LG G4 Stylus Comprehensive Guide to Specs Prices and Performance

Overview and Design

The LG G4 Stylus is a mid-range device released in May 2015. It carries the distinctive design language of LG's flagship lineup but with features and specifications suitable for the mid-range market. The device has dimensions of 154.3 x 79.2 x 9.6 mm and weighs 163 grams, making it relatively lightweight for its size. It incorporates a micro-SIM or dual SIM (depending on the model) and is available in two color variants: Metallic Silver and Floral White.

Display

The LG G4 Stylus features a 5.7-inch IPS LCD touchscreen display with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels, providing a pixel density of approximately 258 PPI. The large display offers a pleasant viewing experience with good color reproduction and wide viewing angles, thanks to IPS technology. The screen-to-body ratio of around 73.3% ensures that users have ample screen space for media consumption and gaming. It is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which adds an extra layer of durability against scratches and minor impacts.

Performance

Under the hood, the device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 chipset with a Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This configuration is aimed at providing a balanced performance for everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, and light gaming. For the variant H540, it is equipped with a MediaTek MT6592M chipset with an Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, which offers slightly better multi-tasking capabilities. The GPU is either an Adreno 306 for the Snapdragon variant or Mali-450MP4 for the MediaTek variant.

Memory and Storage

The memory configurations for the LG G4 Stylus vary by model, with options of 1GB or 2GB RAM. The device offers internal storage options of 8GB or 16GB, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDXC slot. While the RAM might seem limited by today's standards, it was adequate for the device's release period, catering to users who required basic smartphone functionalities without heavy multitasking or intensive gaming.

Camera

The LG G4 Stylus is equipped with a rear camera that varies depending on the model. Some models like the H631, H540, H630D, and MS631 come with a 13 MP primary camera with an aperture of f/2.4, laser autofocus, and optical image stabilization. Another variant, the H635, features an 8 MP camera with similar laser autofocus functionality but lacks optical image stabilization. The camera supports features such as HDR and panorama, with dual-LED flash available in certain models. It can record videos in 1080p at 30fps.

The front camera is a 5 MP shooter, which is standard for devices of that era, suitable for selfies and video calls.

Battery Life

The phone is equipped with a removable 3000 mAh Li-Ion battery. This battery capacity was quite substantial at the time of release and provided decent longevity given the hardware specifications. On a 3G network, the device could achieve up to 432 hours of standby time and up to 18 hours of talk time, sufficient for an average day's usage without needing a recharge.

Operating System and Software

The LG G4 Stylus originally launched with Android 5.0 Lollipop, which was later upgradable to Android 5.1 Lollipop. The software interface is overlaid with LG's custom UI, which offers a range of features and customizations, enhancing user experience without overwhelming users with unnecessary bloatware. The stylus pen is a significant feature of this device, facilitating tasks like note-taking, sketching, and other stylus-supported applications, adding a productive edge especially useful for creative professionals and students.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The device supports a range of connectivity options. It is compatible with GSM / HSPA / LTE technologies, allowing connections on 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. The variety of band support ensures broad network compatibility in diverse regions. Connectivity features include Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot functionality. It also supports GPS and GLONASS for location services, and NFC is available, which was a notable feature for smartphones released during that period.

Additional features of the LG G4 Stylus include an FM radio and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. For audio output, it has a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Sensors on board include an accelerometer and proximity sensor.

Price and Value

At launch, the LG G4 Stylus was priced at approximately 250 EUR. For its price range, it offered value through a combination of its large display, stylus functionality, decent camera setup, and reliable battery life. Although it's discontinued now, it stood as a competitive option in the mid-range market back in 2015, catering to users who favored larger screen sizes and stylus support without transitioning to full-fledged flagship territory.

Conclusion

The LG G4 Stylus served an important role in the mid-range smartphone market upon its release. It successfully combined a large screen, stylus functionality, and solid performance at an affordable price point. Even though it might not hold up to the specifications of current smartphones, it remains a significant example of the evolving market demands and the features valued by users during its time. This device is particularly remembered for offering a blend of utility and affordability, with its stylus pen adding a productive dimension that set it apart from many of its contemporaries.