Oppo X 2021 concept phone made quite a headline last year as it was demoed at Inno Day 2020. Cut to now at the MWC Shanghai 2021, Chinese smartphone manufacturer published a video showcasing how it’s Oppo X 2021 rolled out a 6.7-inch display into a humongous 7.4-inch display.
The display when retracted (rolled) is supported with two substrates that allow the display to act as a single unit. Oppo has developed two roll motors that generate a constant force output to roll and unroll the display from 6.7-inch to 7.4-inch and vice versa. It also ensures that the display rolls and unrolls without forming any crease or mark on the display.
Oppo developed a central axis that facilitated the display to move freely when instructed. It has a diameter of 6.8mm that helps roll and unroll the display while a slider ensures that the display is retracted and extended smoothly. Engineers at Oppo conducted numerous experiments to come up with a size of 6.8mm thick for its central axis that was instrumental in this concept phone.
Oppo has developed 2-in-1 plate support technology wherein two substrates support the entire surface when it is retracted. As a user extends the display, the right substrate supports the fixed portion of the display while the left substrate supports the rolling portion of the display providing zero segment support.
The display mounted on Oppo X 2021 has a Warp Track high-strength screen laminate that aids in bending and other outward forces. The structure is etched with a linear pattern that offers resilience and also provides the required flexibility and support to the structure. The laminate itself is just 0.1mm thick at its thinnest point.
A flexible rolling display is great for productivity, entertainment, and daily use and has an upper hand when compared against a foldable display. Having an OLED panel to extend and retract has numerous use cases. However, it is just a concept phone and thus, Oppo X 2021 concept phone may not arrive in the commercial market.
