LG has announced its new fleet of Q-series smartphones, which look to take on the likes of the Moto G6 and Nokia 6 (2018).
Compared to last year’s model, the LG Q6 – a near-spitting image of the LG G6 with its 18:9 aspect ratio FullVision display – the LG Q7 borrows more from the new LG G7 ThinQ.
There are a few differences, like thin bezels near the top and bottom with no notch in sight, but the Q7's power button is on the phone's right-hand side and LG has sensibly opted for a fingerprint sensor on the back, which is an improvement over 2017’s Q6. This one has also made the jump from micro USB to USB-C, and supports Fast Charge.
A smarter mid-range phone
Digging into specifics, the new LG mid-ranger will come to market in three variations: the Q7, Q7 Plus and Q7 Alpha. Despite each housing the same 5.5-inch display, they're quite different on the inside.
– Q7+ : Rear 16MP with PDAF / Front 8MP or 5MP (Super Wide Angle 5MP only)
– Q7 : Rear 13MP with PDAF / Front 8MP or 5MP (Super Wide Angle 5MP only)
– Q7α : Rear 13MP with PDAF / Front 5MP (Super Wide Angle)
Battery: 3,000mAh
OS: Android 8.0 Oreo
Size: 143.8 x 69.3 x 8.4mm
Weight: 145g
Network: LTE / 3G / 2G
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b, g, n / Bluetooth 4.2 BLE / NFC / USB Type-C 2.0
Other: Fingerprint Scanner / QLens / Hi-Fi Quad DAC (Q7+) / DTS:X 3D Surround Sound / IP68 Water and Dust Resistance / Google Assistant / Face Recognition / Smart Rear Key / Fast Charging / MIL-STD 810G Compliant / Portrait Mode / Flash Jump Cut / Music Flash / Timer Helper / FM Radio
LG makes it clear that, depending on which phone you opt for, the rear camera will differ, as will the amount of RAM and onboard storage. High-end features like Quad DAC are coming to the Q7 Plus, but there’s no indication where that particular model will be released and how much it will cost.
Confusion aside, we’re happy to see what seems to be an across-the-board improvement here for the standard Q7, what with its Android Oreo software, fingerprint sensor and IP68 protection.
We still need hear about the price before the Moto G6 needs to worry about being dethroned from our list of the best cheap phones, but based on the US$239 pricing of the Q6, it’s clearly gunning for the budget-range champs.
Google Clips, the company’s pocket-sized camera that’s driven by AI and machine learning, has a new update coming out. This one, launching just before Mother’s Day, grants Clips the ability to automatically recognize and record kisses, hugs, and most importantly, your sweet dance moves.
At launch, Clips could recognize pets, faces, and more specifically, smiles, and start capturing. Now, it’s broadening its reach to detect the more tender moments quicker than you can reach for your phone.
Another addition to its arsenal is family pairing. It’s a much-requested feature, according to Google, that allows another family member to gain access to Clips through the app. Previously, this product was limited to one phone, partially for security reasons, but this addition is a good move.
Building off of the previous update, which added high-resolution photo snapping mapped to its shutter button, Google Clips is better than it was at launch. Though still not for everyone, and still not available to anyone outside of the US, it’s currently offered on the Google Store for $50 off, making it $199 in celebration of Mother’s Day.
Will the iPhone SE 2 still look like the iPhone 5S? According to a render shared by Olixar, a case manufacturer, it will indeed. But it will also supposedly fit neatly in line with the iPhone X with a notched display.
Leaks for the next palm-friendly iPhone have ramped up in the past month ahead of WWDC 2018, and this render affirms most of what we’ve heard so far.
If you like the styling of the iPhone SE, including its size and button layout, it seems you’ll be right at home with the newer model. However, the screen real estate looks to be getting some major improvements by breaking away its huge bezels, opting for the now-famous notch that was first introduced on the iPhone X.
Just one of Apple's 2018 phones
Apple is said to be working on several iPhone models for 2018, the iPhone SE 2 and iPhone XI included. If the successor to 2016’s iPhone SE has a notch, that means each of Apple’s phones will, more or less, look the same.
And while the iPhone SE was the last bastion for the 3.5mm headphone jack, recent leaks state that the cherished hardware will go the way of the bezel, meaning that it will disappear.
Phone launches are typically reserved for Apple’s September event, though it’s possible that the company could release this earlier to put more focus on its flagship lineup.
Here's everything we know about iOS 12 - this year's new software
We were able to test out the best Android P immediately after the Google IO 2018 keynote and, compared to last year’s Android Oreo, this is a huge jump forward.
Sure, it’s fair to expect a few visual tweaks year-over-year. But there seems to be way more to unpack inside of this update, which has just released in a public beta for the Google Pixel 2 and, thanks to Project Treble, a load of other phones as well.
