Earlier this year we saw both TCL and LG tease new smartphones that feature a rollable display to let you have a bigger screen when you need it and a smaller one when you don't. Now Oppo has shown off the first working device with a rollable screen.
The Oppo X 2021 was shown off today during Oppo's Inno Day 2021 event. It features a continuously variable OLED display that extend from 6.7 to 7.4 inches when you swipe your finger along the side of the device. After the screen has extended, just swipe your finger the other direction and the display will shrink again.
Time to get hands-on in the experience zone!
Stay tuned for more and follow the latest with #OPPOINNODAY20 pic.twitter.com/BVcqI6pcbd
— OPPO (@oppo) November 17, 2020
Oppo developed several features to help ensure the phone's display can unroll and roll back up safely and without snagging. In fact, the company touts that it got 122 total patents while designing the Oppo X 2021, including 12 on the scroll mechanism alone.
The Oppo X 2021 uses a roll motor powertrain with two electric motors to extend the screen and roll it back out. There's a 2-in-1 plate design to support the rollable display with no segment gaps, and Oppo is also utilizing a Warp Track high-strength screen laminate.
The rollable display is another attempt at giving consumers a device that can have a small, more easily pocketable screen to carry around that can transform into a bigger display when viewing content or gaming. We've seen several foldable phones launch in the past year to fill this need, and now Oppo is one of the companies looking into a rollable display. One advantage that the Oppo X 2021 has going for it is that the display has no crease, which is something that we see on some foldable displays that could be distracting for some.
Oppo isn't saying much about when we might see the Oppo X 2021 launch or how much it might cost when it does. But if you've been intrigued by foldable screens and the ability to carry a device that can transform its smaller display into a bigger one at a moment's notice, this Oppo device could be worth keeping an eye on.
