Once a smartphone heavyweight, LG’s ambitions hit a snag when it tried to roll out its innovative rollable phone in 2021. Despite the impressive tech on display – including two tiny motors and a lattice of spring-loaded arms – the device never saw the light of day beyond teaser phase.
The teardown reveals that while flexible OLED screens had become more affordable, the LG Rollable’s intricate mechanics meant it was destined for high-end status, possibly even pricier than foldables. Its motor whirs audibly when unfurling the extra screen real estate, prompting LG to play a chime to mask the noise.
However, the phone is far from perfect. With a chunky frame and visible screws, it’s easy enough for YouTube tech gurus like JerryRigEverything to dismantle, revealing LG's vision for a different kind of smartphone experience.
This teardown serves as a reminder that innovative technology can sometimes be too complex or costly for the mass market. LG's rollable concept was simply ahead of its time – perhaps humanity isn’t quite ready for phones that roll up like a letter.
