LG's never-released rollable phone gets torn down, revealing wild engineering

LG developed a never-released rollable phone prototype before exiting the smartphone business in 2021.

JerryRigEverything obtained a working unit, posted a video teardown, and successfully reassembled and powered it on.

A motorized mechanism slides an extra flexible OLED out from the side, turning the phone into a tablet with about 40% more viewing area.

Two tiny geared motors drive expansion along an internal track; three spring-loaded articulating arms keep the panel smooth; zipper-like teeth lock the edges and bristles line the housing—motors hum and a software chime plays during movement.

The rolled portion can tuck behind rear glass as a secondary screen for widgets and camera previews; other internals match 2021 flagship specs (Snapdragon 888, 12GB RAM, 4500mAh, 64MP OIS).