Interestingly, it seems like Google is saving some of the more interesting additions we saw onstage for the final release that’s slated for release later in 2018. IO 2018 highlights like Shush, Wind down and Dashboard, ones that aim to improve your digital well-being, are omitted from this current beta release.
We were also surprised to notice that the brand new home button that reminds just about everyone of the iPhone X isn’t available just yet, though we did have a chance to try it out at Google IO.
We talked with Google developers about the new release, asked what their favorite features are, and now, we’ve had a while to play around with Android P on a few devices of our own. Here are the game-changing features that may change the way you use Android moving forward.
1. Actions
Actions are a buzz word at Google IO 2018 and for good reason, it seems. They are the new lifeblood that connects all of its hardware, whether it be smart displays, phones, or Android TV soundbars. Basically, an Action is a specific task within an app that you commonly perform. A few quick ones that come to mind are posting a photo to Instagram, and playing music from your recent favorites on Google Play Music. They’re essentially shortcuts that let you do more with fewer taps.
We’re seeing the debut of Actions on Android P, and after a few hours of use on our Google Pixel 2 XL review unit, we noticed some Actions placed near the suggested apps in the app drawer. These will be specific to you and reflect how you use your phone. If you like them a whole lot and don’t want to swipe up to access them, you can even save them to your home screen.
If you don’t want to wait for your phone to make Action suggestions, you can make some of your own, too. Just tap and hold on an app icon until the quick menu pops up, as is illustrated below, then tap and hold on one of the Actions that you’d like to turn into a shortcut.
2. Logical volume controls
Google is overhauling volume controls in Android P, and it’s about time. First off, adjusting the volume will always default to modifying the media volume, not the call or alarm volume as previous Android versions sometimes annoyingly default to.
The user interface surrounding volume has shifted over to near where the hardware buttons are located, so you can easily switch to dragging the software bar instead. Also, toggling between vibrate, silent mode and regular volume is done just by tapping a small button above the volume bar.
Here’s something you might not read about elsewhere. Google showed us a new button combo that can automatically switch your phone to vibrate mode without unlocking the phone. Just briefly click and hold both the power and volume up buttons to toggle it to vibrate instead of ring out loud. You’ll feel a subtle jolt of vibration to confirm your selection.
We still prefer a mute switch or hardware slider, like OnePlus has done, but this is a big improvement for stock Android.
Lastly, though we heard no word of it at Google IO 2018, Android P looks to be incorporating a new feature that can remember your preferred volume levels for Bluetooth devices. This way, your media is neither too loud, nor is it too quiet.
3. The new home button
Ah, yes. The new home button. It’s been a really long time since Android went under the knife in such a major way, and this one is sure to stir up fans, especially the ones who don’t want their phone to be compared to the iPhone X.
Regardless of the similarities, the new home button and nav feel surprisingly cozy after a minute of using it. Once on the home menu, swiping up reveals a new sort of launcher, one that shows off the apps that you have open, as well as a few suggested apps. Swipe up again and you’ll be seeing the good ol’ app drawer, which is seeing a few updates, as we noted in the Actions section.
If you’re on the home screen, moving the home button over to the right scrubs through each app that you have open, so you can effortlessly switch apps without multiple button presses. Google will likely find more ways to boost efficiency while using your phone, but we’re not seeing too much just yet in this beta release.
We’ve downloaded the second developer preview on both the Google Pixel XL and Google Pixel 2 XL and were surprised to not see the new home button on either, but it should be coming sooner rather than later.
4. Smarter multitasking features
Being able to split your screen into two for multitasking was revolutionary when it was announced. It has since grown a bit long in the tooth, as some apps require more screen real estate to operate correctly. I personally don’t use it much for this reason, and that’s why I’m so excited for what’s coming in Android P.
Split screen is still here, but accessing it is a bit different
From the app switch screen, you can actually copy text from suspended apps running in the background and paste them wherever you’d like. We all have our reasons for multitasking, but my primary use case is copy/pasting information from one app into another. Being able to copy info without actually full switching over to a new app is a huge time-saver and likely, a battery-saver as well.
5. You'll use your phone less
This one sound weird, but part of the design philosophy behind Android P is all about creating some space between you and your phone. Google debuted Dashboard, a new feature coming to a later version of Android P.
Dashboard splits apart your time spent using each app, allowing you to set timers that alert you when you’ve passed the allotment. It’s not meant to annoy you, and Google is also trying to help users balance their digital lives by developing what’s being called notification digests in some of its apps. It will pull together the most notable updates throughout the day in one page, so you can quickly glance at what you missed while you were off living life.
