The new LG G5 has come up with some innovations on board. The smartphone has changed the game with its modular design and three cameras. The G5 boasts now a fingerprint scanner at the back. In addition, the backside flaunts a dual camera setup using a 135-degree wide angle lens instead of the conventional lens that many rivals offer. Here are the LG G5 hands-on and images below.
After unveiling the new modular LG G5 at the CES 2016, it is now finally launched in India. The smartphone is targeted to the flagship market competing with the Samsung Galaxy S7 and HTC 10. Although G5 launched at a beefy price of ₹52,999, it is now available for ₹46,990 on Flipkart. LG G5 offers splendid specs as expected for a flagship and since its opponents also offer similar specs.
LG G5 Specifications
- Display: 5.3-inch Quad HD IPS Quantum Display (2560 x 1440 pixels resolution | 554 ppi pixel density), Always-on display
- Display Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 4
- Software: Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow | LG Optimus UX 5.0 UI
- Fingerprint Scanner: Yes, on the power button (backside)
- CPU: Up to 2.15 GHz quad-core Kyro processor, Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 (MSM8996) SoC
- GPU: Adreno 530 (624 MHz)
- Memory: 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM
- Storage: 32 GB UFS ROM, External up to 2 TB (theoretical) using MicroSD card
- Rear Camera: Dual Cameras 16 MP + 8 MP (f/1.8 + f/2.4), 78-degree standard angle, 135-degree wide-angle, Color Spectrum Sensor, Laser autofocus, LED Flash, 3-axis OIS 2.0, RAW support, 4K Video
- Front Camera: 8 MP, f/2.0, 1080p@30fps
- Connectivity: USB Type-C, 3.5 mm audio jack, USB OTG, NFC, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, DLNA, Bluetooth 4.2, A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS
- Sensors: Fingerprint, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, compass, barometer, color spectrum
- Cellular: 4G LTE network, Hybrid SIM Slot, Supports dual nano-SIM cards (GSM + GSM or GSM + MicroSD), VoLTE support
- Others: Always-on Display, Modular Design: LG Cam Plus, & LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play, Low Power Location Estimation (LPLE) Technology, aptX™ HD 24-bit Hi-Fi Wireless Audio, Qualcomm QuickCharge 3.0, Support for LG 360 VR, FM Radio
- SAR Value: 1.400 W/Kg @1g (Head), 0.682 W/Kg @1g (Body)
- Battery: 2,800 mAh Li-ion (removable)
- Power Adapter: Fast Charger (Output 9V/5V, 1.8A)
- Dimensions: 7.7 mm x 149.4 mm x 73.9 mm
- Weight: 159 grams
- Colors: Silver, Titan, Gold, Pink
- Price: ₹46,990 (Flipkart)
- Warranty: 1 Year Warranty
G5 boasts a 5.3-inch Quad HD IPS Quantum display having 2560 x 1440 pixels resolution (554 ppi pixel density) and an intelligent Always-on display. Being a smaller size compared to its companions, it’s close to a perfect fit in one hand. Also, it’s noticeably light (159 grams) and compact. LG G5 is designed beautifully out of its exterior shell.
When I have gone through those brilliant on-paper specifications, I noticed that the form factor got reduced to a smaller one with a 5.3-inch display size compared to the LG G4. No only the display, but the battery also got shrunk to the 2800 mAh while its predecessor G4 being using a 3000 mAh battery instead. I wonder if Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 is a real powerhouse, don’t you think a large battery power is essential here?
Running on the Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS, it houses a top-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 SoC with a large 4 GB RAM module, and a high-end Adreno 530 GPU. Yes, the memory is now increased to 4 GB RAM. The quad-core Kyro processor is clocked at 2.15 GHz. There’s a 32 GB UFS storage which can be extended up to 2 TB using Micro SD theoretically.
It’s the first time a fingerprint scanner is integrated into the LG G series. The fingerprint scanner lies on the back of the phone on the power button. The fingerprint scanner is actually the power button.
G5 has top-notch specifications for its price. There are total three cameras, two on the back and one on the front. LG G5 comes with dual camera setup, 16 MP + 8MP (f/1.8 + f/2.4) on the back and an 8 MP camera on the front. The 16 MP rear camera covers 78-degree standard angle while 8 MP covers wide 135-degree angle. The camera further supports 3-axis Optical Image Stabilization, RAW image support, and 4K video recording. Moreover, it uses laser autofocus for quick focusing. The single LED flash is shared between both the cameras.
Another smart move from LG G5 is the new modular design. In an effort to take out the competition, LG introduced an innovative stuff, i.e. a modular design in which you can swap an expansion module transforming the smartphone experience to a whole new level. The G5 features a modular design that includes a removable battery which slides out from the bottom that you can easily replace with a new fully charged one. Expansion modules like a large battery, a camera module, or a hi-fi audio player can be attached to the G5. Google’s Project ARA concept is quite similar to it.
LG G5 uses the new USB Type-C port on the bottom while some of its competitors are still using the old Micro USB port. The bottom further has a microphone and an amazing loudspeaker. The bottom dock can be removed due to its modular design. Top area has another microphone, a 3.5 mm stereo jack, and an IR Blaster.
The right side carries a flimsy hybrid SIM tray that holds two nano SIM cards. Since the tray is a hybrid, you can use either two SIM or one SIM + Micro SD card. The smartphone supports 4G Network with VoLTE support. The left side has volume control. If you’ve been finding a power button, it’s actually on the backside where the fingerprint is embedded into it.
The beautiful and striking LG G5 determines its unique design, particularly its modular form which certainly changes the game over time. It is yet a great update from the LG G4 and we are waiting how well could it be competing with the all-rounders like the Samsung Galaxy S7. Leave a comment and let us know about your views.
