Oppo X 2021 rollable phone hands-on

Even though TCL, Oppo and LG have been teasing the rollable phone form factor for some time now, none of them have launched one just yet. The next best thing for now is Oppo's working prototype, three of which arrived in Hong Kong recently, so naturally, we went to take a closer look at this rare device.

The idea of the Oppo X 2021 is to let you switch between a conventional 6.7-inch screen and a mini-tablet-like 7.4-inch screen, with the former offering better portability, and the latter a better experience for videos, reading, gaming and multi-tasking. This is achieved by rolling part of the flexible OLED panel into the back of the phone, which supposedly avoids the creasing issue we've seen on foldables.

The screen rolling is toggled via the power button: a double click or swipe-up extends the screen, and another double click or swipe-down retracts it. This sliding movement is powered by two motors, which push and pull the two halves of the body. The flexible panel is fixed to the right side, before entering a gap on the left and tucked around a roller with a 6.8mm diameter.

The flexible screen is surprisingly tough. This is partly thanks to the "2-in-1 plate" comb-like sliding structure underneath, which provides a rigid structure in both phone mode and tablet mode. In addition, the OLED panel itself is reinforced by a thin caterpillar track laminate consisting of steel parts, which apparently improved the overall strength while still keeping it flexible.

As a concept device, the Oppo X 2021 is surprisingly usable. That said, this prototype was missing a couple of essential features: volume keys and selfie camera. Chances are Oppo left those out to help speed up development, and it'd most likely add those back before launching the device, if it ever does.

Despite the Oppo X 2021's second public appearance last month, the company still doesn't plan on mass-producing it. But as far as proof of concept goes, the rollable phone future is looking promising, save for the small kinks here and there.

[siddheshthipse]

Legend has it that, ultra rich web developers use this device to check the responsiveness of their website

[Sacchidanand]

Finally, android option for Synder Cut's 4:3 aspect ratio.

[richrich]

Ok this is the first "folding phone" concept that actually could have a future

[jamesrperry]

Weird how a couple of years ago I didn't know how much more innovation phones could make, but this has opened up a whole new realm.

[raychow]

When it accidentally expand in your pocket. People are going to be saying “Is there something in your pocket, or are you happy to see me?”

[nnr]

This seems like something a lot more appealing than pretty much any foldable device. Applaudable!!!

[aandrei]

This honestly looks sleek af. Maybe in a few years, when the tech has matured enough and the screens won't be as prone to damage, they'll be worth buying.

[nipunasudha]

*We take things for granted all the time. This is just MAGIC!*

[insertcoolnamelater]

Apple marketing: We'll invent this in 2030. It will be revolutionary.

[caloytunes]

Tbh I'm just happy to be alive to see this

[ViniciusDinizss]

The smart thing about it is that since humans can't handle folding screens without breaking them, then make the folding process automated improves the lifetime

[mooncrack]

this is the most innovative features in smartphone hardware i have ever seen so far, if oppo can make this phone with entry level specs with ideal price and ship it globally it will sold millions overnight

[reviewthecheapest]

If this was Samsung or Apple everybody would have been losing their minds right now.

[WhiteDaemond]

im so happy to see phones being fun again. you can never have too much of innovation

[tgmotoman]

This looks better and more useable than the fold or flip

[frykauf]

This is way better than I thought it would be.

[saurabhzalke]

This is what innovation is! Real innovation is happening in these companies.

[ZebraFacts]

This is the most practical innovation for cellphones I have seen in a very long time. More so than folding phones.

[mini]

This is sooo cool!
Now just imagine a Rollable Tablet that expands to become a Ultra-Wide 2-in-1 Tablet...

[_MaxHeadroom_]

I'm pretty confident that this tech will eventually replace folding phones. I bet a Samsung version is 3-5 years away