There are numerous upcoming smartphones from different OEMs which have caught the fancy of the rumor mill.
Two much-awaited smartphones are the Samsung Galaxy S8, which successes the Galaxy S7, and the LG G6 - the next-gen variant of the modular LG G5.
As the MWC 2017 draws closer, LG is gearing up to launch the LG G6. However, tech enthusiasts will have to wait till March to catch an official glimpse of the Galaxy S8.
The race between the two South Korean companies is heating up as they try to outpace each other in a bid to become the consumer favorite. Here's a comparison of the rumored features and specs of the LG G6 and the Galaxy S8 to help those looking to upgrade decide, which smartphone is worth waiting for.
Display
LG has confirmed that the LG G6 will boast a 5.7-inch Quad HD+ display with a resolution of 2880 x 1440 pixels. The Galaxy S8, on the other hand, may come with a 5.8 inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels.
While the two smartphones seem to be on even keel in the context of screen size, on paper, LG has a clear edge when it comes to resolution. Moreover, the LG G6 is expected to tout "Full Vision," which basically means that the device will support a rather strange 18:9 aspect ratio.
Processor And RAM
The Galaxy S8 is expected to be powered by the latest octa-core Snapdragon 835 processor. The LG G6, by comparison, will supposedly feature the older quad-core Snapdragon 821 processor.
It has been reported that the LG had to opt for the older processor for the smartphone due to Samsung monopolizing the chipset. Either LG went with the older CPU or had to risk delaying the release of the LG G6.
Processor-wise, it is clear that the Galaxy S8 will have the edge over the LG G6.
Both the devices will likely boast 4 GB of RAM. However, there have been speculations which suggest that Samsung may be working on a 6 GB variant of its smartphone as well.
Storage
The LG G6 is rumored to come with 64 GB of internal storage, whereas, the Galaxy S8 will likely come in two variants offering 64 GB and 128 GB of internal storage.
It is expected that the storage in both the devices would be expandable via micro SD.
Camera
The Samsung Galaxy S8 will probably house a 12MP primary and an 8MP secondary camera. While the LG G6 may come with a 13 MP dual-camera setup, with a wide angle lens for 125 degree view of field on one. the smartphone may sport an 8MP front-facing camera. The scondary camera may have a "SELFI" shooting mode per reports.
The rumored specs hint at the LG smartphone stealing the show on both counts.
Battery
The smartphone from Samsung will likely possess a 3000 mAh non-removable battery. This battery will support fast charging. Even though consumers were hoping for a removable battery for the Galaxy S8, especially post the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, it seems that the embedded fingerprint sensor on the device will not allow for the same.
The LG G6 is expected to come with a 3200 mAh battery which too will be non-removable. Fast charging option may be available with Quick Charge 3.0.
Both the companies have decided to ditch the removable batteries in favor of better aesthetics and also due to the added feature of dust and water resistance.
Operating System
Rumors indicate that both the LG G6 and the Galaxy S8 will be launched with Android 7.0 Nougat on board. These are premium devices and people expect the latest software to be pre-loaded when they purchase them.
Other Features
Both the smartphones will likely feature fingerprint scanners, accelerometer, Gyro, proximity, compass and barometer. However, the Samsung device may come with an Iris scanner which would probably be missing from the LG G6.
While the LG G6 may have a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, the Galaxy S8 may or may not take this route. Some rumors have hinted at the possibility of the device using an on-screen fingerprint scanner. The Galaxy S8 could also have a fingerprint scanner on the rear as well as evidenced by several leaks.
While both of the devices are dust and water resistant certified, the Galaxy S8 will be IP68, certified, whereas the LG G6 will have an IP67 certification. The difference being that the Galaxy S8 will be able to survive being submerged in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, while the LG G6 would be able to survive being submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
The LG G6 may house either the Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant, or even both as its AI as hinted by the company's teasers. Samsung, on the other hand, may include its own AI dubbed the Bixby in the Galaxy S8.
Price
The flagship device from Samsung may retail at around $885 upon its release in the U.S. The LG G6, on the other hand ma,y bear a price tag of around $770.
On paper, the Galaxy S8 and the LG G6 seem to be matched evenly. Those who are looking for higher RAM and an improved processor will likely lean towards the Samsung offering. On the other hand, those who want a great camera may opt for the LG G6, based on its rumored specs.
A feature that may give the Galaxy S8 the edge over its LG rival is the presence of an iris scanner, a security feature that may be welcomed by consumers. On the other hand, the Full Vision display of the LG G6 could well be a game changer!
With both the rumored smartphones set to house top-notch features, it is difficult to ascertain which handset will find more favor with consumers. Both the smartphones are worth the wait and consumer preference will determine, which way the ball rolls.
Photo: Kārlis Dambrāns I Flickr
