LG suggests future V series phones will use OLED tech, G range sticking to LCD

LG is working on a two-pronged strategy for LCD and OLED screens on its smartphones, it has been reported. This could mean that the rumored LG V40 comes with an OLED display.

The newly announced LG G7 has an LCD screen, following in the footsteps of the G6 but marking a departure from the V30‘s OLED display.

“V30 is an OLED smartphone and V-series continues to be an OLED,” company executive Hwang Jung-hwan told Korean-language publication MK News (translated version). The executive acknowledged that the G7 “continues the previous G6 model” by using LCD screens.

Different screen tech for each range?

Does this mean that future G series phones will have LCD screens, while OLED displays come to the LG V40 and beyond? That’s certainly what it sounds like.

LG has traditionally relied on LCD screens for its handsets, being manufactured by its LG Display arm. However, the division ramped up mobile OLED production last year, reportedly attracting interest from Apple and Google. The company also used OLED tech on the V30 in late 2017 and the V30S earlier this year.

LCD screens are generally cheaper than OLED displays, being found in the majority of low-end and mid-range smartphones. OLED screens offer deeper blacks but are more expensive to manufacture. As a result, OLED displays are usually confined to premium smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S9 and iPhone X.

Confirmation of this strategy means LG’s display division has one steady (albeit in-house) customer for OLED screens. It would make for welcome news, especially after Samsung’s display unit reportedly had to slash OLED production due to sluggish iPhone X sales.

We’ve contacted LG’s representatives and will update the story when we receive clarification.