Samsung lost the tri-fold race to Huawei, but it might roll out the future of smartphones

Innovation in the smartphone industry isn't exactly a daily or even yearly event if we're being honest. So, it's pretty exciting when a device with a new form factor finally makes it past the prototype stage and into our hands. Enter Huawei's Mate XT, the world's first tri-foldable smartphone. Samsung was also rumored to be working on something similar, but Huawei beat it to the punch. So, what's Samsung's play here?

Well, Samsung is set to unveil a rollable display phone. That's right. According to the latest buzz, Samsung is actively developing one, and we might see it in the second half of 2025.

Now, rollable phones aren't exactly new – they have been floating around as concept devices but haven't made it to customers. You might even recall that Samsung teased a rollable device back in 2021, and we have been waiting for it to become a reality ever since.

But now, with pressure mounting from Huawei and other players like Honor – who just rolled out the thinnest foldable Magic V3 – the Korean tech giant might finally launch that rollable smartphone and prove it's still got what it takes to lead the pack.

So, why would it be a good time for a rollable display phone now?

As I mentioned earlier, Huawei has already released the Mate XT, the first phone with three foldable parts. When unfolded, it features a sizable 10.2-inch tablet-like screen. Other Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Honor, and Tecno are also diving into the tri-foldable trend. So, if Samsung drops its version now, it might miss that coveted "wow" factor.

After all, if Samsung can't snag the spotlight with a tri-fold phone, why not be the first with a rollable display that stretches to a whopping 12.4 inches, according to display industry insiders?

I just hope Samsung doesn't rush this and end up selling us a fragile product just to claim the title of "first." However, with years of development behind the rollable display, the company might actually finally be ready to launch the first retail phone with this innovative feature.

But will this new technology change the way consumers interact with their smartphones, and how?

Let's say a rollable display phone becomes a reality, and you snag one – assuming your budget allows, of course. Rest assured, it will come with a hefty price tag. However, you have it. And?

Well, you might find you don't need much else. Rollable displays will let smartphones transform into tablet-like devices, giving you a more versatile and adaptable form factor. Whether you're watching movies, playing games, or consuming other media, a larger, flexible screen can seriously boost your viewing experience. Picture it as your pocket-sized TV that travels with you everywhere.

Plus, if you don't need a super big screen, you can easily adjust the size and orientation to fit your preferences and viewing conditions. For example, if I'm on a plane, I definitely don't want to bother my seatmate. So, I'd expand the screen just enough to get a better view without being intrusive.

Also, think about how many opportunities this new form factor could open up for developers. They might create innovative user interfaces that leverage the flexible screen, allowing for more natural content scrolling or more immersive interactions with virtual objects.