The Unreleased Rollable Smartphone!

Quick Overview

LG developed an innovative, fully functional rollable smartphone prototype that effectively solved the screen crease issue found in traditional folding phones, though the company ceased its mobile operations before the device could reach the market. The phone utilizes a sophisticated dual-motor system and spring-loaded arms to expand the display from a 6.7-inch smartphone to a 7.4-inch mini-tablet, demonstrating advanced hardware engineering and custom software optimizations.

Key Points: The rollable display expands from 6.7 inches to 7.4 inches using a three-finger swipe gesture. A dual-motor system powers the expansion and retraction of the flexible display. The back of the device features a clear glass section that functions as a secondary screen for notifications and camera UI. Software optimizations include automatic column adjustment in settings and lock screen animations that adapt to the display size. The device lacks water and dust resistance due to the mechanical nature of the rolling mechanism and exposed internal gears. Pressure-sensitive areas replace physical volume buttons to accommodate the rolling mechanism's space constraints.

Context: Following LG's exit from the smartphone market in 2021, this video showcases one of their final, most ambitious projects: a rollable smartphone. The device represents a unique alternative to the dominant fold-and-hinge design, aiming to offer a larger screen experience without the permanent crease inherent in current folding technology.

Detailed Analysis

This video provides a deep dive into the unreleased LG Rollable, a device that highlights the engineering maturity of a project cancelled just before commercial launch. The phone functions as a standard device when closed, but its core innovation lies in the motorized display that transitions into a larger, square-like tablet. Unlike folding phones, this design eliminates the central crease by allowing the flexible OLED panel to retract into the device's housing. The hardware is remarkably over-engineered, featuring two internal motors, spring-loaded arms for structural support, and a transparent glass back panel that serves as a secondary display. Despite its technical sophistication and clever software tricks—such as layout-shifting menus and adaptive animations—the device remains non-durable, lacking water or dust resistance due to the exposed gear mechanism. Ultimately, the prototype serves as a testament to LG's final years of mobile innovation, illustrating the complexities of creating a screen that can physically roll and unroll on demand.