Back in 2019, Samsung and Huawei kicked the doors of the foldable segment with the Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X. While Huawei needed a long time to prepare the Huawei Mate X2, which is reportedly to come this month, Samsung brought a plethora of foldable phones. So far, the Korean firm has the segment under its belt. Meanwhile, other companies are preparing their entrance in the segment while also tease us with new innovative technologies. Back in November last year, Oppo showcased the Oppo X 2021 concept smartphone and it blew our minds. The rollable phone concept puts the foldable phone’s future on the test. After all, the rollable form factor seems to be more attractive and convenient. LG already confirmed that it is also working on a rollable phone, but its release isn’t set in stone. After all, we’ve been hearing a wave of rumors about the company’s mobile division demise. Apparently, OPPO will take the lead in this segment.
OPPO X 2021 emerged in multiple hands-on videos across the world
OPPO previously stated that it was not ready for mass manufacturing this device. On that occasion, we concluded that the device was still miles away from reaching the consumers. However, hands-on videos by independent parties handling the OPPO X 2021 have started hitting the web. The first such video comes from the French YouTuber Brandon Le Proktor. It’s an eight-minute video that showcases the OPPO X 2021 in all its unrolling glory. A German Channel also published its own hands-on, and you can see it below.
The New Zealand website Newshub also published a hands-on article on the OPPO X 2021. Worth noting that none of these videos showed off anything we didn’t already know. Moreover, their tests probably were in a controlled environment. However, it brings us a light of hope since it shows that the device is ready for real hands-on by people that have nothing to do with Oppo. The videos show a product that seems to be polished and close to becoming commercially available. It also suggests that Oppo is testing the device across multiple regional offices. So, more people will probably get their hands on this device soon.
The OPPO X 2021 uses the company’s proprietary Roll Motor Powertrain. It is a pair of motors that create an equal force to allow the screen to unroll in a uniform manner. The OLED display is laminated for increasing rigidity and is supported by a frame that supports the screen even if it’s fully unrolled.
Unfortunately, there still no word on when or if this phone will see a commercial release. However, it certainly will not take several years as previously thought.
