LG Backtracks On Folding Smartphone Plans, Goes All-In With 5G
A world of faster wireless connectivity awaits as carriers and hardware makers alike forge ahead with 5G roll outs (real 5G roll outs, that is, and not fake ones like 5G Evolution). We expect 5G to be a point of focus at Mobile World Congress, and indeed, LG is planning to introduce 5G phones at the event. Interestingly, however, LG will not be jumping on the folding phone bandwagon in the immediate future.
LG President Kwon Bong-Suk recently confirmed as much during a press conference at the LG Science Park in Seoul, South Korea.
"During the Consumer Electronics Show in January, LG introduced a rollable TV. This is an advanced technology one step ahead of foldable technology. We have reviewed releasing the foldable smartphone when launching 5G smartphone but decided not to produce it," Kwon said.
Kwon added that LG's primary focus is regaining its market position, presumably in reference to Apple and Samsung dominating the category, along with Huawei in China. However, depending on how the market reacts to the launch of folding phones by other manufacturers, LG is apparently ready to make a move, if necessary.
"Considering this situation, it is too early for LG to launch a foldable smartphone. In terms of technology, we are fully ready to respond depending on consumers' reactions [to foldable smartphones]," Kwon said.
We will find out soon enough if there is a market for folding phones. Samsung, for example, is expected to announced its foldable Galaxy F during its Unpacked event on Wednesday (alongside new Galaxy S10 handsets).
As for the focus on 5G, LG will be unveiling its V50 ThinQ flagship phone at MWC. A leaked press render of the device points to it offering 5G connectivity on Sprint's network. LG also confirmed that it will wield Qualcomm's 7nm Snapdragon 855 SoC, which means that it will also use the Snapdragon X50 5G modem.
Mobile World Congress gets underway on Monday, February 25, and runs through Thursday, February 28. Stay tuned as we will be covering many of the product announcements.