This is a bold change, not just for Android, but for the tech world as a whole. Google, a tech company, is devising ways to keep you from getting lost in technology. Despite its interests in keeping you deeply rooted in its services, I appreciate that it’s putting resources toward helping people who simply spend too much time on their phones.
We were able to test out the best Android P immediately after the Google IO 2018 keynote and, compared to last year’s Android Oreo, this is a huge jump forward.
Sure, it’s fair to expect a few visual tweaks year-over-year. But there seems to be way more to unpack inside of this update, which has just released in a public beta for the Google Pixel 2 and, thanks to Project Treble, a load of other phones as well.
Interestingly, it seems like Google is saving some of the more interesting additions we saw onstage for the final release that’s slated for release later in 2018. IO 2018 highlights like Shush, Wind down and Dashboard, ones that aim to improve your digital well-being, are omitted from this current beta release.
We were also surprised to notice that the brand new home button that reminds just about everyone of the iPhone X isn’t available just yet, though we did have a chance to try it out at Google IO.
We talked with Google developers about the new release, asked what their favorite features are, and now, we’ve had a while to play around with Android P on a few devices of our own. Here are the game-changing features that may change the way you use Android moving forward.
1. Actions
Actions are a buzz word at Google IO 2018 and for good reason, it seems. They are the new lifeblood that connects all of its hardware, whether it be smart displays, phones, or Android TV soundbars. Basically, an Action is a specific task within an app that you commonly perform. A few quick ones that come to mind are posting a photo to Instagram, and playing music from your recent favorites on Google Play Music. They’re essentially shortcuts that let you do more with fewer taps.
We’re seeing the debut of Actions on Android P, and after a few hours of use on our Google Pixel 2 XL review unit, we noticed some Actions placed near the suggested apps in the app drawer. These will be specific to you and reflect how you use your phone. If you like them a whole lot and don’t want to swipe up to access them, you can even save them to your home screen.
If you don’t want to wait for your phone to make Action suggestions, you can make some of your own, too. Just tap and hold on an app icon until the quick menu pops up, as is illustrated below, then tap and hold on one of the Actions that you’d like to turn into a shortcut.
2. Logical volume controls
Google is overhauling volume controls in Android P, and it’s about time. First off, adjusting the volume will always default to modifying the media volume, not the call or alarm volume as previous Android versions sometimes annoyingly default to.
The user interface surrounding volume has shifted over to near where the hardware buttons are located, so you can easily switch to dragging the software bar instead. Also, toggling between vibrate, silent mode and regular volume is done just by tapping a small button above the volume bar.
Here’s something you might not read about elsewhere. Google showed us a new button combo that can automatically switch your phone to vibrate mode without unlocking the phone. Just briefly click and hold both the power and volume up buttons to toggle it to vibrate instead of ring out loud. You’ll feel a subtle jolt of vibration to confirm your selection.
We still prefer a mute switch or hardware slider, like OnePlus has done, but this is a big improvement for stock Android.
Lastly, though we heard no word of it at Google IO 2018, Android P looks to be incorporating a new feature that can remember your preferred volume levels for Bluetooth devices. This way, your media is neither too loud, nor is it too quiet.
3. The new home button
Ah, yes. The new home button. It’s been a really long time since Android went under the knife in such a major way, and this one is sure to stir up fans, especially the ones who don’t want their phone to be compared to the iPhone X.
Regardless of the similarities, the new home button and nav feel surprisingly cozy after a minute of using it. Once on the home menu, swiping up reveals a new sort of launcher, one that shows off the apps that you have open, as well as a few suggested apps. Swipe up again and you’ll be seeing the good ol’ app drawer, which is seeing a few updates, as we noted in the Actions section.
If you’re on the home screen, moving the home button over to the right scrubs through each app that you have open, so you can effortlessly switch apps without multiple button presses. Google will likely find more ways to boost efficiency while using your phone, but we’re not seeing too much just yet in this beta release.
We’ve downloaded the second developer preview on both the Google Pixel XL and Google Pixel 2 XL and were surprised to not see the new home button on either, but it should be coming sooner rather than later.
4. Smarter multitasking features
Being able to split your screen into two for multitasking was revolutionary when it was announced. It has since grown a bit long in the tooth, as some apps require more screen real estate to operate correctly. I personally don’t use it much for this reason, and that’s why I’m so excited for what’s coming in Android P.
Split screen is still here, but accessing it is a bit different
From the app switch screen, you can actually copy text from suspended apps running in the background and paste them wherever you’d like. We all have our reasons for multitasking, but my primary use case is copy/pasting information from one app into another. Being able to copy info without actually full switching over to a new app is a huge time-saver and likely, a battery-saver as well.
