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Showdown: LG G5 vs. Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge

Matt Adams
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Samsung and LG aren’t waiting for Mobile World Congress 2016 to kick off tomorrow to take the wraps off its newest flagship devices. The LG G5, Samsung Galaxy S7, and Galaxy S7 Edge will be the next flagship phones released to customers. We’re here to help clear the air on exactly what these phones have in common, and where they contrast.

LG G5 vs Samsung Galaxy S7

 

Hardware

LG G5:

  • Metal Body
  • 5.3″ IPS LCD 2560 x 1440p Screen
  • 16 + 8 MP dual main cameras, 8 MP front facing camera
  • Snapdragon 820 Processor
  • 32 GB of Storage (expandable up to 2 TB), 4 GB of RAM
  • 2,800 mAh removable battery
  • USB Type-C Port

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge:

  • Glass body and aluminum frame
  • 5.1″ AMOLED 2560 x 1440p Screen/5.5″ curved AMOLED 2560 x 1440p Screen
  • 12 MP dual pixel main camera, 5 MP front facing camera
  • Snapdragon 820 Processor (2.15GHz + 1.6GHz)
  • 32 GB of Storage (expandable up to 200 GB), 4 GB of RAM
  • 3,000 mAh/3,600 mAh embedded battery
  • Micro USB Port
  • IP68 water and dust resistance

As we can see, the LG G5 and Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge share a lot of similarities in terms of specs. Both will come with 32 GB of storage standard that can be supplemented with a MicroSD Card, 4 GB of RAM, and a Snapdragon 820 processor.

The G5 and S7 will have similar battery sizes. The G5 will clock in a 2,800 mAh battery, while the Galaxy S7 will have a 3,000 mAh battery. Where they differ, however, is the ability to remove the batteries from the phone. The G5 will allow you to replace the battery as you please, but the battery is built into the S7 and S7 Edge. The S7 Edge will feature a slightly bigger 3,600 mAh battery.

We will see 2560 x 1440 resolution screens on both companies’ phones. The G5 will feature an IPS LCD panel, while Samsung will continue to use Super AMOLED panels for both of its phones. We will also be treated to always-on screen technology for both phones. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge will feature two curved edges to its display.

LG has jumped on the USB Type-C bandwagon, and will feature the new USB standard in the G5. Samsung is sticking with the tried and true (but older) Micro USB standard for the S7 and S7 Edge.

Camera

LG G5 vs Samsung Galaxy S7 Cameras

 

One of the biggest differences between the phones will be the cameras. While we expect the phones will all take great pictures, the camera technology will differ significantly. LG is going big with two cameras on the back that feature a 16 MP camera with a 75 degree field of view lens, and an 8 MP wide angle shooter that has a 135 degree field of view. Samsung is going with a 12 MP f/1.7 aperture shooter that is designed to let in more light in low-light situations. LG will have an 8 MP front facing camera, while Samsung will feature a 5 MP camera.

Software

The most recent version of Google’s Android Operating System, Android 6.0 Marshmallow, will be featured on the LG G5, Samsung Galaxy S7, and Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. Both companies make significant software changes on top of Android, with LG adding its UX 4.0 skin and Samsung adding its TouchWiz skin.

As previously mentioned, both the LG G5 and the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge will have always-on displays. They both work much like previous offerings from Motorola and in stock Android. You’ll be able to see a darkened screen that subtly displays things like the time, date and notifications.

Click here to read everything you need to know about the LG G5

LG is using an IPS LCD screen, so it will only turn on the top third of the screen to display notifications, thus saving power. LG states that its always-on display will use under 1% of battery life an hour. Since the Galaxy line uses AMOLED screens, only the pixels that are being used will be turned on. Samsung will also offer more advanced third party integration into the always-on display, and let users download additional themes and widgets to customize the look.

LG Friends

lg-g5-cam-plus-module-4_0

 

While the LG G5 will feature a metal unibody design, it will still open up at the bottom so you can swap out the batteries. This gives LG an interesting opportunity to let users add in modules to expand the functionality. LG announced the “Friends” program that will allow first and third party modules to be purchased and added to the phone.

