Samsung could be stepping into the next phase of smartphone innovation, and this time, it might not be a foldable, but a rollable. A new design patent granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) gives us a glimpse at what Samsung might have in store. This latest patent showcases a vertically extending rollable phone that could introduce a fresh take on compact devices that transform into larger screens with just a slide.
Patent Details
The design patent, granted to Samsung Electronics on April 15, highlights a concept the company has reportedly been exploring since 2019. Unlike earlier foldable phones like the Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip, this rollable design grows in height rather than width. The phone appears to remain compact when closed and then extends vertically, giving users more screen space when needed.
The figures in the patent drawings offer some visual clues. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show the front and back of the device. Figures 4 and 5 reveal how the top portion of the phone can slide upward, likely supported by an internal rolling mechanism. These figures also reveal what appears to be a dual-camera setup and an LED flash that move with the top section of the phone.
Camera and Build
One of the most notable elements in the patent is the inclusion of two rear cameras and an LED flash, all of which are integrated into the sliding top portion of the device. This dynamic camera design could allow for more compact housing and possibly introduce new use cases depending on the position of the cameras when the phone is rolled out.
When viewed from other angles, particularly in Fig. 8, the phone shows slim bezels on the top, left, and right sides, while the bottom bezel—or chin—is noticeably thicker. This extra thickness may be necessary to accommodate the mechanics of the rollable display.
The phone is also likely to be thicker overall than most of Samsung’s current offerings, considering the internal hardware needed to support a rolling screen. However, this could be a necessary tradeoff to create a device that combines portability and a large viewing area.
Market Positioning
Although Samsung hasn’t confirmed the existence of this phone as a commercial product, it’s safe to assume that if it does launch, the rollable phone would target the premium segment. Like the Galaxy Z Flip and Fold series, it could come packed with the same flagship-grade internals found in the Galaxy S series—think top-of-the-line Snapdragon or Exynos processors, high refresh rate AMOLED displays, and pro-grade cameras.
That said, the patent doesn’t provide any hardware specifications—so at this point, it’s all educated guessing based on Samsung’s current flagship strategy.
Competition and Timeline
Samsung isn’t the only brand exploring rollable technology. Oppo and Motorola have also been working on similar sliding or extending phones. Oppo even showcased a prototype device called the Oppo X 2021, and Motorola teased a rollable concept at MWC. However, none of these have made it to mass production—yet.
Previous reports have suggested that Samsung could launch a rollable phone in 2025. Given the company’s track record with foldables and the fact that they’ve already demoed a horizontal rollable prototype, the possibility of a commercial launch is not far-fetched.
Like with all patents, the filing doesn’t guarantee the product will hit the shelves. However, this design does show that Samsung is seriously exploring the potential of rollable phones—particularly ones that extend vertically, which is a fresh take in a market now familiar with foldable devices.
As foldables become more mainstream, rollables might just be the next evolution, offering the same level of portability with even more flexibility. Whether this patent results in a real product is still uncertain, but the idea itself is enough to keep tech enthusiasts watching closely.
FAQs
What type of phone is Samsung’s new patent for?
A vertical rollable smartphone.
How many rear cameras might the rollable phone have?
It could feature two rear cameras.
Is the Samsung rollable phone officially confirmed?
No, it’s only seen in a patent for now.
When might the rollable phone launch?
It could debut in 2025, according to reports.
Does the phone extend horizontally or vertically?
It appears to extend vertically.
