The Secret of LG Velvet's Color... "Multiple Layers Stacked, Yet Thickness Is Only 0.1mm" (Comprehensive)

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] "Illusion Sunset replicates the ever-changing evening sunset. Although multiple layers create the colors, the total thickness is only 0.1mm." (Do Gihoon, Senior Researcher at LG Electronics Production Technology Institute)

The rear color of the LG Velvet, which changes depending on light and angle, embodies various LG Electronics technologies. It achieves a subtle color by layering multiple layers, including a dense optical pattern that vividly displays colors and nano materials that reflect light. Rather than emphasizing high-performance technology in the design, the intention is to recognize 'Velvet' as a simple yet unique fashion item for oneself.

On the 19th, LG Electronics held an online tech seminar for the LG Velvet, revealing behind-the-scenes stories about the design and rear color development. Kim Youngho, Senior Advisor at the MC Design Institute, said, "As similar designs have become common in smartphones, the era where style could be summed up in one word has disappeared. According to consumer surveys, 40% of consumers cited design as an important factor when purchasing a smartphone," adding, "LG Velvet pursues a sensuous simplicity based on minimalism and aims to be an indispensable fashion item for me."

The features of LG Velvet’s design can be summarized as ▲color ▲droplet camera ▲3D arc design. LG Velvet applies a new color technique that makes the color appear different depending on the angle, light, and illumination. On the back of the smartphone, a precise pattern invisible to the human eye is drawn. LG Electronics engraved an optical pattern with intervals less than 1 micrometer (about 1/100th the thickness of a human hair) under the Velvet’s rear glass. The finely and densely engraved pattern expresses the Velvet’s color with a three-dimensional effect. LG Electronics Production Technology Institute utilized a proprietary optical pattern technology, which takes more than 10 times longer to process than general products.

In the case of Illusion Sunset, the red and gold colors blend like a sunset, making it difficult to describe with a single color. This subtle color is realized with a special film made by stacking hundreds of layers of nano materials that refract light, called 'nano lamination' technology. The nano materials reflect light at different angles to express a variety of colors. Kim Moonyoung, Senior Researcher at LG Electronics Production Technology Institute, explained, "The preparation period was longer than the previous model, and we studied and designed various patterns over a long time. Optical patterns are a technology also used by competitors, but how they are designed is important," adding, "Nano lamination technology changes the image perceived by people depending on how the materials are laminated and how the refractive index is controlled."

Instead of the induction design that has become a smartphone trend, LG Velvet differentiated its design with a 'droplet camera.' Kim Youngho said, "Although high-pixel multi-cameras and induction designs are popular, consumers prefer a clean design without camera bumps. The main camera, which has a large component size, was emphasized in design to give a DSLR-like image, and the sub-camera, being smaller, was placed under the glass to avoid protrusion, resulting in a camera design that resembles a naturally falling droplet."

He added, "The arrangement of rear camera lenses does not directly affect camera functionality. Rather, the balance of smartphone design, weight, installed technology, and UX elements is more important. Since the limited space must contain value for the customer experience, Velvet’s refined exterior design was the focal point."

Although LG Velvet has a large 6.8-inch screen, it features a slim design with a widened contact area for the hand, allowing it to be held with one hand. It is the first product to apply a 3D arc design with curved edges on the front and back sides. The 3D arc design is engineered so that the curvature (degree of bending) becomes gentler toward the center of the smartphone. The curvature changes from 6.5R, 10R, 15R, to 18R from both ends of the product. Regarding criticism that the 3D arc design is similar to competitors’ 'edge' design, Kim explained, "We aimed to preserve the aesthetic value of the design while solving issues like malfunction or screen distortion by applying different curvatures."

Some consumers expressed disappointment that LG Velvet lacks features such as the AP, OIS (optical image stabilization), and Quad DAC. LG Electronics explained that the Velvet was able to achieve a slim design by adopting the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset, an integrated 5G chipset. Kim Moonyoung said, "We chose the 765G in collaboration with the research institute and product planning to present an overall thin design. It helped reduce the overall design thickness," adding that as a mass premium product, the absence of the Quad DAC, a strength of LG smartphones, was noted. Senior Researcher Yoo Seunghoon said, "Considering the overall balance, design, product planning, and specs were decided, and Velvet is a product focused on design."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.