Samsung Galaxy Roll is likely to come out next year as the next step in the foldable phone

Samsung Galaxy Roll is likely to come out next year as the next step in the foldable phone

Samsung appears to be expanding its Galaxy Z series with a concept even more radical than its existing foldable smartphones; following the Oppo x 2021, Samsung is looking to strengthen its lineup with a rollable smartphone.

The Korean tech giant unveiled a number of futuristic prototype devices as part of its Display Week exhibition. While Samsung Display's showcase is not necessarily indicative of its intentions in the smartphone sector, a new trademark application filed with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) suggests what is in store.

The trademark (via LetsGoDigital) is called "Z Roll." Samsung's foldable devices are classified as part of the Z series, with the Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Fold 2 ready to join the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3. This description indicates that the device in question is a smartphone and further implies compatibility with the S Pen.

Samsung's current folderable devices are not stylus compatible, but the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3 is rumored to be S Pen compatible. Since Samsung may be abandoning the Galaxy Note series and expanding stylus support to the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy S21 Ultra, it makes sense that they are trying to include S Pen support soon.

Ice Universe, a Samsung tipster, stated that the Galaxy Z Fold Scroll would be available in November. Many leakers have said that a third device will join the Z series, and the Galaxy Scroll seems likely.

LetsGoDigital does not believe the Galaxy Z Roll will be announced at Samsung's August Unpacked event along with the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3, but the company may give fans a hint of what it is making. The website said we should not expect to see the rollable hit the market until next year, and it could still be the first to market with a practical rollable smartphone.

Oppo is also working on a rollable, but will not be releasing the Oppo x 2021 anytime soon; TCL also has a concept for a rollable smartphone, but may have a hard time getting people interested; Oppo and Samsung have candy bar form Unlike extending the factor to a tablet, TCL's device will start out as a phone half the size of a "regular" smartphone that stretches vertically. Given the undoubtedly hefty price tag for this technology, this seems like a tough sell.

We'll have to wait until next year to see who wins the rollable race, but for now all signs point to Samsung.

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