LG's hotly awaited flagship handset, the LG G5, could be under way, and it is anticipated to bring in a ton of nifty features.
The LG G4 might not have generated its expected sales this year, but it is still deemed as one of the most impressive Android phones. The device managed to turn a couple of heads as it came packed with remarkable design and specs, including the unique leather back and the high end camera setup.
With the impending arrival of the LG G5, it seems that it is taking its game up a notch.
Can it manage to go toe-to-toe with other smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S7?
Here is what we know so far about LG's upcoming device.
Design
Design-wise, it is said that it is going to rock a metal body. Yes, LG is finally going to wipe out plastic in its design and replace it with full metal.
LG went for a plastic build for the LG G4 because of the user-friendliness of the material. This includes providing users a microSD slot and the ability to remove the battery.
This will not be the first time the company produces an all-metal handset, though, because in 2007 to 2010, LG rolled out the Shine phone series that had metal bodies. This will be the first time a premium handset with an all-metal build will come from LG, however.
Display
The device will not have pressure-sensitive technology. Instead, it will feature a 5.6-inch IPS LCD screen with a 1,440 x 2,560 resolution.
Hardware
The device could pack in an iris scanning security feature. Rumors about the iris scanner surfaced as early as May.
The iris recognition technology is said to be developed by IRIENCE, a Korea-based company specializing in biometrics. In fact, rumor has it that IRIENCE has already completed the technology.
However, there is also talk that it is presently making a few tweaks, particularly in adjusting its recognition range. It is targeting a range of 50 centimeters (19.7 inches) from 30 centimeters (11.8 inches).
It's not yet clear what IRIENCE's technology is for, but one possible use of an iris scanner is to beef up security in mobile banking transactions.
LG could be centering its attention in developing the iris scanner because it wants to differentiate itself from its archrivals, Apple and Samsung.
The G5 is reported to run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 chip. The powerful SoC is partnered with Qualcomm's Adreno 530 GPU.
Camera
An 8-megapixel front-facing snapper should be expected. Its main shooter, however, will have a 20-megapixel one.
Release Date
Rumors point at a Q1 2016 release date, so LG fans may not need to wait for a long time. It is highly possible that the production of this much-awaited phone could already be in the works.
Price Tag
Interested buyers may need to fork $600 out of their pockets to get their hands on this LG phone.
LG G5 Pro
Just like Apple and Samsung's flagship devices, the LG G5 is not going to land alone. An LG G5 Pro will debut as well, and needless to say, it will feature a larger display. Sources say it will house a 1.8 GHz hexa-core Snapdragon 820 SoC.
