A prototype of LG's canceled rollable smartphone has been disassembled and reviewed by tech analysts including Zack Nelson of JerryRigEverything [1].
The teardown provides a rare glimpse into the hardware capabilities of a device that could have shifted the foldable market. Because LG shuttered its mobile business and canceled the project, the prototype remains one of the few physical examples of rollable screen technology [3].
The device features a screen that expands to increase surface area without the crease found in traditional foldables. This mechanism required significant engineering to manage the internal components while the display shifted. The prototype is equipped with a 4,500mAh battery [4].
Zack Nelson noted the level of detail involved in the build. "It’s incredibly impressive how much thought LG put into this device, considering it was ultimately canceled," Nelson said [2].
Other reviewers have echoed this sentiment regarding the hardware. "The engineering is just… insane. It’s a really impressive piece of hardware," MKBHD said [2].
The disassembly process highlights the complexity of the rolling motor, and the flexible substrate of the display. While the device was obtained and first disassembled in 2022 [3], the detailed review and analysis have resurfaced this month.
Industry observers note that the device represents a lost opportunity for the company. "The consumer technology space is chock full of devices that looked to be on the cusp of making a splash but never made it to the finish line," a report from Hothardware said [2].
““The engineering is just… insane. It’s a really impressive piece of hardware.””
The disassembly of the LG rollable prototype underscores the technical gap between conceptual hardware and mass-market viability. While the engineering was advanced, the closure of LG's mobile division proves that technical superiority does not guarantee commercial survival. This serves as a case study in how corporate restructuring can abruptly halt innovation in the consumer electronics sector.
