Lg's rollable phone: a glimpse of what could have been
The tech world lost a potential innovator when LG shuttered its smartphone division in 2021, but a recent teardown video has resurrected the memory of their most audacious project: the LG Rollable. What was once a futuristic fantasy is now a tangible artifact, revealing a level of engineering sophistication that has left many wondering what might have been.
The unfurling innovation
The Rollable, slated for release in 2021, boasted a 6.8-inch OLED display capable of expanding to a 7.4-inch panel with a simple swipe. Powered by a Snapdragon 888 processor and packed with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the hardware was undeniably impressive. But it was the mechanism itself, the ability to physically extend the screen, that truly captivated observers. Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything, notorious for his smartphone durability tests, managed to acquire a working unit, providing a detailed look at the device’s intricate inner workings.
Nelson’s video reveals a surprisingly complex system. A track along the top and bottom of the phone facilitated the display’s expansion, while a clever audio trick – playing music while the mechanism operated – masked the whirring of the internal motors. The detail that LG even accounted for dust mitigation with bristles within the device speaks volumes about their commitment. Two geared motors and a trio of spring-loaded mechanical arms ensured a smooth and controlled extension of the panel. A nearly finished unit, reviewed in Korean on YouTube, further demonstrated the phone’s readiness for release.
Beyond the specs: a visionary approach
It wasn't just the rolling screen itself that impressed; it was the holistic design. Nelson highlights LG’s attention to detail, noting the inclusion of music to cover the motor noise. This level of refinement underscored LG's serious ambition for the Rollable. The fact that the device could be successfully reassembled after Nelson’s teardown, despite potentially being the only working model in existence, is a testament to the engineering prowess on display.
The demise of LG’s smartphone division remains a significant loss for the industry. While other companies are experimenting with flexible displays, few have approached the concept with the same level of integration and innovation as the LG Rollable. The company's decision to abandon the project just as it neared completion feels particularly tragic.
The question lingers: what innovations might LG have brought to the market over the past five years had they persevered? The Rollable wasn't merely a gimmick; it was a glimpse into a potential future where smartphone displays could adapt to our needs. It serves as a poignant reminder of the risks inherent in pushing technological boundaries, and the cost of abandoning a bold vision. The Rollable’s complexity and elegance are a stark indictment of the market's failure to appreciate truly disruptive Technology.