Why LG's Rollable Phone Failed: Insights from a Teardown
Teardown of unreleased LG Rollable shows why rollable phones aren't a thing
Ars Technica
Image: Ars Technica
The LG Rollable, once a promising concept in the smartphone market, was recently showcased in a teardown by JerryRigEverything. This prototype highlights the challenges of rollable phones, including complex mechanics and high production costs, which contributed to LG's exit from the smartphone industry in 2021.
- 01LG's Rollable phone aimed to expand screen size without added thickness.
- 02The device featured complex mechanics, including motors and spring-loaded arms.
- 03High production costs hindered the viability of rollable phones.
- 04LG ceased smartphone production in 2021, marking a significant industry shift.
- 05The teardown revealed insights into LG's design ambitions and technical challenges.
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The LG Rollable, a prototype smartphone that aimed to revolutionize the market with its unique rollable screen, has been dissected in a recent teardown by YouTube tech reviewer JerryRigEverything. Initially teased in 2021, the device was designed to expand its screen area by approximately 40 percent without increasing thickness, a significant advantage over traditional foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. However, the internal mechanics of the LG Rollable are complex, featuring two motors that operate a rolling mechanism and spring-loaded arms to maintain the OLED panel's integrity. Despite its innovative design, the high production costs and the intricate technology involved made rollable phones less feasible for mass production. Ultimately, LG's exit from the smartphone market in 2021 underscored the challenges of competing in an industry dominated by established players. The teardown not only preserved this piece of mobile history but also provided valuable insights into the ambitious yet ultimately unviable concept of rollable smartphones.
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