Samsung, once the leader in foldable smartphones, might be preparing to make a comeback with a rollable phone. According to a new report from The Elec, the device is slated for launch in the second half of 2025, and it could feature a 12.4-inch display with an under-display camera, offering an uninterrupted viewing experience similar to the current Galaxy Z Fold series.
Samsung’s Struggles in the Foldable Market
Despite pioneering foldable smartphones in 2019, Samsung is now facing stiff competition. Huawei recently beat the company to the punch by launching the Mate XT, a triple-folding smartphone, in September 2024. While Samsung had filed a patent for a similar device back in 2021, it never materialized.
Experts also suggest that the foldable smartphone market, which is only about five years old, is already showing signs of saturation. With competitors like HONOR and OnePlus offering sleeker designs and larger screens, Samsung’s recent Galaxy Z Fold models are starting to look repetitive.
The Rollable Phone: Samsung’s Potential Comeback
The rollable phone could be Samsung’s next big innovation, offering a sliding OLED display that can expand and retract. At the Consumer Electronics Show 2024, Samsung showcased several innovative OLED designs, including an “In & Out Flip” and a monitor-sized rolling screen.
While the reports from The Elec are promising, it’s still uncertain if the rollable phone will meet its 2025 launch date. If it does, it could be introduced alongside the Galaxy Z Fold7 or at the Galaxy Unpacked event.
Cost-Reduction Over Innovation?
Interestingly, the report also mentions that Samsung is focusing more on cost-reduction rather than innovation. This shift has led to fewer significant upgrades in the recent Galaxy Z Fold series, which appear quite similar to their predecessors.
While Samsung has fallen behind competitors in some aspects, the rollable phone might be the innovation needed to regain its edge in the market. However, as with all rumors, it’s best to wait for official confirmation before getting too excited.
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