LG’s departure from the smartphone market in 2021 left a void for those who appreciated their unique approach to mobile technology. With the final shutdown of their mobile update servers on June 30th, even the most dedicated LG users will have to move on. LG wasn’t just another smartphone manufacturer; they dared to be different. While they produced excellent standard smartphones, they truly shined with their unconventional designs. From prescient concepts to dual-screen devices and the mind-bending LG Wing, here are five of LG’s craziest smartphones.
LG Optimus Vu at MWC.
The Premature Phablet: LG Optimus Vu
The LG Optimus Vu, one of the first phablets, wasn’t crazy, just ahead of its time. Its 5-inch display seemed enormous in 2012, dwarfing the iPhone 5’s 4-inch screen. Today, with 6-inch+ displays commonplace, it might not seem unusual. However, the Optimus Vu’s 4:3 aspect ratio resulted in a squat design, making it challenging to use one-handed. Its width, exceeding 90mm, even surpasses the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 77.6mm. In 2012, this phone must have felt like a giant tablet. Despite its size, the Optimus Vu found a following, selling over a million units in Korea and spawning sequels. Its legacy lies in demonstrating LG’s unwavering commitment to innovation.
The LG G5 and its friends.
The Modular Misfit: LG G5
The LG G5 itself wasn’t particularly strange. It was a solid flagship phone, rivaling the Samsung Galaxy S7 and iPhone 6S. But its modular design set it apart. A button at the bottom released the battery module, allowing users to attach accessories like a Bang & Olufsen speaker, a VR camera, and the CamPlus module with an extra battery and camera controls. This innovative concept, however, failed to gain traction. Swapping modules, including removing the battery each time, proved cumbersome. The added cost of accessories for a $600 flagship phone also deterred buyers. While the LG G5’s modularity didn’t succeed, it remains a fascinating example of LG’s willingness to experiment.
The LG G5
The Curved Contender: LG G Flex
In 2013, LG seemingly predicted the future with the G Flex, albeit slightly inaccurately. Curved displays are now commonplace, even evolving into foldable phones, but the G Flex’s curve was unique for its time. While phones like the Galaxy Nexus featured curved screens, the G Flex’s size and curvature were unprecedented. This curve made the large 6-inch display surprisingly comfortable to hold and use. LG also unconventionally moved the buttons to the rear. The G Flex was a strong performer with impressive battery life, lasting two to three days.
The LG G Flex with curve visible.
The LG G Flex from the side.
The Double Vision: LG G8X ThinQ Dual Screen
The LG G8X ThinQ Dual Screen, with its cumbersome name, offered a dual-screen experience. A second display attached via a case, functioning as a precursor to foldable phones. At $700, it was considerably cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Fold. While it lacked widespread software support, the dual-screen functionality offered some practical benefits. However, its bulky design and limited software optimization hindered its success, especially with the more technologically advanced Galaxy Fold on the market.
The LG G8X open in a Dual Screen.
The LG G8X being used.
The Swiveling Spectacle: LG Wing
The LG Wing, a truly unique device, combined LG’s experience with sliding phones and dual screens. The main display swiveled to reveal a smaller secondary screen, forming a T shape. The mechanism felt premium, but the software support for this unusual form factor was lacking, limiting its practicality. While the Wing addressed some of the G8X’s shortcomings, its thickness and weight still made it noticeably different from a standard smartphone. The LG Wing was innovative and well-built, but ultimately not a practical phone. Its release marked a fittingly unconventional end to LG’s mobile journey.
Someone holding the LG Wing, showing off both of its screens.
The LG wing folded.
The LG wing unfolded.
The LG Wing unfolded from behind.
Conclusion
LG’s absence leaves a void in the smartphone market. While other manufacturers continue to innovate, LG’s willingness to embrace unconventional designs is missed. Their legacy of quirky and sometimes brilliant smartphones reminds us that innovation doesn’t always follow a predictable path.
