Samsung Reportedly Developing a Vertical Rollable Phone

Samsung is reportedly developing a smartphone with a vertically rollable display that can switch between two aspect ratios, according to tipster Ice Universe. The claim says the panel would extend upward so users can move between a 16:9 format and a longer 21:9 format.

If accurate, the device would let users extend the display from 16:9 to 21:9 via an upward sliding mechanism, but the mechanism is expected to consume internal space and could limit battery capacity.

The 16:9 ratio is a common widescreen format, while 21:9 is taller and narrower and is often used for cinematic video. Ice Universe describes a sliding mechanism that raises the display to change the phone’s vertical dimension, effectively lengthening the visible area without widening it.

The tipster also flagged battery capacity as a likely constraint, saying the sliding mechanism is expected to use plenty of internal space. That limitation follows logically from a mechanical system that must be housed inside the phone chassis and suggests trade offs between screen mechanics and component volume.

Names, patents and competing efforts

Earlier reporting in June suggested Samsung could unveil its first rollable smartphone in the first half of 2028, possibly under the Galaxy Z Slide name. Samsung has also filed a trademark for Galaxy Z Roll, indicating the company may be considering more than one branding option for rollable devices.

A Samsung patent published earlier this year further indicates the company is exploring rollable concepts; that filing described a side-rolling display, which would roll along the phone’s side rather than extend upward. Patent filings do not guarantee product plans, but they show engineering directions being investigated.

Other manufacturers are said to be pursuing similar designs. Reports name vivo among companies working on vertically rolling displays. Motorola previously demonstrated a Rizr concept with a rollable screen at MWC 2023, where the outlet also had a hands-on opportunity with the device.