Almost a year ago, LG promised the mobile world that they will be the first company to release a foldable phone by early 2019. However, come 2019, LG turned mum giving no updates or even leaks about the development of their foldable phone. Samsung and Huawei were able to launch their own foldable phones ahead of LG.

Unfortunately, for Samsung, the company had to pull every Samsung Galaxy Fold back after a review controversy. On the other hand, the Huawei Mate X did not ride with the hype due to its U.S. Government controversy.

LG G8X ThinQ – LG’s very own foldable phone

Today, at IFA 2019, LG finally announced its foldable phone (or something like that) called – LG G8X ThinQ. The phone is not really a foldable phone. More like a phone with two separate screens attached into one foldable casing.

The LG G8X has a similar setup to the LG V50. You can buy the phone on its own, but LG is really pushing the Dual Display accessory to go along with it. The G8X itself has a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a Full HD+ (2,220 x 1,080) resolution. The secondary display add-on features the exact same display as the G8X.

Probably, the main reason why LG had to design the G8X like this is to avoid the same screen issue Samsung experienced. Additionally, the company always explained only 30 percent of users in South Korea keep the phone attached. So, it makes sense to create a product with an optional, removable second screen.

LG has included great dual-display features to keep consumers tempted in using two screens:

• Navigation+ keeps Google Maps open on one screen and whatever you want on the second screen.
• Extended View lets you use the same app on the two screens.
• LG’s web browser uses the two screens, while the company’s software keyboard can take up the entire second screen and lets you fully use the top screen.
• My Pick App can set an app to automatically open on the second screen when using a certain app on the primary screen.
• LG’s Game Pad turns the second screen into a gamepad, while the 2.1-inch cover display displays some information.

LG G8X ThinQ – inside the box

The phone features IP68 and MIL-STD-810G ratings for protection against drops and the elements, an in-display fingerprint scanner, 1.2W stereo speakers, a revamped version of LG’s Android skin, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of expandable storage, and a 4,000mAh battery.

It has a rear-mounted 12MP primary and 13MP ultra wide-angle sensors with support for 4K-resolution time-lapse. LG boasted about the cameras’ VCX testing, which resulted in a score of 77. The score puts the G8X’s cameras five points above the Huawei P30.

LG has yet to announce pricing or availability for the G8X. The LG V50’s Dual Screen retailed for around $190 at launch in South Korea. This could mean the bundle (LG G8X + Dual Screen) will cost around $1,000.