In LG’s presentation, we saw examples of the modules including the LG Cam Plus, LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY, and LG 360 VR, among others. One of the most interesting modules debuted was the expanded battery. With this module, LG is taking a firm stance on users being able to use the phone exactly how they want, and it lasting throughout the day. You can read more in depth about these modules and add-ons in our coverage here.

Water Resistance

One popular feature is making a return to Samsung’s flagship devices. Water resistance will be included with the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge in the way of an IP68 certification. Not only will your phone be able to stand up to splash and accidental spills, but it is rated to withstand up to a half an hour under water at 1.5 meters.

LG has not indicated that water resistance is included in the G5.

Expandable Memory

androidpit-lg-g5-10-w782

It was never really in doubt that LG would have expandable storage in its phone this year. A microSD card slot has been a staple of LG’s phones for several years now. But, what may have surprised some is that expandable storage is making a return to Samsung’s Galaxy lineup after being absent in 2015.

The increasingly popular dual card slot is to thank for both of the flagships featuring expandable storage. While some phones offer dual SIM cards or a SIM card and micro SD card support, the G5 and S7 will offer the latter only. The G5 will offer increased storage of up to 2 TB of data, while the S7 and S7 Edge will offer customers an additional 200 GB of storage.

Quick and Wireless Charging

Both LG’s G5 and Samsung’s Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge will feature Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0 standard. Quick Charge 3.0 is 27 percent faster and 45 percent more efficient than Quick Charge 2.0, which both companies had in its flagships last year.

What sets the competitors apart is the addition of Wireless charging in the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge.

2016 will be much like 2015 when Samsung came out of the gate with support for Qi and Powermat wireless charging standards. Later in the year, Samsung introduced Fast Wireless Charging in the Note5 and S6 Edge+. This technology will carry over into the S7 and S7 Edge. The G5 will lack wireless charging, just like the G4 last year.

Release Date

So, when can we get our hands on these new super phones? Details are a bit murky for the LG G5 right now. Many carriers are putting out statements stating that release plans for the G5 will be communicated in the coming weeks. What we do know is that the G5 will be released in all major markets at the same time, instead of a staged roll out like the LG G4 last year that launched a month earlier in South Korea than it did in the U.S.

Click here to read everything you need to know about the S7 and S7 Edge

The picture for Samsung is much clearer. Starting on Tuesday, February 23 you can pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. The phones will officially launch on Friday, March 11 in carrier stores, Samsung Experience Shops in Best Buy, on BestBuy.com, Car Toys, Sam’s Club, Staples, Target, and Walmart.

If you pre-order between February 23 and March 18, you’ll be entitled to a free Gear VR (valued at $99). If you’d like to take a look at the devices before you decide to pre-order, you can head over to Best Buy stores starting February 24 and participating AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and U.S. Cellular stores on February 26.

What do you think about the newest flagships from LG and Samsung? Does the G5, Galaxy S7, or Galaxy S7 Edge entice you into upgrading? Let us know down in the comments if you plan to get any of these phones.

HTC Vive Consumer Edition to go up for preorder on February 29 for $799

AndroidGuys
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Behold Virtual reality (VR) lovers: HTC today unveiled its Vive Consumer Edition at Mobile World Congress 2016 in Barcelona. The complete VR kit, which includes two wireless VR controllers, room scale movement sensors, and a headset featuring an inbuilt camera and phone has been priced at $799.

The SteamVR-powered HTC Vive has been making waves since March last year, when the Taiwanese company revealed its plans to manufacture VR headsets in association with game publisher Valve. The $799 price tag may have come as a downer for some, as its rival – the Oculus Rift – is available for $599 and begins shipping in April as well. Both headsets require a gaming PC to function fully.

HTC_Vive_VR

However, HTC and Valve justify the headset’s higher price by saying that Vive is a complete kit to provide a total immersive experience. Unlike the Occult Rift, the HTC Vive comes with wireless VR controllers and movement sensors. It also has the ability to take calls and send texts.

