LG Dual Screen Phone with Rotating Display: Facts
LG experimented with dual-screen and rotating display smartphones in its final years as a mobile maker, but no mass-produced LG phone ever combined both features in one device. The closest real products were the LG Wing (a swiveling dual-screen phone) and the LG V60 ThinQ with the Dual Screen case (a second fixed display). This article explains what actually shipped, how those designs worked, and what to consider if you are looking at one today.
What LG Actually Released
LG’s mobile division launched several experimental form factors before exiting the smartphone market in 2021. The two that matter for this topic are:
- LG Wing (2020) – A phone with a main 6.8-inch display that rotates 90 degrees to reveal a smaller 3.9-inch square screen underneath. The rotation was manual (the user swivels it), and the two screens worked together in a “T� shape. It ran Android 10 and was sold in the US, Korea, and parts of Europe.
- LG V60 ThinQ with Dual Screen case (2020) – A conventional phone that snapped into a case with a second 6.8-inch display. The case added a USB-C connection and a small cover screen. The two screens could show different apps or one app stretched across both.
No LG phone had a rotating display that also flipped out as a second screen in the way some concept videos showed. The Wing’s rotation revealed a fixed secondary screen; it did not fold or slide out a second panel.
How the LG Wing’s Rotating Display Worked
The Wing used a swivel hinge mechanism. You push the top screen clockwise (or counterclockwise, depending on model region) until it locks at 90 degrees. The main display stays on, and the smaller screen below becomes a second touch area. The hinge was a multi-link structure that allowed the screens to sit flush when closed and remain connected when open.
In “Swivel Mode,� the phone could run the camera app with the main screen as a viewfinder and the lower screen as controls, or run two different apps simultaneously. The rotation was mechanical, not automatic – there was no motor. LG rated the hinge for 200,000 swivels, though that figure was from marketing materials, not independent testing.
How the LG Dual Screen Case Worked
The Dual Screen case was not a folding phone; it was an accessory. The phone slid into a case with a second display connected through the USB-C port. The case had its own battery? No, it did not. It drew power from the phone. The second screen mirrored the phone’s display or ran a separate app. You could set the phone screen and the case screen to different apps, or use one app across both with a visible seam in the middle.
The case added significant bulk and weight. It also had a small 1.4-inch cover screen on the outside to show notifications when the case was closed. The case was included with the V60 in some markets, but in others it was sold separately.
Why LG Left the Smartphone Market
LG announced in April 2021 that it would shut down its mobile business. The company cited prolonged losses and intense competition. Its experimental designs – the Wing, the V60 Dual Screen, the G8X with Dual Screen – did not reverse the financial decline. LG’s smartphone market share had fallen to around 2% globally by 2020, and the company decided to focus on home appliances and EV components.
This means there will be no future LG rotating or dual-screen phones. The Wing and V60 are the final examples of LG’s dual-screen experiments, and they are now collector’s items or used devices.
Should You Buy One Today?
If you are considering an LG Wing or V60 with Dual Screen in 2024, here are the practical factors:
- Software updates: LG promised two Android updates for the Wing (Android 10 to 12) and V60 (Android 10 to 13). Both have received their final updates. No security patches are guaranteed.
- App compatibility: The Dual Screen case and Wing’s swivel mode rely on LG’s software. Many apps do not support dual-screen layouts, and some may not work properly on the Wing’s unusual aspect ratio.
- Hardware wear: The Wing’s hinge is mechanical and can wear out. The Dual Screen case’s connector is a common failure point. Used units may have damaged screens or dead pixels.
- Battery life: The Wing has a 4,000 mAh battery, and the V60 has a 5,000 mAh battery. Both are older, so battery health may be degraded. The Dual Screen case drains the phone faster.
- Price: As of 2024, used LG Wings sell for around $150–$250 in good condition, and V60s with the Dual Screen case are similar. Prices vary widely by condition and region.
Comparisons to Other Dual-Screen Phones
LG’s approach was different from other dual-screen phones of the same era:
- Surface Duo (Microsoft, 2020): Two separate displays connected by a hinge, no outer screen. It ran Android but was designed for productivity. No rotation.
- ZTE Axon M (2017): Two screens with a 180-degree hinge, allowing a phone-to-tablet transition. It was not a rotating design.
- Foldables (Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, etc.): One flexible display that folds. The outer screen is a secondary display. No rotation.
- Asus ROG Phone II TwinView Dock (2019): A gaming accessory that added a second screen below the phone. Not a phone itself.
The Wing was unique in its swivel mechanism – no other mainstream phone has used a rotating display since. The closest concept is the LG Rollable, which was canceled before launch.
Common Problems and Repairs
Owners of LG dual-screen phones report a few recurring issues:
- Wing hinge loosening: Over time, the swivel can become less firm. There is no user fix; it requires disassembly.
- Dual Screen case connection failure: The USB-C connector inside the case can break, causing the second screen to go blank. Replacement cases are hard to find.
- Screen burn-in: OLED displays on the Wing and V60 can develop burn-in, especially if used with the always-on display.
- Battery swelling: Older batteries may swell, which can crack the back glass. Replace the battery if you notice any bulge.
Repair parts are scarce. LG no longer provides official support for these models. Third-party repair shops may have parts, but availability is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did LG make a phone with a rotating screen and a second screen?
No. The LG Wing had a rotating main display that revealed a second screen underneath, but it did not have a separate fold-out display. The V60 had a second screen via a case, but that screen did not rotate.
Is the LG Wing worth buying in 2024?
Only if you want a unique collectible or a secondary device for media consumption. It is not a reliable daily driver due to lack of updates, potential hinge wear, and app compatibility issues.
Can I use the LG Wing’s two screens as one large screen?
Yes, in some apps. LG’s software allowed “Swivel Modeâ€� to show a single app across both screens, but the app must support it. Most apps do not, so you will often see two separate screens.
Does the LG V60 Dual Screen case work with other LG phones?
No. The case is specifically designed for the V60 ThinQ. It will not fit other LG models, and the connector is not standard.
Are there any modern phones with a rotating display?
As of 2024, no major manufacturer sells a phone with a rotating display. The LG Wing was the last mainstream example. Foldables and rollables have replaced that concept.
What happened to LG’s rollable phone?
LG had announced a rollable phone (the LG Rollable) that would expand its display horizontally. It was canceled when LG exited the smartphone market in 2021. It never went on sale.
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