Samsung, already a dominant force in foldable smartphones, might now be venturing into the realm of rollable display smartphones. This possibility has emerged from a newly discovered patent filing.
The patent, which was found by WearView, outlines a phone with a rollable screen and a movable rear camera module. This module shifts in tandem with the expanding display, which is a new concept in smartphone design.
According to the sketches in the patent filing and renders created by WearView, the device appears to feature a cutout on the rear panel. This cutout is designed to accommodate the camera module.
When the display is tucked into the main chassis, the device looks similar to a conventional phone, such as the Galaxy S26 Ultra. However, once the screen is fully extended, it takes on a form factor closer to the Galaxy Z Fold7.
The patent also mentions that the device could include sensors. These sensors would be capable of detecting changes in display size, shifts in camera and antenna positions, and other hardware adjustments due to the moving screen.
Samsung showcased a rollable OLED display prototype in 2023. It had previously filed a patent in 2021 for a device featuring a display that could both roll and fold.
As with most patents, there is no guarantee that the concept will make it to market. However, the filing suggests that Samsung continues to explore the idea of a rollable smartphone. This could be along the lines of devices like the Moto Rizr concept and Tecno’s Phantom Ultimate concept.