5. You'll use your phone less
This one sound weird, but part of the design philosophy behind Android P is all about creating some space between you and your phone. Google debuted Dashboard, a new feature coming to a later version of Android P.
Dashboard splits apart your time spent using each app, allowing you to set timers that alert you when you’ve passed the allotment. It’s not meant to annoy you, and Google is also trying to help users balance their digital lives by developing what’s being called notification digests in some of its apps. It will pull together the most notable updates throughout the day in one page, so you can quickly glance at what you missed while you were off living life.
This is a bold change, not just for Android, but for the tech world as a whole. Google, a tech company, is devising ways to keep you from getting lost in technology. Despite its interests in keeping you deeply rooted in its services, I appreciate that it’s putting resources toward helping people who simply spend too much time on their phones.
The Moto Z3 Play has popped up in a recent leak, showing off a new 18:9 aspect ratio display styling and a slight shuffling around in design.
Compared to the Moto Z3 or Moto Z3 Force that will likely debut in July of this year, the one we’re seeing today is supposedly the Moto Z3 Play variant, and it looks like it matches a previous leak. This more affordable version of the flagship is said to feature a 6-inch display that pushes a decidedly mid-range (but still acceptable) resolution of 2,160 x 1,080, according to ITHome.
As Moto usually does, what you’ll get in terms of specs within the Z3 Play depends on where you live. While it’s unconfirmed where each configuration will launch, there are likely to be two versions, both featuring the Snapdragon 636 chipset, but differing in RAM amount and onboard storage. One version will have 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, while the other will have 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.
Credit: ITHome
What else do we know?
The upcoming generation of Z phones will be the third to support Motorola’s suite of Moto Mods, which are magnetic modular attachments that can extend the use cases of the phone in some really fun ways. There’s one that can project movies onto a wall, an Alexa speaker for on-the-go use, and several more.
That aside, the Z3 Play looks like it will have the model name of XT1929 and may come with Android Oreo 8.1 out of the box, which could prime it for an Android P upgrade when it hits later this year.
Looking at the leaked photos, it seems that this year’s modular-friendly phone will fit in with the Moto G6 in terms of styling, moving the fingerprint sensor off of the front to let the screen extend into a more cinematic aspect ratio. There are a few things that go unanswered, though, like where exactly its fingerprint sensor will be located, and if it will feature a headphone jack.
Seeing a leak for this phone pop up is encouraging, as we last heard that Moto might have been winding down its Moto Mods program. We’ll be sure to find out more soon, as its alleged June launch date is nearing.
One of the LG G7 ThinQ’s biggest competitors will be the OnePlus 6, which is set to debut on May 16. Though there’s still a bit of mystery shrouding OnePlus’ latest creation, there’s still plenty to talk about when it comes to comparing it to LG’s new, notch-touting smartphone.
First off, LG’s option is almost guaranteed to be more expensive, but can it outperform the latest OnePlus? We’ll go through several categories to suss out their differences to see which one climbs ahead. Plus, we’ll be updating this article as we learn more about the OnePlus 6.
Interested in seeing how the G7 ThinQ stacks up to some other competition? Check out the links below.
While OnePlus has always stuck with aluminum for its chassis material, it has recently confirmed to be going with glass for the OnePlus 6. This puts it at neck and neck with the LG G7 ThinQ’s design, which yields support for wireless charging.
Both the G7 ThinQ and OnePlus 6 share a lot in common when it comes to design and hardware features, but each has one feature that sets them apart from the other.
Watch our hands on LG G7 ThinQ video below to see the phone in action
You’ll find a headphone jack and USB-C charging port on their bottoms and a power button mounted on the right side. The volume rocker is located on left, but OnePlus 6 will keep its famous alert slider to quickly adjust volume profiles. The G7 ThinQ may not have that, but what it does have is a Google Assistant button that will bring up the voice assistant with a press.
From a design perspective, these waterproof phones look quite similar head-on thanks to their notches. In fact, you might have a hard time distinguishing them if not for their unique software launchers.
Display
The LG G7 ThinQ will stow a 6.1-inch LCD display that runs at a Quad HD Plus resolution. Basically, the plus comes from the extra bit of real estate gained by utilizing screen space around the notch, putting the phone at a 19.5:9 aspect ratio.
The new OnePlus phone is likely to have a similar amount of screen space, too, given that it will also feature the notch. What remains to be seen is whether OnePlus will adopt LCD or OLED for its phone. Additionally, OnePlus tends to stick with Full HD resolution, a boon to battery life, though the OnePlus 6 could very well be its first Quad HD smartphone.
OS and power
The LG G7 ThinQ will feature Android Oreo out of the box and we can likely say the same for the OnePlus 6. It's always difficult to predict if and when each will see their Android P updates once the software releases later in 2018, but hopefully sooner than later.
