Samsung is reportedly developing a new smartphone featuring a display that can extend vertically, signaling a fresh approach to flexible screen technology. The upcoming device is designed to alter its screen real estate on demand without using the folding mechanisms found in current mobile hardware.
At the core of this new design is a display that stretches vertically from a standard 16:9 aspect ratio to an ultrawide 21:9 layout. Unlike current foldable smartphones on the market, Samsung’s expandable phone does not use a central hinge, opting instead for a mechanism that rolls or slides open to lengthen the panel.
This hardware transition offers a clear departure from existing market standards, which rely heavily on center hinges and foldable glass. By removing the central hinge completely, the device promises a continuous screen area without the structural center line typical of traditional folding phones, giving users a taller aspect ratio suited for cinematic content and extended viewing.
Consumers will have to wait a while before this new form factor arrives in stores, as the device is not expected to hit the market anytime soon. Current reports indicate the expandable smartphone could debut in 2027 or 2028, potentially launching under the Galaxy Z Slide or Galaxy Z Roll name.
