Galaxy Z Slide: a new leak sparks rumors of a 2022 launch for Samsung's first-gen rollable-display phone

Samsung is a leading smartphone OEM that is already pretty open about the fact that it feels the market is ready for the leap from traditional 'candy-bars' to truly flexible-display devices. Furthermore, should the whole Z Fold/Flip thing ultimately fail to work out, it has also indicated that it might be hedging its bets with the next potential big thing: the rollable phone.

These hints are bolstered by the fact Samsung has trademarked the term "Galaxy Z Slide" already, which would go well with a phone capable of the action implied by this possible product name. Now, the OEM might have revealed the device that might make it a reality in the near future.

It comes in the form of a patent recently approved by Germany's national patent office. It describes a device with more or less normal smartphone dimensions - until its LG SIGNATURE OLED R TV-like display comes into play, and it extends into comfortable phablet territory.

The possible future Z Slide also has a rear panel partially covered with a secondary display, much like that of the Z Flip3 and ostensibly present for similar reasons. In its current schematic form, it also has a top-mounted power button, a USB type-C port, some mic holes, what might be front- and bottom-firing stereo speakers, and that's it.

The blog LetsGoDigital has taken these new diagrams and run with them in the form of new high-quality renders by the creator Technizo Concept. They envision the "Z Slide" as a device with Galaxy Z Fold3-esque rear cameras and a premium finish to match its cutting-edge display type.

Some images also hint at S Pen compatibility in the hypothetical rollable phablet, although it, like its possible foldable counterpart, lacks a silo for the accessory. It seems the "Z Slide" also has Samsung's freshly-launched take on the under-display camera, and might come with a curved display at its flexible and non-flexible ends.

Given that the patent has been published on July 29, 2021, LetsGoDigital projects that such a Galaxy Z Slide might see a launch as early as 2022. Then again, this remains mostly speculative at this point, especially as Samsung is also expected to launch a conventional S22 series at the start of the same year.

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