LG G8X ThinQ takes on foldable phones with dual-screen design

(Image credit: LG)

Following the availability of the LG G8X ThinQ smartphone in the Korea market, LG has today announced the global launch of the dual-screen handset.

Teased in the build-up to IFA, the G8X ThinQ is essentially an amalgamation of the company’s current G8 ThinQ and V50 phones – but of course with a unique trick: a second-screen attachment. Because apparently, as LG's rather bizarrely marketing line reads, "the dual the better”.

Unlike the foldable phones that have forced themselves upon us in 2019, such as the Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X, LG’s take sees a regular phone with a 6.4in FHD+ OLED screen snap into a case that has an identical OLED display as well as a more primitive 2.1in "cover" display on the front for displaying time and notfications. The Freestop Hinge allows the second screen to swivel the full 360 degrees.

As the case is detachable, it isn’t compulsory. According to LG’s research, 60 per cent of Korean owners only attach it when they need it. The dual-screen design is helpful for, say, multi-tasking between two web browser windows, or playing a compatible Play Store game with one whole screen dedicated to LG's custom Game Pad. LG's smart keyboard is optimised for the arrangement, too.

Becky is a hi-fi, AV and technology journalist, formerly the Managing Editor at What Hi-Fi? and Editor of Australian Hi-Fi and Audio Esoterica magazines. With over twelve years of journalism experience in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices.

In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.