Under the glass, both phones will be similar in some ways. You'll find the Snapdragon 845 powering the G7 ThinQ and OnePlus 6, however at least in the US, the RAM count will make choosing between the two rather easy for some. Simply put, is the G7 ThinQ's 4GB not enough? Then OnePlus' 8GB will suit you fine. Of course, the gap narrows in other regions with the G7 ThinQ shipping with 6GB of RAM.
All said, both phones will be plenty capable against the onslaught of demanding apps and games set to release in 2018 and beyond.
Camera and battery
Despite the importance of a solid chipset and RAM, the battery and camera can make or break a phone's appeal. And this is one area in particular where we don't know much about the OnePlus 6.
Shifting focus back to LG's new phone, we're looking at its dual-lens camera system on the back of the device. It's now flipped vertically instead of the horizontal array we saw in the LG G6 and LG V30. But beyond that change, LG has opted for two 16MP sensors, the main having an aperture value of f/1.6 and the wide-angle lens rocking a still-respectable f/1.9 aperture for low-light capabilities.
On its other side, LG has bumped up the selfie camera to 8MP, so this should elevate it far beyond what we've seen in previous efforts, which frankly, hasn't been great.
Moving onto the battery, LG's new phone has a relatively meager 3,000mAh battery, which should give us all-day performance with the option of wireless charging thanks to its glass back. We won't know for sure how long it can last, though, until the final review hits.
We expect OnePlus to be competitive in both the camera and battery space, but we don't yet know how it plans to distinguish itself in the OnePlus 6.
Price
Price is one section where OnePlus should have it in the bag, even if the OnePlus 6 costs more than any of the company's devices before.
LG is likely targeting the $750-850 price range for the G7 ThinQ, as it has done for its previous phones. How long the new phone will stay at that launch price remains to be seen, but OnePlus will likely undercut it out of the gate by at least $100, which could make it an easy choice for those who want more phone specs for less.
Takeaway
There's a very good chance that the OnePlus 6 could end up being the better phone out of the two. We obviously are reserving judgment because the OnePlus 6 isn't in the public eye just yet.
But from a value perspective, OnePlus' forte, LG's G7 ThinQ really doesn't seem to offer enough for its price when you compare it to the powerhouse that the OnePlus 6 is likely to be. Of course, this is riding hard on the OnePlus 6 continuing to be an affordable alternative to sub-$1,000 flagship smartphones.
It’s difficult to choose between phones, especially when they’re made by the same company. Focusing on the new LG G7 ThinQ and 2017’s LG V30, we’re going to split apart their offerings to help you get a clear idea of where your money should go if you’re ready to upgrade.
Since deciding factors range from specs, design and features, we’ll be sure to touch on all of it so that you can make the best decision possible from a value perspective.
Looking to see how LG's new phone stacks up against some other options? Check out the links below.
The new G7 ThinQ and the V30 are cut from a similar mold in that they both are glass-covered smartphones with durable aluminum frames. From afar, they may look similar enough, but up close there are some real differences to behold.
Starting with their respective fronts, the G7 ThinQ differs with its 19.5:9 aspect ratio, improved over the V30’s 18:9 screen all thanks to its optional notch. Said notch houses the front-facing camera and all of the usual sensors, but otherwise, the two phones closely mirror each other with their chin bezels.
Watch our hands on LG G7 ThinQ video below to see the phone in action
Button placement varies wildly between the two phones. While the V30 maintained LG’s usual execution of doubling up the fingerprint sensor’s duty as a power button, the power button is now shifted to the right side of the G7 ThinQ.
Opposite to the power button, there’s a volume rocker and a new Google Assistant button just below it. Regarding the latter, you’ll find no such thing on the V30 and your mileage will certainly vary with the inclusion of a dedicated voice assistant button.
The LG V30 upclose
The G7 ThinQ utilizes a dual-lens camera system on its back, like the V30, but it’s now aligned vertically in the center of the phone.
Lastly, the 3.5mm headphone jack makes its return for those who enjoy wired listening.
Display
LG impressed with the V30’s 6-inch OLED display, which made it the company’s first Google Daydream-ready phone. But it was good for more than just VR – movies, TV shows and images look stellar on the vibrant screen.
Now, LG has switched back to LCD for the G7 ThinQ. Though it won’t allow for VR, it’s still very colorful and capable, enough so to earn HDR certification. With its notch, the G7 has a resolution of 3,120 x 1,440. This is a sizeable increase in screen real estate compared to the V30’s 2,880 x 1,440 display.
