Forget about folding it twice. Samsung's upcoming large-screen phone might just slide open.

      Samsung's upcoming ambitious Galaxy device may evolve into a tablet form before the arrival of the TriFold 2.

      Samsung's initial Galaxy Z TriFold transformed an ordinary phone into a 10-inch tablet through the use of two hinges. According to a recent leak, the forthcoming Galaxy Z TriFold 2 has faced delays in its release due to unspecified issues related to costs.

      However, the same source indicates that a much-speculated slidable Galaxy phone may debut ahead of the postponed TriFold sequel.

      Korean informant Lanzuk, also known as yeux1122, asserts that Samsung is focused on reengineering the Galaxy Z TriFold’s hinge. This new design is expected to result in a thinner, lighter device with a more uniform thickness across its three segments, addressing the significant compromises seen in the original TriFold. The initial model measures 12.9mm when closed and weighs 309 grams, even though each unfolded section is quite slim. It launched in the U.S. at $2,899 and quickly sold out after a limited production run.

      For that considerable price, users access a genuinely useful 10-inch, 4:3 display. In our hands-on experience, its wider aspect ratio was better suited for videos compared to the more traditional squarer screens found in regular book-style foldables. The TriFold still demands large pockets and a hefty budget. Samsung’s sliding phone could offer another method to gain extra screen space. Rather than opening around one or two hinges, a flexible OLED panel could extend from within the body, allowing users to enlarge the display whenever they need a larger screen for videos, gaming, reading, or multitasking, before retracting back to a standard phone form.

      Samsung’s “Flex Liple” folding phone concept was shown at CES 2024.

      “Arriving first” doesn’t necessarily mean arriving soon.

      Samsung Display has long showcased rollable and sliding OLED prototypes, including the Flex Hybrid and Rollable Flex. The company has also investigated various patents and prototypes involving screens that extend from a typical smartphone frame. However, none of these have been brought to consumers yet, and the latest leak does not provide a release date either.

      There are rumors suggesting that Samsung’s inaugural commercial slidable phone may launch in the first half of 2028. Since the TriFold 2 is expected to arrive even later, this signals a significant delay for both devices. Nonetheless, this is merely an unverified report, so it's wise to approach this information with skepticism.