Vivo’s new vertically rollable smartphone has been revealed for the first time through a patent leak, uncovered in collaboration with David from @xleaks7. Instead of folding, this innovative device features a structure that expands by extending upwards.
A Rival to Foldables: Vivo’s Rollable Concept
In its standard form, the device looks like a sleek, conventional smartphone. However, when the screen is extended, it doesn’t grow wider but becomes significantly taller, offering users more vertical real estate for content. According to the patent drawings, the phone boasts a long, narrow, and remarkably clean design. While the front is entirely screen, the device feels more like an extended flagship phone rather than a tablet hybrid when opened.
The back panel remains minimalist, highlighted by a horizontal triple-camera setup at the top. From a side profile, the device appears slightly thicker than standard phones, which is explained by the internal space required for the flexible display and the rolling sliding mechanism.
Seamless Display and AI Integration
The primary promise of rollable phones is to provide a larger screen without a distracting crease. While companies like OPPO have experimented with this concept before, Vivo is now entering the race as a strong contender. If paired with a durable mechanism and a reasonable price point, this could offer a more elegant alternative to current foldables.
This hardware is a natural fit for AI-driven experiences. When the device is retracted, AI can manage tasks like notification summaries, quick replies, and voice commands. When the screen extends, the larger canvas can be utilized for complex tasks such as document summarization, live translation, and split-screen productivity.
In this design, AI is expected to be more than just a software layer—it becomes the very reason for the screen’s expansion. What are your thoughts on this new technology? Would you prefer a rollable device over a foldable one in the future?
