If this is true, then opening up those extra pixels is just a hack away.

This isn't like the Galaxy Fold where the extra pixels give you more screen space.

All it took was a few extra pixels.

Freeing up those extra pixels with a minimal top bar is a path others in the industry are taking.

A backside-illuminated sensor ensures that those extra pixels don't go to waste by gathering more light into the shot.

Of course, driving all of those extra pixels is also extra work (4x) for the graphics chips, but that's another problem.