Remember when we used to watch concept videos of future phones with slidable displays? Well, Samsung is now set to redefine tech innovation at CES 2025 with its slidable OLED screens. These displays expand the screen size by smoothly extending or unfolding from a smaller form. This happens as a portion of the screen slides out from behind or alongside another section. Think of it like a drawer smoothly opening to reveal more space, except here, it’s a part of the screen itself.
Samsung’s Slidable OLED Screens at CES 2025
Samsung is unveiling three groundbreaking slidable OLED displays, each tailored for different devices: one for tablets, another for laptops, and the third for mobile phones. Here’s a closer look at how these displays stack up against current technology and their potential applications in everyday life.
Slidable Flex Duet for Tablets
This OLED display starts at 8.1 inches and extends up to 12.4 inches, making it ideal for a tablet that adapts to your needs. Think of it as an expandable tablet, similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, but designed for horizontal expansion.
If you’re working on a project, you could start with the device in its compact form for easy portability. Similarly, when you need to view a larger spreadsheet or work with multiple windows, simply slide it open to reveal a more spacious display.
Slidable Flex Solo for Laptops
The Slidable Flex Solo features a 13-inch screen that extends to an impressive 17.3 inches, offering more room for multitasking on laptops. It’s like a mini laptop screen, similar to the Surface Pro, but with the flexibility of adjustable screen size.
Imagine you’re on a group video call and need more screen space to view all participants comfortably. With the Flex Solo, you can simply slide the display open for a larger, more immersive view—no need to carry a bulky device.
Slidable Flex Vertical
This OLED screen starts as a compact 5.1-inch display and expands to 6.7 inches, combining portability with versatility. It’s comparable to the iPhone Mini in size but offers the added benefit of transforming into a full-sized smartphone when needed.
With this design, you can easily slip your phone into your pocket. When it’s time to browse or watch videos or play games, simply slide it open to enjoy a larger screen and an enhanced viewing experience.
What These Sliding Displays Mean for the Future?
These slidable OLED displays have the potential to revolutionize the future of smartphones by offering the flexibility to expand screen size as needed. They combine the convenience of a compact phone with the functionality of a larger screen, making them perfect for multitasking and multimedia viewing experience.
The advantages are clear. A dynamic screen size means you can switch from a pocket-friendly phone to a larger display whenever necessary. This versatility is ideal for watching videos, browsing, or working on multiple tasks without sacrificing portability.
However, as with any new technology, there are challenges. Durability is a major concern—repeated sliding could lead to wear and tear over time, raising questions about long-term reliability. Additionally, the sliding mechanism might add bulk, making devices thicker and less sleek. Finally, there’s the issue of cost; these innovative screens are likely to come with a hefty price tag, especially in the early stages.
Despite these hurdles, this technology could redefine how we use our devices. Samsung’s foldable smartphones faced similar skepticism initially, but they eventually gained popularity and proved their value. As technology continues to advance, it will be fascinating to see if slidable OLED displays follow a similar path, transforming the way we interact with our devices.
