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Here's what Samsung may have in store for its first rollable phone

Looks like Samsung is seriously thinking about rollable phones.
By
August 10, 2021
samsung rollable phone concept render patent
LetsGoDigital
TL;DR
  • A very detailed patent document describes what Samsung might have in mind for its first rollable phone.
  • The 32-page application marks out the possible design of the rumored device.

We’ve been hearing about Samsung’s rollable phone for a while now. However, we didn’t really have much to go on beyond a patent that briefly described the device and trademark filings for the names Z Roll and Z Slide. Now, new information unearthed by LetsGoDigital gives us a much better sense of what Samsung might have in store for its first rollable phone.

The publication has managed to uncover a patent Samsung applied for in Germany. The report notes that patents of such nature are usually applied for in Korea, followed by WIPO and USTPO filings. If Samsung has filed for this rollable phone patent in Germany, it may be an indicator that the company is trying to secure the tech for the European market early and that it could actually implement it on a commercial phone.

Samsung rollable phone patent details

samsung rollable phone patent
LetsGoDigital

Samsung has imagined a rollable phone with a display that extends outwards, much like the OPPO X 2021.

The display becomes 40 – 50% larger when unrolled, and the extra screen real estate is left hanging outside the main chassis. However, there is a frame and a rigid plate that supports the extended screen.

Samsung is apparently using elastic “carrier films” and a multi-link hinge system to prevent any friction during the screen roll-in/roll-out process and to ensure a wrinkle-free display.

Additionally, the back of the rollable phone is also partially covered by a display.

Users will be able to roll out the phone’s display using a single button. Samsung could include the functionality in the power button that’s placed on top of the device.

An in-display fingerprint, under-display camera sensor, and three rear cameras are also described in the patent.

Of course, there’s no way of knowing when and if Samsung will launch a rollable phone. However, the detailed patent gives us hope that the company is seriously thinking about the concept.