The competition to redefine the smartphone industry is heating up as leading Chinese tech giants, vivo and Transsion, set their sights on unveiling the world’s first rollable screen smartphone. According to industry insiders, the phone is expected to debut by the end of the coming year.

Tecno Phantom Ultimate

Vivo and Transsion to challenge Samsung’s foldables with their rollable smartphones

So, what exactly is a rollable smartphone? Imagine a phone that can expand its screen size with a simple touch. This means users can enjoy a larger display when needed and switch back to a smaller one when it’s more convenient. It’s a glimpse into a future where devices adapt to the user’s immediate requirements.

Tecno Phantom Ultimate

Transsion has been quite vocal about its aspirations in this field and we have also seen numerous rollable concept phones and displays in the past. Just last September, the company showcased its vision for rollable screens with the Techno Phantom Ultimate. This concept phone featured a screen that could smoothly transition from 6.55 inches to a more spacious 7.11 inches in just around 1.3 seconds. But it’s not just about size; this display promises an impressive resolution of 2296×1596 pixels, a crisp 388 PPI, and complete DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. Another intriguing feature is the mini display on the back, designed for notifications. Additionally, a cleverly designed anti-slip back ensures users have a secure grip on the device.

Now, where are these cutting-edge panels coming from? While there’s still some uncertainty, there are indications that vivo might be sourcing them from well-known tech leaders like BOE or Samsung Display. Industry experts suggest that BOE may be the more enthusiastic participant in this venture.

This shift towards rollable technology might also be a response to the challenges of outdoing Samsung in the foldable phone arena. Samsung has undeniably established itself in the foldable sector, especially with its Galaxy Fold series. While Royole may have introduced the world’s first foldable smartphone, the “FlexPai,” it was Samsung’s Galaxy Fold that truly popularized the concept.

By focusing on rollable screens, Chinese smartphone makers may be aiming to carve out their own niche in an industry where standing out is increasingly difficult. Samsung is also exploring rollable devices which is expected to debut in 2025, but for now, its primary focus remains on foldables. The coming years are sure to witness an exciting competition to reshape the smartphone industry.

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