The G7 ThinQ's LCD screen pops, but it may fall short of the OLED-equipped V30
In addition to a boost in resolution, LG has put more effort into rethinking outdoor readability of its G7 ThinQ LCD display. Its 6.1-inch screen shines at 1,000 nits – its highest ever – to allow for better viewing angles outdoors. During our initial hands-on with the phone, it definitely makes a difference, but we note that Samsung, too, has excelled with bright screens on its phones in the past.
OS and power
The LG V30 has been slow to adopt Android Oreo, but it has done so in most regions. On the other hand, the G7 ThinQ will come with Android Oreo out of the box and we have our fingers crossed for a fast update to Android P when it releases later in 2018.
In terms of power, the G7 ThinQ outclasses the V30 in terms of its Snapdragon 845 chipset, which promises boosted power and efficiency over last year’s Snapdragon 835. Don’t get us wrong, the 835 is still plenty capable for most, if not all smartphone tasks and games, but it’s old news compared to Qualcomm’s latest, more efficient chipset.
Regarding RAM, you’ll get a different story depending on where you live. Outside of the US and UK, the G7 ThinQ may arrive with 6GB of RAM, but only 4GB in the US. So, it ranges from cutting-edge in its offering to being simply on-par with much of what we’ve seen in smartphones throughout 2017. As phones inch toward including 8GB of RAM, 4GB is becoming long in the tooth, not necessarily in terms of a performance bottleneck, but for value. You’re not getting enough for your money here compared to last year’s V30.
Camera and battery
The cameras built into the G7 ThinQ appear to be more capable than what’s in the V30. Stocked with two 16MP lenses on its rear, it should handily beat out last year’s phone that had a 16MP and 13MP camera system. We’ll be testing this out for the final review, so head over there for in-depth findings.
Carrying on LG’s wide-angle legacy, the G7 ThinQ goes big, but not as big as phones before it. Compared to the LG V20’s 135-degree field of view on back and the V30’s 120, the G7 ThinQ goes up to 107-degrees, a value that LG says reduces the fish-eye effect seen on previous models.
Shifting focus to battery, LG has opted for a smaller 3,000mAh capacity for the G7 ThinQ compared to the V30’s respectable 3,300mAh. Given that LG’s new phone is .6mm thicker than the V30, it really doesn’t make a whole lot of sense why LG couldn’t use that space for a bigger battery.
Lastly, both phones support wireless charging thanks to their glass backs.
Price
The G7’s price isn’t currently known, but we’re hoping it’s more affordable than the likes of the iPhone X. During a pre-brief, LG told TechRadar that carriers will set the pricing, but that an unlocked version will be in the range below more expensive options. Realistically and optimistically, this places it in the $700-$849 price range.
Last year, the V30 launched at $809, £799 in the UK and AU$1,199 in Australia. Since then, it has dropped a fair amount, but you’re likely to find it for around $700.
Takeaway
The takeaway here isn’t as decisive as you might hope. LG’s recent phones have raised the bar in terms of features and build quality, so it’s a positive shift in a sense that they don’t depreciate as quickly.
Compared to the V30, the G7 ThinQ is all but guaranteed to receive the more exciting updates and new features as time wears on. Additionally, the camera performance and gaming experience should be a nice step above what 2017’s V30 brought along.
At the same time, you’re not really at a loss should you opt for the V30. You’ll pay less and, depending on your preferences, the OLED display might be more to your liking.
Update: Perhaps in response to low pre-order numbers, or just backlach, B&H has lowered the price of the LG V30S ThinQ by a whopping $200. This brings the total down to $729 for the phone, which is much more palatable.
Still expensive for a phone using last year's chipset, it will likely only be a bit cheaper than the LG G7 ThinQ.
Original article follows below.
The LG V30S ThinQ is now available for pre-order in US. Announced at MWC 2018, this is LG’s slightly improved take on the 2017 LG V30, boasting a boost in the RAM department, up to 6GB of RAM over four, double the storage at 128GB, and smart camera features.
These small tweaks come at a big price, though. B&H is offering the V30S ThinQ for $929, a price that’s well above the cost of the LG V30, as well as many other recommended Android flagship phones.
Is the V30S ThinQ a good phone? Yes. But at this point in 2018, to say that the V30S ThinQ is a bad value is a bit of an understatement. Compared to the LG G7 ThinQ that’s set to launch on May 2, this one features last year’s Snapdragon 835 – a proficient, but outdated chipset. For the same amount of money, you could buy two Essential Phones.
A strange phone released at a stranger time
We weren’t sure if the device would ever roll out on a global basis, and frankly, we weren’t sure if it deserved to because of its strictly iterative adjustments to the V30 formula, and what with the LG G7 ThinQ coming very soon.
If you have an LG V30, there’s little reason to upgrade. The V30S ThinQ has the same design and similar internal components down to the screen and chipset. While it’s great that LG just released a V30 update that brings the AI Cam and Bright Mode (the V30S ThinQ’s highlight smart features), doing so makes it extremely difficult to recommend.
