LG teases new G6 smartphone for launch ahead of MWC 2017

[KoLiKoV]

LG has sent out invitations to an event taking place on 26 February, where it is expected to launch a new flagship smartphone. The company failed to get pulses racing with the experimental G5 last February, and will be hoping to bounce back with a dramatically different follow-up. LG’s invitation includes a GIF resembling a smartphone display with an 18:9 aspect ratio. The image shows fireworks exploding in the night sky, before the tagline, “See More, Play More” appears on-screen. It’s a nod to the rumoured LG G6, which will feature a display with an 18:9 aspect ratio, according to ZDNet.

The handset will succeed the LG G5, which was unveiled at MWC 2016. LG took an enormous risk by making last year’s handset modular, and it didn’t pay off. The unusual G5, which featured a removable battery and numerous clip-on accessories, failed to ignite consumer interest, allowing the likes of Samsung and Apple to dominate the market with the Galaxy S7 and iPhone 7. LG’s modular experiment appears to have been shortlived, with a recent update on the company’s US Twitter page suggesting it will instead concentrate on improving a selection of core features with the G6, including waterproofing and a large screen.

The South Korean firm is holding the event in Barcelona a day before the start of Mobile World Congress, the annual tradeshow where technology companies traditionally reveal their latest products.