“Enabling you to stay connected to the real world without exiting the virtual world, Vive Phone Services demonstrates the ability to combine both realities without losing touch of either. By allowing you to receive and respond to both incoming and missed calls, get text messages and send quick replies, and check upcoming calendar invites directly through the headset, it creates a hybrid reality opening up a whole new world of possibilities for both consumers and businesses.”

-HTC

If you can wait a bit more, Sony has plans to launch PlayStation VR headset sometime in the first half of 2016. The VR headset will be compatible with Sony’s popular PlayStation 4, which costs just $350 instead of gaming computers that will set you back by $1,000. But if your heart is set upon the HTC Vive, the pre-orders for the headsets start from 29th February at 10 a.m. ET, while the shipments will commence in early April. And if you hurry up, you will get two games bundled with the kit for free: Job Simulator: The 2050 Archives by Owlchemy Labs and Fantastic Contraption by Northway Games.

The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are official! Snapdragon 820 SoC, Dual Pixel f/1.7 camera, and IP68 waterproofing

Josh Noriega
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galaxy-s7_overview_kv_l_2

The leaking of Samsung’s newest Galaxy phones has increased to an annoying rate leading up to this moment. Yes, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are finally a official (thank goodness). Now, I think it’s no surprise that this refresh is way more evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but that doesn’t mean it’s not interesting. Samsung still has some tricks up its sleeve. Let’s run through it!

Galaxy S7

[row][double_paragraph]Samsung Galaxy S7 - 1[/double_paragraph][double_paragraph]Samsung Galaxy S7 - 2[/double_paragraph] [/row]

So we’ve heard that the standard S7 and the edgy one were gonna differ in screen sizes, and this did turn out to be the case. The Galaxy S7 will remain with the same 5.1″ screen size as its predecessor. Here are the main specs:

  • Display: 5.1″ QHD (2,560 x 1440 pixels, 577 ppi) Super-AMOLED
  • Chipset: Snapdragon 820 (quad-core processor, Adreno 530 graphics) and 4GB of RAM
  • Storage: 32GB base internal storage with microSD card support (up to 200GB)
  • Cameras: 12MP Dual Pixel (f/1.7) rear and 5MP (f/1.7) front camera
  • Battery: 3,000mAh capacity battery
  • Software: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) with TouchWiz UI
Unfortunately, Samsung has yet to adopt USB Type-C on the Galaxy S7
Unfortunately, Samsung has yet to adopt USB Type-C on the Galaxy S7

 

Unlike the Galaxy S6, Samsung renewed its partnership with Qualcomm and stuffed the cutting-edge Snapdragon 820 SoC under the hood (instead of Samsung’s home-brewed Exynos chipset). Coupled with 4GB of DDR4 RAM, we have all the beastly power you’d want. More power but cooler device, due to a new internal cooling system.

Despite being the same size as the Galaxy S6, Samsung managed to boost the battery capacity to match the Note5‘s 3,000mAh. That’s great, because poor battery life was a common complaint among S6 users. On the other hand, the primary camera had a reduction in megapixel count. But don’t despair, it’s not all about megapixels. And we now have a smaller camera hump.

galaxy-s7_design_strong_grip_phone_visual02

Samsung put a large focus in low-light performance, with a f/1.7 aperture lens. That is also supplemented by larger pixels (30% larger than the iPhone 6S Plus), to let in more light. Auto-focusing speed also got a big boost. Samsung says the camera module has Dual Pixel, which utilizes all of the camera’s pixels for focusing (essentially gives the camera two eyes to help resolve the focus).

Galaxy_Dual-Pixel_0221_Final

Another criticism over last year’s model was the exclusion of the microSD expansion. Fortunately, Samsung listened and threw it back in. Additionally, water resistance makes a return as well (introduced on the Galaxy S5, but dropped on the S6); a IP68 rating claims 30 minutes submerged in 1.5 meters of water. It looks like Samsung is trying to make amends with users that it had let down last year.

Something new is Samsung joining the Always-On Display club, so that you can always see your valuable notifications without touching your phone. Battery life will be minimally impacted due to the efficient AMOLED technology.

