Buzz
The recent MWC 2023 event left a lasting impression on the tech community with its array of cutting-edge devices and intriguing offerings. The Moto Rizr series has long been synonymous with sliding screens, and adding the suffix 'Rollable' seems to be a nod to blending past values with new, contemporary technology.
While the Rizr Rollable may not be the first phone with a rolling screen—X 2021 introduced a horizontal rolling mechanism—Motorola Rizr Rollable distinguishes itself with a flexible screen that curves gracefully outward from the back.
One could have easily mistaken this for just another virtual 3D concept concocted by the online community, but no, Motorola has officially introduced the Moto Rizr Rollable with a vertically rolling screen, allowing the device to seamlessly transition from 5 inches to 6.5 inches.
I find this design particularly intriguing; thanks to the screen rolling from bottom to top, it significantly reduces the creasing issue often encountered in foldable devices. From an aesthetic standpoint, in standby mode, the Moto Rizr boasts a truly seamless main screen.
Before expansion, the Motorola Rizr Rollable measures 5 inches, with a compact 15:9 aspect ratio. It utilizes a pOLED display panel, with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and, naturally, boasts a 120 Hz refresh rate.
Camera It's a neat addition, but I feel this approach might slow down the user experience with an extra downward swipe.
Once fully unrolled, the device reaches a size of 6.5 inches with a 22:9 aspect ratio, allowing for usage similar to existing smartphones on the market.
However, I have concerns about how thin the pulled-up screen is. What if you're gaming or working in landscape mode? And especially, if you're using the 6.5-inch display and want to take a selfie, what then? Wait for the device to retract to 5 inches to use the front camera?
Looking at the left side of the device, you'll notice how thin the pulled-up screen is.
Beneath the device lies the curved screen portion facing the back, making the Moto Rizr look almost bezel-less. I wonder if others see it the same way I do.
On the back, you'll notice the black mechanism responsible for rolling up the screen. When expanded, this black section pushes the screen upwards.
The remaining rolled screen portion serves as a secondary display for taking selfies with the dual rear cameras, as well as displaying notifications and other neat features.
Due to the curved rear screen for facilitating the bottom-up rolling, the Motorola Rizr Rollable will feature a Type-C charging port placed on the left side of the device. Since this is just a concept, the device looks quite bulky and rugged.
The right side of the device houses the volume rocker and a power button for controlling the slide-up/down screen.
There isn't much clear information regarding the device's specifications yet, but I speculate that it might come with a modest 3,000 mAh battery capacity. Given the complexity of the rolling mechanism, shrinking the battery size to accommodate the components seems inevitable.
With a 3,000 mAh battery, the usage time may not be overly impressive, especially with the additional power required for the sliding mechanism. However, with the advent of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, featuring a 4nm process that optimizes power consumption, the company might use it to address the battery issue in the next version.
And that wraps up the hands-on experience with the Motorola Rizr Rollable. Although just a concept, what the company brings forth holds great promise for us users, offering a truly versatile and flexible device.
I hope the device will soon have a refined version with better specifications, assured quality, and officially hit the market this year.
