Tecno might be a relatively unknown smartphone brand to many, but it's always one to catch the eye when it comes to innovation and affordability.
Its Tecno Phantom V Fold foldable phone has some great specifications and was critically well received on its release earlier this year.
There are also come great, leaked images of the Phantom V Flip that have emerged in recent times, which suggest the company is trying something new to compete with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Motorola Razr 40 Ultra.
However, its latest announcement could be the phone that firmly puts the brand on the map – if it ever gets released that is.
Just a concept for now, the Tecno Phantom Ultimate is a rollable phone that starts out as a 6.55-inch device but unfurls into a 7.11-inch tablet with a 2296 x 1596 pixel resolution without needing to be opened. All you have to do is tap a button and the phone extends.
Tecno released a video showing it in action (via 91Mobiles). It has a smooth motion and seems to be premium in both original and expanded states.
As well as the rollable AMOLED display, the Phantom Ultimate also sports a mini "always-on" panel on the rear. We're not entirely sure why considering the phone doesn't need to be folded so you could just glance at the main display for notifications, time, etc, but it looks good in the video, we guess.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Of course, rollable phones aren't completely new – LG and Samsung have shown similar concepts over the years and we tried the Motorola Rizr during Mobile World Congress in March this year. That's a little different in that it rolls upwards rather than out to the side, but the idea is the same.
The big question now is when Tecno might make its innovative handset available? Sadly, it's just a concept at present with no indication of a commercial launch. However, we can't help but feel that something is in the pipeline when it comes to this form factor. And we wouldn't be surprised if the first to market isn't a smaller, lesser-known brand like Tecno.
Rik is T3’s news editor, which means he looks after the news team and the up-to-the-minute coverage of all the hottest gadgets and products you’ll definitely want to read about. And, with more than 35 years of experience in tech and entertainment journalism, including editing and writing for numerous websites, magazines, and newspapers, he’s always got an eye on the next big thing.
Rik also has extensive knowledge of AV, TV streaming and smart home kit, plus just about everything to do with games since the late 80s. Prior to T3, he spent 13 years at Pocket-lint heading up its news team, and was a TV producer and presenter on such shows as Channel 4's GamesMaster, plus Sky's Games World, Game Over, and Virtual World of Sport.
-
When is Black Friday 2024 – this Friday or next? Here's the official answer
Black Friday is on 29 November in 2024 – a week later than the year previous. But that's not stopped retailers putting on their sales...
By Mike Lowe Published
-
Forget Black Friday, F1 24 is completely free for a limited time
This top racing game has a free weekend
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
As most phones get bigger, iPhone 17 is set to shrink one major Apple feature
The Dynamic Island looks set to lose some territory
By Sam Cross Published
-
Apple MacBook Pro to get a major rival from an unlikely source, claims report
Could we see a resurgence of the Pixel name in the laptop world?
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Google TV Streamer finally getting the puzzle piece it's been missing since day one
Solves my biggest issue with the streaming device
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Your older iPhone is about to lose an essential feature forever
If you don't have a modern iPhone, it may be time to upgrade
By Sam Cross Published
-
Massive Samsung Galaxy upgrade could come from this new camera system
Samsung has developed a new smartphone zoom system that packs its periscope into a much smaller space
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
iPhone 17 Slim tipped to be the thinnest iPhone Apple’s ever made
Could make the iPhone 16 look massive
By Carrie Marshall Published
-
Google Pixel Tablet 2 to add a major something that was missing on first-gen, claims report
Google is said to be preparing the Pixel Tablet 2 with an official keyboard case
By Chris Hall Published
-
An Apple flatscreen TV could be back on the cards again
It might take a while though...
By Britta O'Boyle Published