Galaxy S7 Edge

[row][double_paragraph]Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge - 1[/double_paragraph][double_paragraph]Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge - 2[/double_paragraph] [/row]

You can probably guess that most of the specs from the vanilla Galaxy S7 will apply to the S7 Edge. The biggest difference (aside from those sexy curved edges) is the larger stature. The screen on the S7 Edge is a significant 0.4″ larger, at 5.5″. It now bridges the gap pretty well between the Galaxy S and Note lines (which leads to assume that there won’t be a S7 Edge+ this time around).

But the larger display isn’t the only goodie you’ll get if you spring for the S7 Edge. The extra space allowed for a considerably larger 3,600mAh battery (compared to the 3,000mAh capacity in the standard Galaxy S7). That may make this a tough choice for folks who prefer the smaller variant.

All other specs are a spitting image of the S7:

  • Display: 5.5″ QHD (2,560 x 1440 pixels, 534 ppi) Super-AMOLED
  • Chipset: Snapdragon 820 (quad-core processor, Adreno 530 graphics) and 4GB of RAM
  • Storage: 32GB base internal storage with microSD card support (up to 200GB)
  • Cameras: 12MP Dual Pixel (f/1.7) rear and 5MP (f/1.7) front camera
  • Battery: 3,600mAh capacity battery
  • Software: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) with TouchWiz UI

galaxy-s7_shortcut_taskedge_l

You can probably imagine that the Edge’s slide-out shortcuts feature got some improvements. You’ll get quick access to apps (more apps now from a wider panel) as well as tasks. Also, Samsung generously opened up the edge SDK for developers, so we should be seeing it grow with third-party additions.

Will you buy one?

No one can really deny these two are beastly handsets. But has Samsung done enough to convince you to jump on-board? It may be a negative point that the Galaxy S7 is for the most part a spitting image of last year’s model. Some (including myself) didn’t find the usability of the fragile design as flattering as the pretty look. At least Samsung has thought about that in some sense, by incorporating water resistance.

Samsung’s two new handsets will drop on March 11th. The color option will be: Black Onyx, Gold Platinum, Silver Titanium, and White Pearl. To entice buyers, it’s going to include a free Gear VR when you preorder. Let us know in the comments below what you think about the S7 announcement.

Galaxy S7 | Galaxy S7 Edge

HTC Desire line gets a new, streetwear-inspired look.

Donovan Jeska
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HTC’s three new Desire phones appear to be trying to make some waves aesthetically where they don’t in the hardware arena; the new 530, 630 and 825 (what, no 830?) come in four different stylings influenced by “Streetwear,” with a multi-colored speckles (which they call “Micro-Splash”) on a solid background of either white, blue, black or red.

 [df-caption title=”Streetwear designs give the Desire line a fresh look.” url=”https://www.androidguys.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/desireinline.jpg”%5D

While I, personally would have prefered to see them go a bit bolder with the designs – perhaps some legitimate street art in the vein of Banksy, for instance – it is refreshing to see a company go away from the Black/White (and recently, Rosegold) color scheme that has become so prevalent in the mobile world.

Desire phones have historically been mid-range at best, and therefore priced a bit lower than you’d find with flagship models. As such, those looking for a budget phone might be inclined toward these stylized designs because they have a unique aesthetic when compared to other budget phones from the big companies. It’ll be interesting to see if it pays off the HTC.

Specs

[row][third_paragraph]

Desire 530

  • 5″, 720p display
  • Quad-Core, 1.1GHz Snapdragon 210 Processor
  • 1.5GB RAM
  • 16GB onboard storage (w/micro-SD slot)
  • 8mp rear camera, 5mp front camera
  • 2,200mAh battery

[/third_paragraph][third_paragraph]

Desire 630

  • 5″, 720p display
  • Quad-Core, 1.6GHz Snapdragon 400
  • 2GB RAM
  • 16GB onboard storage (w/micro-SD slot)
  • 13mp rear camera, 5mp front camera
  • 2,200mAh battery
  • Dual-SIM

