LG has not yet had a foldable smartphone. But the manufacturer could go directly to roll-up screens, and present its first model using this technology in 2021. Currently, prototypes would already be tested within the company and the presentation could be made in the first half.
While Samsung is fully into foldable smartphones, LG does not seem for the moment not interested in this technology, and prefers to offer smartphones with two screens articulated on a hinge. However, according to a new rumor, the manufacturer could launch a roll-up screen smartphone as early as next year.
In any case, this is what an article published by the Korean media The Elec indicates, citing sources close to the case. According to it, internally, the code name of this device would be “B Project” and currently, LG has already ordered prototypes.
Instead of developing foldable smartphones (like “everyone”), will LG go directly to roll-up screens?
Like foldable smartphones like Samsung’s Galaxy Fold, LG’s roll-up screen smartphone would sort of have a device that can be converted into a tablet. But instead of folding or unfolding, the screen would roll up or unroll on one side. To make this possible, LG would use a flexible OLED screen. The Elec also indicates that this model is developed in partnership with the Chinese company BOE. In the end, the roll-up screen smartphone evoked by this new rumor could be very close to the concept that the TCL brand unveiled in March. But of course, at the moment, these are just rumors. And these are to be considered with extreme caution.
Today, LG smartphones are struggling to sell. However, the company’s mobile division is showing signs of pulling together to generate profits again. Two months ago, LG unveiled a new smartphone, the “Velvet”, which is part of this change of strategy to improve sales. And it is possible that the launch of a roll-up screen smartphone (while other manufacturers focus on foldable smartphones) is also part of this effort. Indeed, the launch of this model in 2021 would allow LG to position itself as one of the main innovators in the smartphone market.