T-Mobile and Sprint have announced that they intend to merge into a unified carrier simply called T-Mobile. This will put the conjoined company in number three position in terms of subscribers behind Verizon and AT&T.
By joining forces, T-Mobile now comprises of both company’s subscribers, as well as those who use MetroPCS, Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile.
T-Mobile claims that it will be able to provide “lower prices, better quality, unmatched value, and greater competition” to US customers. How exactly it intends to do that hasn’t yet been disclosed – probably because the companies haven’t actually merged yet. The merger is expected to transpire no later than the first half of 2019.
T-Mobile’s first mission is to be the first to deploy a blanket of 5G coverage over the US. In addition to the boon that 5G claims to be in terms of connectivity quality and speed, it claims that accomplishing such a lofty goal will bring as much as three million new jobs in the US by 2024.
If you’re a T-Mobile or Sprint subscriber, there’s nothing you need to worry about for now. But it’s possible that things might change at some point next year – hopefully, for the better.
T-Mobile and Sprint have announced that they intend to merge into a unified carrier simply called T-Mobile. This will put the conjoined company in number three position in terms of subscribers behind Verizon and AT&T.
By joining forces, T-Mobile now comprises of both company’s subscribers, as well as those who use MetroPCS, Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile.
T-Mobile claims that it will be able to provide “lower prices, better quality, unmatched value, and greater competition” to US customers. How exactly it intends to do that hasn’t yet been disclosed – probably because the companies haven’t actually merged yet. The merger is expected to transpire no later than the first half of 2019.
T-Mobile’s first mission is to be the first to deploy a blanket of 5G coverage over the US. In addition to the boon that 5G claims to be in terms of connectivity quality and speed, it claims that accomplishing such a lofty goal will bring as much as three million new jobs in the US by 2024.
If you’re a T-Mobile or Sprint subscriber, there’s nothing you need to worry about for now. But it’s possible that things might change at some point next year – hopefully, for the better.
T-Mobile and Sprint have announced that they intend to merge into a unified carrier simply called T-Mobile. This will put the conjoined company in number three position in terms of subscribers behind Verizon and AT&T.
By joining forces, T-Mobile now comprises of both company’s subscribers, as well as those who use MetroPCS, Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile.
T-Mobile claims that it will be able to provide “lower prices, better quality, unmatched value, and greater competition” to US customers. How exactly it intends to do that hasn’t yet been disclosed – probably because the companies haven’t actually merged yet. The merger is expected to transpire no later than the first half of 2019.
T-Mobile’s first mission is to be the first to deploy a blanket of 5G coverage over the US. In addition to the boon that 5G claims to be in terms of connectivity quality and speed, it claims that accomplishing such a lofty goal will bring as much as three million new jobs in the US by 2024.
If you’re a T-Mobile or Sprint subscriber, there’s nothing you need to worry about for now. But it’s possible that things might change at some point next year – hopefully, for the better.
Compared to Android Oreo, which you’ll find only on 4.6% of Google phones around the globe, iOS 11 adoption is stellar at 76% of all compatible iPhones.
Despite this incredible number and stark contrast, there may be reason for Apple to worry: fewer users have taken the leap to install iOS 11 than previous operating system updates. Compared to the 79% of iPhone owners who installed iOS 10, the 3% difference may seem minuscule on paper, but in reality it’s a sizable disparity. That’s millions of people who have hit 'remind me later' at every prompt to update their iPhones.
The reason for the fall in adoption? It’s hard to pin it on one or two things – nah, it’s actually pretty easy. From the outset, iOS 11 was targeted more to iPad power users than iPhones, though it brings a fair amount of changes and features to phones. It also brought a heck of a lot of issues, which we’ve been busy keeping track of in our too-long list of iOS 11 problems.
iOS 12 adoption will likely be higher
Apple enjoys patting itself on the back for high adoption numbers, and for good reason. It’s a really impressive feat to have so many of its users making the jump to new software. Though the number of iOS 10 to iOS 11 converts isn’t as high as years before, there’s little doubt that Apple won’t mention it positively at WWDC 2018, especially framed in comparison to Android’s continued struggle to widely spread – perhaps Project Treble will change the story with Android P.
iOS 12 is right around the corner, and based on early reports, Apple looks to be focusing primarily on tweaking what’s inside of the experience rather than providing much in the way of exciting, new features. Normally, an update with few highlights might see adoption numbers falling further, but we don’t expect this to happen for the new Apple software.
Sure, it’s possible that iOS 11 users may not see much of a reason to upgrade from a feature standpoint. But one look at our iOS 11 problems page shows that, figuratively speaking, some users feel like they’re on a burning boat and will likely jump toward anything that offers to save them. Hopefully, iOS 12 makes good on that trust.