[/third_paragraph][third_paragraph]

Desire 825 

  • 5.5″, 720p display
  • Quad-Core, 1.6GHz Snapdragon 400
  • 2GB RAM
  • 16GB onboard storage (w/micro-SD slot)
  • 13mp rear camera, 5mp front camera
  • 2,700mAh battery
  • Single or Dual-SIM
  • BoomSound Stereo Speakers

[/third_paragraph][/row]

Source: Engadget

Lenovo announces the Snapdragon powered VIBE K5 and K5 Plus starting at $129

AndroidGuys
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Lenovo said it was going to keep producing budget and mid-range phones when it bought Motorola and it is. At Mobile World Congress Lenovo is showing off its latest Android smartphones – the VIBE K5 and K5 Plus. With deeper competition across Android budget devices, Lenovo is looking to make a splash with the K5 Plus with a price of just $149.

Screen Shot 2016-02-21 at 9.23.55 AM

Main features:

  • Snapdragon 616 octa-core processor
  • 5″ full HD IPS display
  • Android 5.1 Lollipop
  • Dual speakers with Dolby Atmos
  • 2GB RAM
  • 16GB memory expandable via microSD
  • Dual SIM for GSMA networks
  • 13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera

Screen Shot 2016-02-21 at 9.21.12 AM

If the K5 Plus is too much phone for you, or is a little out of your price range, Lenovo is also offering up the K5 at $129 and it also comes with great specs.

The K5 will come in two colors, Champagne and Silver, with a plastic and aluminum build.

Main features:

  • Snapdragon 415 octa-core processor
  • Android 5.1 Lollipop
  • Dual speakers with Dolby Atmos
  • 2GB RAM
  • 16GB memory expandable via microSD
  • 5″ HD IPS display 1280 x 720
  • Dual SIM for GSMA networks

Screen Shot 2016-02-21 at 9.41.16 AM

The main difference between the two phones is the display. While both are HD quality, the K5 Plus has the better resolution with full 1080p HD. Both phones are a bargain with the K5 being priced at $129, and the K5 Plus being priced at $149 it is hard to find better built phones in this price range.

OPPO may launch fast wireless charging technology at MWC 2016

AndroidGuys
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OPPO may not be among the world’s top selling mobile brands, but the Chinese manufacturer has been known to release devices with unique features such as rotating camera sensors (the OPPO N3) and VOOC Flash Charging technology. The wired quick charging technology used in many OPPO devices is capable of charging 70% battery in just 30 minutes. Now, the company looks set to launch a new wireless charging standard at Mobile World Congress 2016.

oppo-wow-the-world

According to the press teaser for its MWC event on Tuesday, OPPO will be unveiling a technology that is going to “Wow the world!” While the teaser doesn’t reveal much, sources say that OPPO is likely to announce the next generation of its popular VOOC Flash charging. Considering the popularity and scope for improvement in wireless charging options available today, it’s very likely that the announcement is related to a VOOC solution for wireless charging.

While this technology sounds like an exciting prospect, the speculations are based on just a teaser. However, the teaser mentions a “groundbreaking power solution,” which adds fuel to the fire. We’ll have to wait unit February 23rd for the official confirmation, when the company is holding a press conference in Barcelona.

Via: TalkAndroid

MWC 2016: ZTE announces the Spro Plus; a smart Android projector

Matt Adams
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ZTE has added another device to its ever expanding lineup of smart projectors. The company announced the Spro Plus portable smart projector, the follow up to the popular Spro 2. The Spro Plus features an 8.4″ AMOLED touch screen, 2K display, and a 12,100 mAh battery. ZTE will also offer the Spro Plus in WiFi only and WiFi + LTE versions.

To help you keep your picture straight, the Spro Plus will have improved vertical and horizontal keystones, as well as Laser Auto Focus to negate any blurry images. And, the Spro Plus projects a huge image too. Placing it only about 2.4 meters away from whatever you’re projecting on will get you an 80 inch image.

The Spro Plus comes with two 4 watt speakers in its JBL audio system. During your Skype conversations your associates will be able to hear you crystal clear due to the Harman sub-miniature microphones.

