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- Samsung is reportedly developing a sliding phone with a display that extends from 16:9 to 21:9, leaker Ice Universe says.
- A patent describes a sliding two-housing device, which suggests the idea is real even if the product isn’t.
- Battery space/comparment and the rated capacity, however, are the unsolved problems.
- Could possibly launch by 2028.
Samsung is working on a new slide phone with a display that extends from a 16:9 ratio to 21:9, according to Ice Universe, which posted on X recently. If it turns out true, you will be able to choose proportions that better suit your needs at any given moment.
A Samsung patent approved and published on October 22 describes a similar sliding design; however, the product isn’t announced yet. The catch is internal space, since the sliding hardware could leave less room for a battery.
A patent and a leak both describe a screen that slides taller
The pitch is flexibility. The leaker says some people like a wider screen and others a taller one, and this design could serve both.
Unofficial renders show the upper section sliding up on rails along both sides, with the dual rear cameras riding on that moving piece.
A US patent application, number 2026/0333595 A1, describes two housings, one of which moves between a retracted and an extended position, joined by a flexible display.
A shaky prototype, possible AI renders and battery space undercut the pitch
According to Android Authority, the leaked concept images may be AI-generated, citing inconsistencies around the earpiece, but I personally think that could possibly be a back cover of the phone designed to protect the screen.
Moreover, the reported aspect ratios could be assumptions drawn from those renders and the patent. Their coverage also explains that Samsung’s MWC 2026 slider prototype didn’t work at the time and wasn’t mechanized.
Then there’s the battery. Leak says the mechanism would take up considerable internal space, and a sliding display that extends raises power needs, while the sliding itself could draw additional power. Samsung would have to hold up battery life with the screen fully extended, which is the setting you would presumably use most.
Timing is just as unclear as the battery. GSMArena points towards a June rumor of a first-half 2028 debut, possibly as the Galaxy Z Slide, while Sammyguru cites reports of Q3 2027. Price is still unknown.
Moreover, Vivo is rumored to be working on vertically rolling screens too, and Motorola showed its Rizr rollable concept at MWC 2023.
Until Samsung shows a working, motorized unit, the only thing sliding with confidence is the launch date.
