The news of the closure of LG's mobile phone division has had a strong impact on the technology sector and, above all, among users who once trusted the South Korean brand's innovation. Although LG has been contributing to the smartphone market for years. With multiple launches 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 open questions for current LG mobile owners, especially in relation to the after-sales support, software updates and the ability to continue repairing their devices. In addition, a major question arises for the tech community: Is it better to sell your LG phone now, or keep it? We've analyzed all the information, based on official LG communications and relevant media reports, to help you decide how to react to this historic change in the landscape.
Reasons and context behind the closure of LG Mobile
La LG's strategic decision to exit the smartphone market This is mainly due to fierce competition and the continued financial losses experienced by the division for several years. Despite attempts at innovation, such as the LG G5 with its modular design or the commitment to dual, rotating screens (see the LG Wing), the company has failed to regain profitability or capture sufficient market share against giants such as Samsung, Apple, and the Chinese brands Oppo, Vivo, and Xiaomi.
LG executives have explained that the exit from the mobile division will allow them concentrate resources on other fast-growing sectors, such as components for electric vehicles, smart homes, B2B solutions, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Thus, although a chapter is closing 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 does not mean that existing phones will stop working. LG smartphones will continue to operate without immediate limitation, since they use the Android operating system, which doesn't rely solely on the manufacturer to function, at least not in its essentials. However, the main change is that LG won't launch new models or develop new features exclusively 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 provide 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?
After closing, LG will continue to distribute security and operating system updates. for an unspecified period, respecting each country's legal obligations. The main points to keep in mind 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 factors. personal 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 end of LG's mobile division is a distribution of its market share among other brandsSamsung, Apple, and Chinese manufacturers such as Xiaomi, Realme, Oppo, and Vivo will benefit most from this gap, due to their already established presence and variety of products 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 come to an end, The company will not disappear from the technology sectorLG 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 such as 6G. Furthermore, the patents and know-how acquired over two decades of mobile experience 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 as long as it continues to meet their expectations. The technological future is advancing, but LG's legacy of innovation in the mobile sector will live on in the memories of those who trusted its devices..