Last year, smartphone manufacturers introduced several models with fold-out screens that enlarge device displays to a size comparable with the size of a tablet. LG has also worked in this direction over the past two years, using the roll-up display concept, which solves many of the problems of folding screens. At the press conference of CES 2021 events, the company presented a small teaser with the results of its work – a smartphone with a sliding screen, which is not yet mass-produced.
After launching into production, the novelty will be called LG Rollable. It reflects the whole essence of the device. Currently, the company does not provide any detailed technical parameters of the future smartphone. It cannot be assumed from the name that the principle of twisting a part of the screen when folded into the body will be used.
Unlike the already launched Galaxy Z Fold 2, which has wide inner, narrow, and tall outer displays, LG Rollable will use a single screen with standard display sizes for smartphones when folded. In the process of unwinding, the LG Rollable screen will take the size of a small tablet. This principle of enlarging the screen will help to avoid the problem of creases on the screens of folding smartphones.
LG engineers will have to tackle the daunting task of creating a reliable mechanical screen unwinding system that can withstand a variety of operating conditions. More complex mechanical design will increase the risk of breakage from falling and periodical daily work.
In the development of unwinding smartphones, LG will be guided by their extensive experience in the design and production of televisions operating on a similar technology.
A similar concept smartphone was demonstrated by TCL, which announced that in the near future, devices with a rolling screen will not be mass-produced. However, the rapid introduction of the latest technologies, characteristic of the modern smartphone market, may lead to the appearance of several models of devices with a roll-up screen already in 2021.