The ZTE Spro Plus will be available starting this summer.

Pictures Courtesy: CNET

[graphiq id=”bPtFhGCEpWl” title=”ZTE” width=”400″ height=”484″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/bPtFhGCEpWl” link=”https://www.graphiq.com” link_text=”Visualization by Graphiq”]

Source: AndroidCentral

LG launches 'Friends' modules and accessories with the G5

Jason Botha
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phoneToday at the LG G5 event at World Mobile Congress, LG revealed its latest flagship and all the goodies that come with it. The metal and glass clad uni-body sports an unusual feature – a modular bottom tray that allows extensions and additional components to be used with the phone.

The tray slot can accept a unique variety of modules specially designed for the G5.

‘Friends’ is basically a range of these modules and accessories that can be used in junction with the G5 in everyday situations. The modular design offers a potentially endless assortment of unusual and unique add-ons that will be built internally at LG and by third-party developers who are being encouraged to use LG’s module software.

Such add-ons include the LG Cam Plus, a bulky modular piece which gives you extreme control over the camera while giving you good one-handed grip. There is also an extra 1,100mAh battery built into this unit. Another one is a 32-bit DAC by Bang and Olufsen which gives you unprecedented ability to listen to high-quality audio.

‘Friends’ is not only about modules. It’s also about accessories that connect to the phone via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and the LG-HiFi-Plusaudio jack.

Take the LG Rolling Bot, for example. It is an awesome assistant robot (BB-8 style) that you control through the G5. It has a live camera that feeds directly to your phone through your Wi-Fi, enabling you to remotely monitor your house, with the ability to use speakers and a microphone. Particularly useful for talking to pets while you’re on holiday.

LG-360-CAMThe LG 360 Cam allows you to record in 360° in while simply moving the camera around like you normally would, and you can live-stream it to the G5 while you use it. It records in 2K with 5.1ch surround sound.

The LG 360 VR, which LG claims weighs one third of your standard VR set, offers a premium VR experience with a whooping 639 pixels per inch on the display.

Headset wise, the LG Tone Platinum uses Bluetooth to deliver HiFi audio to your ears without cables. It utilizes Harmon Kardon Platinum grade hardware to ensure the best possible sound.

There is also a wired H3 Bang and Olufsen Play headset that only works on Android. It should be capable of pumping out some delicious audio along with the DAC module!

It is all these accessories and devices that together make up Friends, your companion to your G5.

LG-Friends

“We wanted something fun and exciting,” Ramchan Woo, vice president of smartphone product planning for LG in told reporters. “The mission of the G5 is to wake up the play instinct. Smartphones are all the same…. The customer looking for a phone thinks ‘I’ll just buy the cheaper phone’.”

And it is that very statement that drove LG to create something new, unique and different: the G5 and Friends.

LG-G5-Infographic

 

LG G5: When and Where you can buy it?

Matt Adams
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2

LG has taken the wraps off its new LG G5 smartphone. The G5 will have amazing new features. You’ll be able to add modules to expand the functionality of the device like the ability to control a drone, listening to high def audio with a B&O DAC, and expanding the battery life, among others.

But, when can you get your hands on it? Here’s everything we know about who is carrying the device, and when you can buy it. We’ll keep updating this list as details become available.

United States

Verizon: The LG G5 is coming “this spring”. While that doesn’t give us much of an idea, it does narrow it down a little bit. You can check out Verizon’s page on the LG G5 here.

AT&T: The nation’s second biggest carrier has indicated that pricing and availability details will come “in the coming weeks” You can check out AT&T’s page on the LG G5 here.

T-Mobile: T-Mobile has yet to release anything on its plans to carry the LG G5

Sprint: Sprint’s ever expanding network will be offering the LG G5 as well. We don’t have an exact date but, “Device pricing and availability date will be announced soon”. You can check out Sprint’s LG G5 page here.

