LG Smartphones: A wild ride of innovation and risk

LG is a name many people remember when they think of bold experiments and bold design in mobile. But it’s also a brand with a tumultuous history in the smartphone world. In this post I’ll walk you through LG’s rise, its most important models and ideas, and where things stand now in 2025. Plus what that means for anyone still using LG smartphones.

The Origins: early LG phones and the move to Android

Before LG jumped into Android, it made a name with stylish feature phones. Devices like the LG Chocolate (2006) and LG Prada (2007) were design-forward and hugely popular. The Prada, in fact, was one of the world’s first phones with a capacitive touchscreen (even before the iPhone).

In 2009, LG entered the Android game with the LG GW620 (also known as LG Eve), featuring a slide-out keyboard and Android 1.5. It wasn’t a game-changer, but it marked LG’s start in the smartphone world.

Then came the LG Optimus One (2010), a huge hit, especially in emerging markets. It ran Android 2.2, had decent specs, and sold over 10 million units. LG followed it up with bolder ideas, like the Optimus 2X, the world’s first dual-core smartphone, and the Optimus 3D, which could display 3D content without glasses.

Some of these early Android experiments were a bit too ahead of their time, but they showed LG wasn’t afraid to take risks.

A major turning point came in 2012 with the Nexus 4, built in partnership with Google. It offered high-end specs at a low price, clean Android software, and earned LG massive respect among tech fans. LG went on to build the Nexus 5 and Nexus 5X as well: both well-loved.

By 2013, LG had transformed from a stylish phone maker into a serious Android brand. These early years laid the foundation for LG’s later flagship lines like the G-series and V-series, and started the company’s legacy of innovation and boundary-pushing design.

The Flagship Era: G-series, V-series, and bold experiments

Once LG found its footing in the Android world, it entered what many consider its golden era — marked by the launch of the G-series and later, the V-series. This period, roughly from 2012 to 2020, is where LG smartphones went head-to-head with Apple and Samsung in design, specs, and innovation.

G-series: LG’s Mainstream Flagships

It kicked off with the LG Optimus G (2012), but the real turning point came with the LG G2 (2013). It introduced rear-mounted volume and power buttons, a nearly bezel-less display, and impressive battery life. Features that felt fresh at the time.

Then came the LG G3 (2014), the first major smartphone with a Quad HD display. It also brought laser autofocus for faster camera focus, a tech that became common later.

The G4 followed with a strong camera and unique leather-back design. But the boldest move came with the LG G5 (2016), a modular phone that let users swap out parts like a camera grip or battery. It was cool in theory, but didn’t catch on.

After that, LG returned to safer ground with the G6, adopting a taller 18:9 display and waterproof design. The later G7 and G8 ThinQ leaned into AI features and advanced audio, but didn’t make big waves.

V-series: Built for Power Users

The LG V10 debuted in 2015 with a second screen above the main display for quick access to tools and notifications. The V20, V30, and V60 followed, each pushing high-end audio, manual video controls, and strong performance. These were phones for creators, not casual users.

Bold Experiments

LG didn’t just stick to slabs. It launched:

• The LG G Flex – a curved phone with a flexible display and self-healing back.
• The LG Wing – a swivel-screen phone for multitasking.
• The LG Velvet – a focus on style over specs, with a sleek glass design.

These ideas weren’t always successful, but they proved one thing: LG wasn’t afraid to be different.

The Downturn of LG Smartphones

Despite pushing boundaries and delivering genuinely innovative smartphones, LG struggled to keep up with the competition. By the late 2010s, big names like Samsung, Apple, and rising Chinese brands such as Xiaomi, Huawei, and OnePlus were dominating the global smartphone market. LG, meanwhile, was losing market share fast.

Part of the problem was timing. LG’s most daring ideas, like modular phones (LG G5) or dual screens (LG Wing), came before the market was ready. While tech enthusiasts appreciated the risks, most consumers preferred simpler, more refined options.

Add to that inconsistent marketing, software update delays, and tough price competition, and LG’s smartphone division became a financial sinkhole. Year after year, it posted losses.

In April 2021, LG officially announced it would exit the smartphone business. The company said it would focus instead on areas like electric vehicle components, smart home products, and commercial displays – areas where it was still strong.

Existing LG phones would continue to receive updates for a while, depending on the model. However, no new phones would be released going forward.

By 2025, the final chapter is closing: on June 30, 2025, LG will shut down its Android update servers, officially ending all support for LG smartphones. That means no more software updates, security patches, or backups using LG tools.

2025 & Beyond: What’s Next (and What to Do)

No new LG phone launches

Because LG exited the mobile business in 2021, there are no new 2025 LG smartphone models. Any “LG” phone seen in the market in 2025 is likely leftover stock or rebranded hardware.

Support shutoff is the big event

The most critical 2025 development is the end of updates and support. This is a turning point, because for many users, that means:

• No more Android version upgrades
• No more security patches (exposing risk)
• No official software support or repairs via LG tools
• Possible problems if components fail or become incompatible

So for users still holding onto a G-series, V-series, or Velvet / Wing device, 2025 becomes the cutoff year

Tips for LG Phone Owners in 2025 (and Beyond)

If you’re reading this and still using an LG smartphone, here are practical tips you should consider now:

• Before June 30, 2025, download all pending software and security updates. That’s your last chance.
• Back up your data (contacts, photos, files) to a trusted external source or cloud — when LG tools (like Bridge) are shut down, you’ll have fewer options.
• Start planning a replacement. Because after mid‑2025, your LG device becomes more vulnerable and unsupported.
• If you keep the phone beyond that, avoid risky apps or outdated software that may exploit security holes.
• Look for community support (custom ROMs, developer patches) — but be cautious, as hardware-level updates won’t come from LG anymore.

Summary

smartphones were known for innovation, bold designs, and high-end features. From the flagship G-series and V-series to wild ideas like the LG G Flex (curved display) and LG Wing (swivel screen), LG consistently pushed boundaries. Despite this, it struggled to compete with Apple, Samsung, and Chinese brands.

In 2021, LG officially exited the smartphone market, ending all new phone production. A final key date is June 30, 2025, when LG will shut down its Android update servers, ending all software and security support.

LG phones will still work after that, but with no updates, they’ll be more vulnerable. If you still use an LG phone, it’s time to back up your data and plan to switch.

While LG is done with phones, its legacy lives on in mobile design and display tech innovations.

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