The Next Evolution in Mobile Technology: Why Rollables Will Surpass Foldables

As the smartphone industry continues to evolve, foldable devices have made headlines for their innovative designs and potential to merge multiple functionalities into a single device. However, the true future of mobile technology may lie not in foldable designs but in a new category altogether: rollable smartphones. In this article, we will explore the limitations of current foldable technologies and how rollables represent a logical and thrilling next step in achieving a truly versatile mobile experience.

Foldable devices have maintained a somewhat controversial position in the tech market. Despite their allure, they face several ongoing criticisms:

Heavy design, often attributed to their multi-panel structure (though improvements have been noted in 2025)
A restrictive square aspect ratio of the main display
The persistent crease along the folding line (which is diminishing in more recent models)
Concerns over overall durability and high prices associated with these devices

The talk around the potential iPhone Fold signifies that even major players are acknowledging this foldable trend, even though the effectiveness of such devices is still debated.

Why Foldables Struggle to Claim the Crown

Galaxy Z Fold 7 (Image credit - PhoneArena)

Many consumers are drawn to foldables due to their promise of being an all-in-one device that bridges gaps left by traditional smartphones. However, the current offerings still lack a display size that would allow them to serve as a user's primary device with ease.

Tri-folds: Compounding the Problems

While some may think that tri-fold designs will solve the issues associated with traditional folds, they often worsen the situation. Devices such as Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z TriFold showcase these challenges:

Heightened expense due to complex manufacturing
Increased weight as a result of additional panels
Double the durability risks from extra moving parts
Complicated manufacturing processes make them less viable
Thinner designs can jeopardize camera system performance

Huawei Mate XT (Image credit - PhoneArena)

The Transition to Rollables: A Bright Future

Early concepts of rollable devices based on patents

Innovative rollable designs open up a world of possibilities, enabling devices that maintain a compact smartphone shape, yet expand with the push of a button to larger screen ratios. Some concepts envision smartphones resembling a stick, where a display coiled inside could be pulled out and locked to different sizes, offering unparalleled versatility.

Potential Drawbacks of Rollables

Of course, rollables could introduce their own challenges:

Heavier due to the incorporation of motorized components
The need for a durable mechanism raises new concerns
Higher pricing due to the advanced technology involved

Nevertheless, the advantages of rollables over foldables are significant:

Variable aspect ratios allow for user-defined screen sizes
Multiple design shapes can enhance compactness and portability
Elimination of creases simplifies the overall experience