US Cellular: US Cellular will be carrying the G5, but release details haven’t been shared yet. US Cellular has let us know that it will be sharing its timeline “in the coming weeks”

LG G5 1024-640

England

O2: O2 has confirmed that it will be selling the LG G5 and will stock it “in the coming months”

EE: The LG G5 will be coming to “Europe’s most advanced digital communications company”. Customers will be able to pre-order on March 17.

Vodafone: Vodafone has joined the fray and announced that it will also offer the LG G5. Details have yet to be released on when you can buy it.

Three: Three has yet to release any statements on the LG G5 at this time.

Do you plan to pick up the G5? Let us know down in the comments what you think of the new device from LG. While you wait for the phone to be released, be sure to check out all the details on the LG G5 here.

The LG G5 is official: Everything you need to know

Jason Botha
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2

LG’s new flagship smartphone, the LG G5, is now official. If you stay updated with Android news and rumours, you have probably already been bombarded with the leaked designs and specifications that have been popping up everywhere on the Internet. No more need for speculation anymore, as we now know the final specifications for one of 2016’s most anticipated flagships. Boy, does this phone seem like a beast.

Coming with almost the same specifications as we predicted, the LG G5 brings incremental changes compared to earlier LG flagships. Based around a smaller 5.3″ screen, the metal build brings a new breath of air to LG’s flagship line with some worthy new features. The LG G5 measures 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7mm and weighs 159 grams.

Screenshot (100)

Moving away from their past designs, the G5 has the volume and power buttons back on the side of the phone. We haven’t seen this since the original LG G. The fingerprint scanner now sits below the camera where the buttons used to lie on previous iterations. Somewhat familiar of the Nexus 6P, the build is mainly aluminum.

The 5.3-inch Quad HD Quantum display has again been improved upon. Not specifying anything major, LG just mentioned that it is more battery efficient as compared to previous versions.  There is also a built-in “Always On” display which offers extended use of the screen. It is part of the main screen, and only uses a third of the display area which helps conserve battery. Think of it as Motorola’s Ambient Display, expect with added functionality.

 

If you remember the overheating issues that plagued the Snapdragon 810, LG wisely decided to use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 808 SoC in the LG G4. Thankfully, things have improved on Qualcomms side, and the G5 is proudly using the Snapdragon 820, which is also currently the best in the market. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 SoC  naturally is 64-bit. Unfortunately, we do not know of the specific configuration that it sports at present, so stay tuned to be updated.

Screenshot (103)

The Snapdragon 820 SoC is paired with 4GB of memory and should provide a premium amount of performance, at least on paper. It also comes with 32GB of internal storage expandable via microSD card slot that can take up to 2TB.

LG unfortunately went for a smaller 2,800mAh battery, for reasons we can’t quite put our finger on. They also did not elaborate on expected battery life and efficiency, although the claimed battery life never lives up to the expectations anyway. Thankfully it is removable.

The G5 sports a dual camera at the back, consisting of one 16-megapixel and one 8-megapixel shooter. The cameras sit on either side of the sensors and LED flash, one with a 78-degree standard lens and another with a 135-degree wide-angle lens (the 8MP), which LG says is “the widest available on any camera”. The G5 comes with an 8-megapixel front camera, which has slight improvements over the G4’s.

Screenshot (108)

Perhaps the most prominent feature of the flagship, the G5 offers a nifty tool that institutes a modular design. This is basically a tray which can be ejected from the bottom of the phone. It houses the battery and can be used to add extra modules onto the device. This includes a camera module called LG Cam Plus, which offers a nifty handle and balance point for improved hand-held photography, as well as convenient hardware buttons for shutter release, zoom and flash toggle. There is also a 32-bit HiFi DAC made in partnership with Bang and Olufsen. We can’t wait to see how well this works.

Screenshot (99)

Software wise, the LG G5 comes with Android Marshmallow 6.0.1 under the hood, with LG’s own UX interface . We did not get a peek at what it looks like, so we do not expect it to be radically different as compared to the UX 4.0 on the G4.

LG did not comment or specify on launch dates or prices, although we expect the phone to be available shortly is major markets. Stay updated on availability on AG.com. What do you think about the G5?

LG G5 launch page

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