The news of LG's mobile phone division closing has had a significant impact on the technology sector, and especially on users who once trusted the South Korean brand's innovation. Although LG has contributed to the smartphone market for years with numerous releases and advancements—such as high-quality audio configurations, innovative displays, and cameras with advanced features—fierce competition and other factors have led the company to make the difficult decision to abandon this segment.
The final closure leaves many questions unanswered for current LG mobile phone owners, especially regarding after-sales support, software updates , and the possibility of continuing to repair their devices. Furthermore, a major question arises for the tech community: Is it better to sell your LG phone now, or keep it? We analyze all the information, based on official LG communications and reports from leading media outlets, to help you decide how to proceed in light of this historic change.
Reasons and context behind the closure of LG Mobile
LG's strategic decision to abandon the smartphone market stems primarily from fierce competition and the continuous financial losses experienced by the division over several years. Despite attempts at innovation, such as the LG G5 with its modular design and its foray into dual and rotating screens—see the LG Wing—the company failed to regain profitability or capture sufficient market share against giants like Samsung, Apple, and Chinese brands such as Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi.
LG executives have explained that exiting the mobile division will allow them to concentrate resources on other fast-growing sectors , such as components for electric vehicles, smart homes, B2B solutions, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Thus, although this marks the end of a chapter for LG in the mobile sector, the company will continue to invest in technological innovation in other areas.
What happens now to LG phone users?
LG's announcement doesn't mean existing phones will stop working. LG smartphones will continue to function without immediate limitations , as they use the Android operating system, which isn't solely dependent on the manufacturer to function, at least in its essential aspects. However, the main change is that LG will not launch new models or develop exclusive new features for the mobile ecosystem.
- The terminals that remain in stock can be purchased until supplies last, but new models will no longer be manufactured.
- Current third-party applications and services will continue to function indefinitely, until they depend on external factors such as the operating system itself or Google services.
- The resale value of LG phones will tend to go down over time, as official support and updates run out.
Technical support, repairs, and warranty: Until when?
In its official statement, LG has committed to providing technical support and software updates for a limited period , which depends on the region and applicable regulations. This means that:
- The customer service, repairs and warranty They will continue to be offered until the deadlines required by the law of each country are met.
- La manufacturing and delivery of spare parts will continue during that period to cover repairs in official and authorized technical services.
- In most countries, The minimum legal guarantee is two years from the date of purchase, so if your phone is still under warranty, you can rest assured regarding support.
- Once parts inventory is depleted, it may be more difficult to find official components, which will impact repairs in the long run.
This support period also applies to security and operating system updates. The brand has stated its intention to implement planned updates (such as Android 11 and Android 12 on supported models), but warns that the distribution schedule and inclusion of new patches may vary by region and device.
Software Updates: What Can I Expect?
Following the shutdown, LG will continue to distribute security and operating system updates for an unspecified period, respecting the legal obligations of each country. Key points to note are:
- Recent and high-end models will have priority in receiving updates.
- Android updates and security patches will only be released to devices that have been declared compatible and have passed LG's internal testing and Google's requirements.
- Previous-generation or mid-range/low-end devices may not receive new versions of Android, but they will continue to receive basic security patches until further notice.
It's important to check your country's official LG website for the most up-to-date update and support schedule for your specific model.
Should I sell my LG phone now or keep it?
With LG's exit from the mobile market, the decision between selling or keeping your LG phone depends on several personal factors and the state of the secondary market.
- Sell it: If you own a recent model in good condition, selling it soon may be a smart option. The value of LG phones on the used market will likely drop as support and spare parts availability dwindle. Acting quickly can help you get a better price.
- Keep it: If you're happy with your device and don't rely on the latest updates, you can continue using it until it experiences mechanical failures or becomes incompatible with your most used apps. Remember, Android will continue to work and the user experience will be similar until external factors (apps, security, support) make it unviable.
Consider the following aspects before making your decision:
- Remaining warranty: If your phone is still under warranty, you can take advantage of it until it expires.
- Spare parts and repairs: As time goes on, it will become more difficult to find official spare parts and specialized technical services.
- Devaluation: The value of LG devices will progressively decrease on the secondary market.
- Real need: Does your phone meet your current needs, or would you prefer to upgrade to a newer model from another brand?
What alternatives are there for LG users?
The closure of LG's mobile division means its market share will be divided among other brands . Samsung, Apple, and Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo, and Vivo will be the biggest beneficiaries of this void, thanks to their established presence and diverse product offerings across all price ranges.
- Samsung: It's the most direct alternative in the Android ecosystem, with guaranteed support and constant releases.
- Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo and Realme: They offer modern solutions, competitive prices, and an active community.
- Apple: For those who want to try a different system, iOS offers another option, albeit with notable differences from Android.
It's a good idea to analyze the market options before making the final decision to upgrade. Many LG users will find alternatives that fit their needs from other brands with a presence and guaranteed support in their country.
LG's legacy and the brand's future
While LG's mobile division has ended, the company will not disappear from the technology sector . LG will continue to invest in technological development in areas such as smart homes, connected devices, IoT, robotics, and especially in the development and application of mobile connectivity technologies like 6G. Furthermore, the patents and expertise acquired over two decades of experience in mobile will contribute to the development of future electronic products and innovative solutions.
Finally, LG's user community will still be able to enjoy its devices for a while and maintain trust in the brand across other business lines, such as home appliances and televisions.
The closure of LG Mobile marks the end of an era in mobile technology. Now, users must carefully consider whether to sell their LG phone before it depreciates, or keep it and enjoy it while it continues to meet their needs. The future of technology moves forward, but LG's legacy of innovation in the mobile sector will remain in the memory of those who invested in its devices.