Last year’s modular LG G5 received mixed reviews; we thought it a “modular wonderphone” back in the day, displaying a feat of “technical wizardry”. This year, LG’s G5 reverts back to the usual smartphone form, dropping the modular design for the firm’s latest LG G6.
It’s a shame to see LG move away from that modular wonderphone of old with its intriguing little interchangeable modules, but is what we’re treated to this year really a step back? The LG G5 was near-perfect, but will its non-modular successor achieve the same level of success?
LG G6 review: Key specifications and release date
Quad-core 2.35GHz Snapdragon 821 processor |
4GB RAM |
5.7in 1,440 x 2,880 18:9 IPS display with Gorilla Glass 5 |
Dual 13 megapixel rear camera (f/2.4, f/1.8) |
64GB storage |
Android 7.0 Nougat |
£550 |
March 10 2017 |
LG G6 review: Design, key features and first impressions
So, what’s buried inside the LG G6? Well, first off we’re getting a slimmed-down, sleek and curvier design than the original. Its raison d'être lies in that unusual 5.7in Quad HD+ 18:9 display, paired with LG’s latest Android overlay - UX 6.0.
UX 6.0 focuses on advanced multi-tasking, boasting a much improved camera and more enjoyable ways to engage with films, games and apps. What's more, the 18:9 aspect ratio allows the LG G6 to divide the screen into two squares, permitting you to run two apps simultaneously. Essentially, it’s a 5.7in display nestled in a 5.2in phone.
That 18:9 screen is massive, all for enhancing your eBook and web-browsing experiences (perfect for Twitter scrolling), while best utilised for the likes of games and videos. But, If all that doesn't sound appealing, LG’s G6 does still allow users to view 16:9 ratio content in 18:9 format, for those a little wary of taking the leap. Don’t expect 18:9 to go away any time soon either, LG says its future smartphone lineup has this ‘FullVision’ at its heart.
Dolby Vision and HDR 10 make an appearance on that display, too. Previously only available on high-end TV’s, HDR widens the colour range, producing crisp whites and seriously deep blacks. Obviously, your content will have to be HDR-supported, but both Netflix and Amazon recently let slip that Dolby Vision and HDR video will be streamed to the LG G6 on launch.
The camera on that old G5 was wonderful, with LG’s dual rear camera receiving high praise from Expert Reviews back in the day. Obviously, great things are expected of its predecessor, also sporting a dual 125 degree wide-angle 13-megapixel rear snapper.
The LG G6's 5.7in ‘FullVision’ display, with its 18:9 aspect ratio lends itself as a great companion for camera enthusiasts. Being able to separate the display into two perfect squares had me snapping a square photo (perfect for Instagram), while also reviewing existing shots at the same time. It’s this instant feedback that made the whole experience much easier than any other smartphone before it.
Here's #LGG6 dual view camera in action, allowing you to review existing shots while you take more. #mwc17pic.twitter.com/moZ0jVYsMy
— Nathan Spendelow (@NSpendelow) February 26, 2017
LG G6 review: Early verdict
LG’s move from last year’s modular wonderphone to a near-bog-standard smartphone with this year’s G6 might seem like a step back, but the firm looks to have ticked all the right boxes. There’s still some innovation to be found (something the South Korean company is well known for) with that intriguing aspect ratio, perfect for multi-tasking, and its wide-angle rear snapper.
Is that enough of a selling point? Possibly. My brief time with the G6 was filled with positive first impressions, While it’s not as headline grabbing as its modular forebear, LG’s G6 stole the show at this year’s MWC and with that imminent launch date, we won’t have to wait long to see whether the G6 holds the same level of notoriety.
Stay tuned for my full review of the LG G6 in the very near future.