Imagine a smartphone that fits snugly in your pocket but transforms into a full-sized tablet with a single swipe. This is the promise of rollable OLED screens—technology that extends and retracts seamlessly, eliminating creases and hinge issues. Unlike traditional foldables, rollables offer a smooth, uninterrupted display that rolls out when needed and tucks away just as easily.
We’ve seen glimpses of this future with LG’s rollable TVs and Lenovo’s upcoming rollable laptop. The Lenovo ThinkBook Plus G6 Rollable, for instance, starts with a standard 14-inch display but expands to 16.7 inches, making multitasking effortless. For South Africans who rely on mobile devices for work, whether in corporate boardrooms or creative industries, this could be a game-changer. Imagine editing a full video timeline on a compact laptop that expands on demand or scrolling through long spreadsheets without constant zooming in and out.
And then, of course, there are rollable smartphones. Samsung, Tecno, Oppo, and Motorola are all racing to bring their rollable devices to market. Tecno’s Phantom Ultimate, for example, unfurls from 6.55 inches to 7.11 inches in just over a second, offering a dynamic shift between phone and tablet modes. For South Africans, where digital connectivity plays a huge role in commerce and communication, rollable smartphones could make mobile productivity smoother than ever.
What if your phone could fold not once, but twice? That’s the idea behind multi-hinge smartphones. Devices like Huawei’s Mate XT Ultimate showcase this innovation, unfolding into a 10.2-inch display that brings tablet-level productivity to your pocket. But beyond the “wow” factor, why should this matter?
For many South Africans, mobile devices are their primary computing tools. Whether it’s students studying online, entrepreneurs running their businesses via WhatsApp, or content creators pushing the boundaries of digital storytelling, the ability to switch between compact and expansive screens could redefine workflows. Multi-hinge devices could offer a portable yet powerful tool for South Africans who need to do more, faster.
The biggest challenge? Durability and cost. Hinges add mechanical complexity, and flexible screens are still fragile. But as with any new technology, refinement and affordability will follow. The potential for these devices in sectors like education and remote work is immense, making them worth watching.
The obsession with ultra-thin smartphones isn’t new. We saw it in the mid-2010s with impossibly slim devices that, unfortunately, often compromised on battery life and durability. But in 2025, brands like Samsung and Apple are bringing back thinness—with smarter engineering.
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge, at just 6.4mm, is pushing the boundaries of sleekness without sacrificing performance. Meanwhile, Apple’s iPhone 17 Air, rumoured to be between 5.5mm and 6mm, is focusing on power efficiency to counteract the battery trade-offs of ultra-slim devices.
For South Africans, where smartphones are a status symbol as much as a necessity, design matters. A thinner phone that doesn’t skimp on battery life or performance would appeal to professionals and trendsetters alike. Plus, in a world where streaming, gaming, and AI-driven apps are demanding more from our devices, ultra-thin smartphones will need to be just as powerful as they are stylish.
In a country where mobile penetration is high but access to premium devices can be limited, these innovations present an interesting challenge. Will rollable and multi-hinge devices be priced out of reach, or will brands cater to emerging markets?
South Africans have always been early adopters of mobile tech, with a strong appetite for cutting-edge devices. If manufacturers recognise the potential here—offering finance plans, trade-in deals, or launching more affordable versions—these futuristic devices could become part of everyday life rather than luxury gadgets for the few.
Additionally, South Africa’s growing tech and fintech industries could benefit from these innovations in unexpected ways. Think mobile banking on a rollable screen, immersive remote work experiences on a multi-fold tablet-phone hybrid, or hyper-efficient thin smartphones tailored for fast-paced urban living.
Whether it’s rollable screens, multi-hinge marvels, or ultra-thin elegance, the next wave of technology is poised to change how we interact with our devices. While these advancements are happening globally, they hold unique potential for South Africa—a country where mobile innovation has long been a driver of economic and social progress.
As these futuristic devices start hitting the market, one thing is certain: the way we use technology is about to shift dramatically. And in a place as dynamic and forward-thinking as South Africa, that’s an opportunity worth embracing.
