LG Wing - high-flying swivel smartphone

Because just notice: the rotating swivels fell out of use years ago and nobody before LG Wing tried to return to them. Even LG itself, which had similar designs in its history.

This is not a LG Wing review!

This is a fast (ugly word) hands-on LG Wing, courtesy of the Polish branch of the manufacturer. It is very encouraging that you can touch, watch and run a smartphone more and more often before its official launch. Sometimes before the press release, and sometimes - as in this case - before the Polish market launch.

Who needs it?

When I saw the LG Wing for the first time, I immediately asked myself "what for?" - and I know that this question probably arose with almost everyone who were to deal with a smartphone for the first time. The manufacturer patiently explains that this is an idea for not enough space on the smartphone screen. With the relatively high resolution of today's mobiles' displays, they are still paradoxically too small. Like a smartphone, it offers the ability to work with many applications at the same time, but we all know how inconvenient it is sometimes and how it can make life difficult.

Of course, LG previously did a semi-successful (technologically successful in my opinion, but less if we talk about popularity) experiment with a second, separate display coupled with a smartphone in the same case, but it is an expensive and sometimes inconvenient solution.

I am not saying that LG Wing is the optimal solution. It is, however, a bold alternative attempt to solve the problem of too small entertainment and work space. The second display is the ability to run two or even three applications so that they are all simultaneously visible on the screen.

• GPS with simultaneous call answering
• playing with the controllers on the additional display
• watching a movie with the communicator used during advertisements
• writing messages while browsing the Internet, when you can keep tapping the keys while looking at a dress recommended to a friend (because he is looking for a gift for the other half) or the latest router praised by a friend (because he is looking for a present for himself).

Of course, there are many more applications. Sometimes they are comfortable and other times they require divided attention. One thing is the most important: these solutions work, and when folded, the LG Wing looks like a normal smartphone. Almost. - Because it is a bit thicker and a bit heavier. There are no miracles.

It's for who? "For the discoverers" - says the producer. In fact, yes. If the explorer buying a smartphone can afford to experiment - this is an option. You will probably ask what amount such an experiment requires. I have no idea. The Polish branch "negotiates the best conversion rates" - and you have to keep your fingers crossed for them.

Who killed Jack (3.5 mm), or how LG discourages potential customers

Is everyone mad? Does this jack really cost that much? In any case, there is no hole, there will be no guilty parties. The cameras appear in a quite common system, with 2 times magnification and a wide angle. You can expect good quality photos. The most interesting thing is probably the gimbal video stabilization advertised by the manufacturer. I tested it quickly - it looks good, but we'll talk about the details when I can show some movies.

Due to the fact that the front camera is retractable, and the mechanism is not idiotic, because the camera sits tightly, it is unlikely to collect a lot of dust, and the child is unlikely to pull the module out by force. Thanks to this, the screen has no holes and notches. Profit.

A few of the quickly captured photos. On the LG Wing card you will find them in full resolution. The show took place by necessity in the manufacturer's company store, in a large shopping center. Unfortunately, it was not possible to take more varied photos.

When unfolded, the horizontal display offers a menu with a moving bottom bar of icons. It will be familiar to users of iOS or some Linux graphic overlays. Is it comfortable? Yes.

Intelligence deficit and left-handedness

However, before I picked up my smartphone and started browsing the interface, my constantly deepening intelligence deficit made itself felt. I was not able to disassemble and assemble the movable display with one hand. And how is it sensible to use something like this? When I finally figured out that you have to stick your thumb to the screen, and not reach the edge thoughtlessly, it turned out to be relatively easy. Still not the easiest one, because a big hand comes in handy; unfolding is the hardest, and folding is easier.

In the eyes of my soul, however, I can already see these lawsuits when the smartphone goes to the US - because you can see, the folding mechanism is mainly right-handed. Left-handed people are in trouble, because the location of the hinge fastening makes effective one-hand operation, if not impossible, then highly inconvenient.

And why lose customers?

Aesthetic design, cool cameras, high-quality displays, splash resistance, military drop resistance (greater when the smartphone is folded), and here such a faux pas. Those who need a jack - won't buy it. Those whose blind evolution has gone towards the preferences of the right cerebral hemisphere will not buy (and will hire a lawyer because they would like to buy!). And also the radiolisteners. They will also avoid LG Wing with reluctance - because there is no FM radio and there are no real stereo speakers either. Shame on you LG! I am joking, but these are small things that are important for a large number of users. Why lose their interest?

And more seriously?

It couldn't be more serious at this point. I had a smartphone in my hand too briefly and too quickly. Well, think about it: what can I say about the battery after an hour of watching a smartphone? It will be more serious after the official market launch, when I take a closer look at all the pros and cons.