## Samsung’s Speculated Rollable Smartphone: A Shift in Foldable Technology?
Samsung has established itself as a leader in the foldable smartphone industry, with its Galaxy Z Fold and Flip series paving the way for advancements in mobile design. Nevertheless, recent speculation indicates that the South Korean technology powerhouse may be ready to advance by investigating rollable smartphone technology. This could reportedly be the rollable device that Samsung has been interested in developing, potentially signifying a major transformation in the foldable arena.
### Essential Information
– **Code Names for 2025 Foldables:** The 2025 foldable series from Samsung is rumored to feature a Galaxy Z Flip 7, with the codename “B7,” and two variants of the Galaxy Z Fold 7, internally referred to as “Q7” and “Q7M.”
– **The “M” Enigma:** The meaning of the “M” in the Q7M codename is still ambiguous. However, conjectures suggest it may hint at a novel form factor, potentially a rollable or dual-folding device.
– **Rollable Phone Speculation:** There have been rumors about Samsung developing a rollable phone, a project that could compete with Huawei’s Mate XT tri-fold model.
– **CES 2024 Teaser:** At CES 2024, Samsung unveiled its “Rollable Flex” prototype, suggesting a future device that might enlarge its display size up to five times its standard format.
### The Advancement of Foldable Technology
Samsung’s foldable devices have progressed significantly since the introduction of the original Galaxy Fold in 2019. The company has consistently enhanced its designs, focusing on improving durability, hinge functions, and display clarity. However, the foldable segment has encountered obstacles, including a reported 10% decline in total shipments of foldable phones. This downturn has led Samsung to seek innovative ways to rejuvenate the category.
One of the most captivating prospects is the emergence of a rollable phone. Unlike conventional foldables that depend on hinges to fold the screen, a rollable phone would utilize a flexible display that can be extended or retracted like a scroll. This configuration could deliver a smoother experience by removing the crease typically seen in foldable displays.
### The Rollable Flex Prototype
During CES 2024, Samsung provided insight into the potential design of a rollable phone with its “Rollable Flex” prototype. This device includes a display that can grow up to five times its initial size, providing a tablet-like experience when completely expanded. The concept is reminiscent of LG’s rollable TV, which employs a flexible OLED panel that can retract when not in use.
Although the Rollable Flex is still in its prototype phase, it underscores Samsung’s dedication to expanding the limits of display technology. However, questions persist regarding the durability of such a device. A rollable phone would necessitate an intricate mechanism to roll and unroll the screen, possibly creating new vulnerabilities. Samsung would need to ensure that the device remains sturdy enough for everyday usage.
### Competing with Huawei’s Mate XT
Samsung is not the sole entity investigating novel foldable designs. Huawei’s Mate XT tri-fold device has gained attention due to its distinctive design, allowing the phone to fold at two points, thus creating a larger display when fully unfolded. This has spurred speculation that Samsung’s anticipated Q7M device might incorporate a similar “dual-folding” layout.
However, some reports indicate that Samsung may lean more toward developing a rollable phone rather than a tri-fold device. The company has filed patents for rollable designs in both South Korea and the United States, suggesting that it has been looking into this concept for a considerable time.
### The Prospects for Foldables
As Samsung aims to recover from the recent downturn in foldable phone sales, the emergence of a rollable phone could represent a significant breakthrough. A device capable of fluidly transitioning from a compact smartphone to a large tablet would provide a versatility level unmatched by current foldable offerings.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that these rumors remain conjectural. While Samsung has expressed interest in rollable technology, there is no official announcement confirming the release of a rollable phone in 2025. The purported Q7M device may ultimately represent something entirely different, such as a global iteration of the Galaxy Z Fold or a new version of the Fold series featuring upgraded capabilities.
### Conclusion
Samsung’s rumored rollable phone holds the promise of transforming the foldable market, providing a more adaptable and versatile alternative to conventional foldable designs. With the company having already introduced its Rollable Flex prototype, it is evident that Samsung is committed to investigating new form factors for its upcoming devices.
Whether the Q7M designation pertains to a rollable phone or a dual-folding device remains uncertain, but one fact is clear: Samsung is not being complacent. As the foldable
