IFA 2019: LG launches its dual-screened 5G smartphone

LG Electronics Inc. has introduced its new flagship smartphone with a dual screen and 5G connectivity to expand mobile experiences under the ultra-fast wireless network.

The Korean electronics maker unveiled V50S on the first day of the IFA technology show here, which runs until September 11, Yonhap news agency reported on Friday.

LG promoted the new device as a practical way to extend the screen size, without having to actually bend the display itself like Samsung's Galaxy Fold. The company said it targets young consumers who want to do more on mobile devices, including games and shopping.

The new phone will be launched as a 5G model in South Korea next month and will be available in a 4G variant under the name of G8X in the coming months, the firm said.

While its predecessor V60's second screen accessory was not available in the US, V50S will come with both screens.

V50S features a 6.4-inch display with a waterdrop cut out and dual rear cameras. The detachable second display has a cover screen on the back to show the date and time. It runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 855 processor and 4,000mAh battery, featuring the company's first in-screen fingerprint recognition.

When combined with the second screen, it weighs 326 grams, heavier than Galaxy Fold's 276 grams.

The firm said the new phone upgraded its folding structure by adopting "free stop hinge" technology, which is designed to add the ability to stop and hold the second screen at any position.

The smartphone features Korea's leading portal operator Naver's Whale mobile browser to allow users to do multiple tasks between different apps seamlessly.

"We will offer upgraded multitasking experiences based on a proven form factor, while expanding the dual screen ecosystem via strategic partnership," said Brian Kwon, LG's president of mobile communications and home entertainment.

LG has been desperately seeking to revive its smartphone business with 5G devices as its mobile division logged the ninth consecutive quarterly loss in the second quarter.

Although LG has expressed hope that the 5G smartphone will boost its profits in major markets, including South Korea and the US, it has yet to make a turnaround due to heavy marketing costs and the limited 5G infrastructure available now.