LG Rollable smartphone teardown shows unique engineering

A rare teardown video has surfaced online for one of the most unusual smartphones in recent years—the LG Rollable, which never made it to mass production. Developed back in 2021, the device still looks even more innovative than today's foldable models, despite the years that have passed.

LG managed to create a limited batch of Rollable units before shutting down its mobile division, and some of these devices were given to company employees. This is why the smartphone eventually appeared in reviews, and now its internal design has been revealed for the first time. The teardown shows how the mechanism for the unfolding OLED display was implemented—one of the most challenging engineering tasks in the industry.

Inside, it uses a system with two motors and a special spring mechanism featuring three guides that ensure smooth movement of the display. In its folded state, part of the screen is hidden under a glass panel and can serve as an additional display, such as for previewing selfies when using the main camera.

It's especially impressive that after several years, the device remains fully functional, highlighting the high level of engineering involved. The LG Rollable never became a commercial product, but today it stands as a missed opportunity for the entire industry—an example of how smartphone development could have evolved if the company hadn't exited the market.