LG finally took the wraps off its much-awaited LG G6 on Feb. 26 and the new smartphone packs in some impressive features.
The successor of the LG G5 brings in its folds several new features such as a Square camera and FullVision display, but are these sufficient to encourage consumers to upgrade from the older model to the newer LG G6?
Here's a look at the specs and features of LG's old modular warhorse with the latest LG G6, which is taller but just as thick, to help you decide.
Display
It is apparent that LG has given some thought on improving the display of the successor. The LG G6 features a massive 5.7-inch QHD+ Full Vision (18:9 aspect ratio) display with a resolution of 2880 x 1440 pixels. By comparison, the LG G5 sports a smaller 5.3-inch QHD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Since the resolution has jumped from the LG G5 to the LG G6, the pixel density also sees an improvement as well. The LG G6 touts a pixel density of 564ppi vis-à-vis the 554ppi of the LG G5.
It is interesting to note that although the size of the LG G5 is greater than the LG G6, the fact that the latter is nearly bezel-less has allowed it to sport a larger display. LG states that the new device has an 80 percent screen to body ratio.
Processor And Memory
The LG G6 houses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, while the older device is powered by the Snapdragon 820 chipset. The Snapdragon 821 is 10 percent faster than the Snapdragon 820 per Qualcomm, which gives the newer iteration an edge.
Both the smartphones offer the same 4 GB of RAM and are on even keel in this parameter.
An area where the improvement in the next-gen variant is seen is that the LG G6 supports Snapdragon VR SDK, while the LG G5 does not. This means that VR experience will be enhanced greatly in the latest handset.
Storage
Both devices come with 32 GB of internal storage which is expandable up to 2 TB via microSD card. Consumers who had hoped that LG would take things up a notch by offering a 64 GB and 128 GB storage options would undoubtedly be disappointed.
Camera
The LG G5 has a dual-rear camera setup -16MP primary snapper, as well as an 8MP wide-angle camera (135-degree shooting support). However, this gets changed in the LG G6. While the new smartphone also has a dual-rear camera setup, it boasts two 13MP primary cameras. One of the cameras is capable of a 125-degree wide-angle shooting.
However, selfie buffs will be disappointed as the company has downgraded the front-facing snapper from LG G5's 8MP to a mere 5MP in the LG G6. That said, the front-facing camera packs in wide angle capabilities, which means more people can be covered in group shots.
The LG G6 brings Gesture Shot and Auto Shot capabilities for the selfie snapper, which was also available in the older model. The company, however, has an enhanced UX to offer LG G6 users.
"The camera UX has been considerably enhanced thanks to the expansive 18:9 screen aspect ratio display in a way that increases the convenience and the fun. The expansive screen enables users to take and review photos simultaneously. LG UX 6.0 provides a Square Camera feature which divides the 18:9 display into two identical perfect squares. With this, users can shoot images in 1:1 format - a popular format on social media apps such as Instagram - and review them in the adjacent window," notes the company.
LG G6 also benefits from a new Food Mode.
Battery
The LG G6 benefits from a bigger 3300mAh battery, while the LG G5 comes with just a 2800mAh one. However, the LG G6's battery is a non-removable one like the modular LG G5. Both support Quick Charge 3.0.
Operating System
The older device comes with Android Marshmallow out of the box, whereas the LG G6 comes with the latest Android 7.1 Nougat operating system, which may entice some consumers to update to the newer device. However, some LG G5 models in the U.S. are now benefiting from the Android 7.0 Nougat update.
Other Features
The LG G6 is IP68 certified unlike its predecessor, which means that it is water and dust resistant. The smartphone can be dunked in 1.5 meter of water for half an hour. Moreover, the LG G6' U.S. version will support wireless charging.
The only other notable difference is that the LG G6 has introduced is the Google Assistant. The AI assistant which has so far only been available in the Google Pixel devices now makes its debut on LG G6.
Price And Availability
You can buy the LG G5 for $649.99 from the company's website or you can register for the LG G6 to receive updates about the device's release. The pricing for the LG G6 is not known but it will be made available by major U.S. carriers. The LG G5 comes in silver, titan, pink and gold. The LG G6 will be available in white, platinum and black.
The LG G6 packs in several improvements over the LG G5 like most next-gen iterations and for those looking to upgrade, the enhanced display may seal the deal.
