Teardown of unreleased LG Rollable shows why rollable phones aren’t a thing

Once a formidable competitor in the smartphone arena, LG found itself struggling to keep pace with rivals like Samsung as the market began to stagnate. In 2021, LG aimed to make a bold statement with its rollable phone, a concept that ultimately never progressed beyond initial teasers. Now, years after LG exited the smartphone market, a YouTube teardown has revealed the intricacies of the LG Rollable, shedding light on the challenges that hindered the success of this innovative design. Throughout the early 2020s, various rollable phone concepts emerged, coinciding with advancements in flexible OLED technology that enabled the production of foldable devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. Despite these advancements, rollable phones remained elusive and potentially even more costly than their foldable counterparts. YouTube tech enthusiast JerryRigEverything managed to acquire a working prototype of the LG Rollable, likely the same unit showcased at CES 2021. At first glance, the device appears to be an ordinary smartphone, but a simple swipe activates its motors, extending the screen by approximately 40 percent without increasing thickness. This remarkable expansion is facilitated by two small motors connected to an internal track, which use a unique zipper-like mechanism to secure the screen as it unfurls. Interestingly, the motors produce a noticeable operational noise, prompting LG to program the device to play a musical chime to mask the sound. Moreover, the internal structure includes a network of spring-loaded arms that stabilize the OLED panel during its lateral movements. The battery and motherboard are cleverly housed in a tray that accommodates the screen's expansion and retraction. As a prototype, the LG Rollable features a bulky frame and visible screws, which allowed Zack from JerryRigEverything to disassemble and reassemble the device with ease. This teardown not only preserves a piece of mobile history but also provides insight into LG's vision for attracting consumers before ultimately deciding to exit the smartphone market.