Patent suggests Samsung is forging ahead with rollable phone plans

Samsung is pushing ahead with its foldable phone program, but this doesn’t mean it’s dismissing other form factors. According to a new patent, the company is working on a sliding smartphone with a rollable screen.

The patent (h/t LetsGoDigital) outlines a device that doesn’t look too different from a traditional smartphone. However, when required, the display can extend by using springs and rollers within the device. The screen size doesn’t double but instead grows by a third of its original size.

Also included on the device is an under-display camera. While this technology hasn’t made a big impression just yet, it would make design sense to include it on this device to maximize screen real estate.

The phone may also arrive with an in-display fingerprint sensor, a triple rear camera array, and dual speakers at the bottom. Notably, the bottom of the extended display housing also seemingly includes a speaker.

When will Samsung launch a rollable phone?

It’s unclear when Samsung will debut its first rollable phone considering its fervent foldables push. It filed this patent in November 2020, but it was only recently published to WIPO. However, this isn’t the first hint that Samsung’s actively developing a rollable device. Samsung has previously explored rollable phones, filing a trademark for the name Z Roll earlier this year. Samsung Display recently showcased its own new form factor designs.

The advantages of this form factor over foldables are clear, too. Users won’t have to deal with display creases while the motorized components remain protected within the phone’s body. This should make rollable phones more durable. And when not unfurled, rollable phones should be mostly indistinguishable from existing devices. We’ve seen OPPO most recently investing in this form factor, and the results are pretty impressive.

Nevertheless, it seems folding phones will be a part of Samsung’s future for at least another year. The company’s expected to debut the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 in the coming months.

What do you think of Samsung’s rollable phone design? Would you buy it? Vote in our poll above, and let us know in the comments below!