OPPO shows off 'waterfall screen' phone with drastically curved edges
What's the story
OPPO has showcased a new smartphone design with drastically dangerously curved edges. Dubbed as the "Waterfall screen", the new design takes the idea of a curved display to the next level by extending the screen way further around the edges.
The end-result is a beautifully curved phone with a higher screen-to-body ratio, a seemingly taller aspect ratio, but some serious concerns.
Here's more.
Twitter Post
First, a look at OPPO's 'Waterfall Screen' phone prototype
OPPO "Waterfall Screen" mobile phone demo（1） pic.twitter.com/s3qEXCp6QS
— Ice universe (@UniverseIce) July 29, 2019
About the design
OPPO's Waterfall screen features nearly 90-degree curved edges
While OPPO has released phones with curved screens, like the Find X flagship, the new design is far more radical.
The Waterfall screen features flat edges on the top and bottom, but the 88-degrees curved edges extend to almost the entire edge of the frame.
Further, with ultra fine top and bottom bezels, the prototype looks to offer over 95% of screen-to-body ratio.
Button-less phone?
What about the power and volume control buttons?
Given the ultra-curved edges, OPPO won't have enough room to house the power and volume buttons.
In the prototype, the power button was placed on the top-end of the frame while the position of the volume rockers remains unknown.
The company will have to find some place to relocate them or opt for a button-less design that we've already seen on some concept devices.
Potential issues
This radical design change comes with major concerns
Now, this design has several concerns.
Firstly it's not clear whether the extra screen area would be touch-sensitive and what will OPPO do to avoid accidental inputs.
Secondly, it's virtually impossible to put a good glass protector on a curved screen and a protective case would cover the curved edges as well.
Moreover, given the design, it'll be hard to get a good grip.
Sometime soon
So, when will OPPO release a phone with "Waterfall Screen"?
"With the innovative 'Waterfall Screen' design, OPPO will soon deliver an immersive visual experience and innovative aesthetic to users," OPPO said in a press release.
We do expect the company to release a a phone with this design soon, considering Huawei, Vivo, and Xiaomi are said to be working on their own flagship phones with a similar ultra-curved display, concerns notwithstanding.