If you own the LG V30, you might have noticed a recent update that injected some relatively useful AI smarts into the camera app. Not just that, the device’s name has suddenly changed to LG V30 ThinQ. In short, a whole lot has changed seemingly out of nowhere.
That’s because starting with its 2017 hit and continuing soon with its LG G7 ThinQ, LG shared with TechRadar that it has worked to change its ways when it comes to post-release support for its smartphones, and interestingly, is has Ubisoft to thank.
The game developer/publisher of many acclaimed franchises, like Assassin’s Creed and Rainbow Six, inspired the Korean company to continue bringing substantive updates to its previously released phones.
LG’s Frank Lee wasn’t shy to share praise, saying that “it’s just all very clever how [Ubisoft] finds a way to provide new experiences without having to reinvent the wheel every time. Talking as a fan of its games, it’s such a pleasant surprise that they are improving on products that are already successful and, at times, years old.”
Adapting Ubisoft’s model to LG’s hardware plan
Of course, phones aren’t all that comparable to games, but Lee said that the company wanted to deliver appreciable updates in a similar manner as a show of faith to both its customers and its products.
Bright Mode considerably improves the low-light capability of the V30
Speaking on the post-launch roadmap of the V30, which released in late 2017: “We didn’t know that it would eventually be called “ThinQ”. We knew that eventually we’d need to come to our audience to explain LG’s position on AI.” This all came to fruition in a recent update that brought along the AI Cam feature we first saw in the LG V30S ThinQ, as well as Bright Mode, which does a surprisingly good job of brightening low-light environments with software improvements.
But even without a plan in place, LG knew that its phone would be primed to evolve over time. “Our version [of Ubisoft’s model] ensures that the phone hardware that we invest in can grow and be built upon – even if we don’t currently know what we’re going to do to improve it.”
Addressing matters from the past, which at times involves course-correcting when you’re wrong, isn’t something that many companies, particularly large Android phone manufacturers, want to own up to. It’s far easier to bury the hatchet and keep moving forward, but LG is just one of a few to make this consumer-focused change.
Lee shared that LG’s goal is to limit buyer’s remorse by “making sure that if you’ve purchased an LG product, we’re going to keep finding ways to make that ownership rewarding.” Of course, we’ll only see how well this strategy pans out once the LG G7 ThinQ makes its splash.
If you own the LG V30, you might have noticed a recent update that injected some relatively useful AI smarts into the camera app. Not just that, the device’s name has suddenly changed to LG V30 ThinQ. In short, a whole lot has changed seemingly out of nowhere.
That’s because starting with its 2017 hit and continuing soon with its LG G7 ThinQ, LG shared with TechRadar that it has worked to change its ways when it comes to post-release support for its smartphones, and interestingly, is has Ubisoft to thank.
The game developer/publisher of many acclaimed franchises, like Assassin’s Creed and Rainbow Six, inspired the Korean company to continue bringing substantive updates to its previously released phones.
LG’s Frank Lee wasn’t shy to share praise, saying that “it’s just all very clever how [Ubisoft] finds a way to provide new experiences without having to reinvent the wheel every time. Talking as a fan of its games, it’s such a pleasant surprise that they are improving on products that are already successful and, at times, years old.”
Adapting Ubisoft’s model to LG’s hardware plan
Of course, phones aren’t all that comparable to games, but Lee said that the company wanted to deliver appreciable updates in a similar manner as a show of faith to both its customers and its products.
Bright Mode considerably improves the low-light capability of the V30
Speaking on the post-launch roadmap of the V30, which released in late 2017: “We didn’t know that it would eventually be called “ThinQ”. We knew that eventually we’d need to come to our audience to explain LG’s position on AI.” This all came to fruition in a recent update that brought along the AI Cam feature we first saw in the LG V30S ThinQ, as well as Bright Mode, which does a surprisingly good job of brightening low-light environments with software improvements.
But even without a plan in place, LG knew that its phone would be primed to evolve over time. “Our version [of Ubisoft’s model] ensures that the phone hardware that we invest in can grow and be built upon – even if we don’t currently know what we’re going to do to improve it.”
Addressing matters from the past, which at times involves course-correcting when you’re wrong, isn’t something that many companies, particularly large Android phone manufacturers, want to own up to. It’s far easier to bury the hatchet and keep moving forward, but LG is just one of a few to make this consumer-focused change.
Lee shared that LG’s goal is to limit buyer’s remorse by “making sure that if you’ve purchased an LG product, we’re going to keep finding ways to make that ownership rewarding.” Of course, we’ll only see how well this strategy pans out once the LG G7 ThinQ makes its splash.
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