Oppo introduced a rolling phone prototype called X 2021. When in its normal state, the device measures 6.7 inches. But when opened, the area increases to a maximum of 7.4 inches, equivalent to a small tablet. However, the device was not commercialized due to hardware limitations at that time.