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Price and specifications of LG G5 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Release Date
2016, April 01
Camera
16MP
Battery
2800mAh
Battery Type
18W
Processor
Snapdragon 820
Screen
5.3"
Storage
32GB , microSDXC
Ram
4GB RAM
Operating System
Android 6.0.1, up to Android 8.0, LG UX 5 UI

Design and Build Quality

The LG G5 features an innovative design that was ahead of its time when it was released in 2016. The device boasts a modular design, which allows users to swap out different parts of the phone. The G5's body is constructed with a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, and an aluminum back and frame, giving it a premium and solid feel in hand. Its dimensions are 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7 mm and it weighs about 159 grams, making it quite manageable for one-handed use.

Display

The phone is equipped with a 5.3-inch IPS LCD screen, which presents sharp and vibrant visuals with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels and approximately 554 ppi. This ensures text and images are crisp, and the display covers around 70.1% of the phone's front surface, providing a decent screen-to-body ratio. Thanks to the Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection, the screen offers durability against scratches and minor drops.

Performance

Under the hood, the LG G5 is powered by the Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 processor, which includes a Quad-core CPU (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) and an Adreno 530 GPU. This configuration delivers smooth performance for daily tasks and more demanding applications, including gaming. Users also enjoy 4GB of RAM, which supports multitasking and ensures apps run fluidly without slowing the phone down.

Camera Capabilities

The LG G5’s camera setup is one of its standout features. It has a dual rear camera system, consisting of a 16 MP wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture, laser autofocus, and optical image stabilization (OIS). The secondary camera is an 8 MP sensor with an f/2.4 aperture for ultra-wide photos. This combination allows versatile photography options, from detailed close-ups to broad landscape shots. The rear camera system supports 4K video recording at 30fps. On the front, the selfie camera is 8 MP with an f/2.0 aperture, capable of recording 1080p video at 30fps, ensuring high-quality selfies and video calls.

Battery and Charging

One of the unique advantages of the LG G5 is its removable 2800 mAh Li-Ion battery, which isn't common among modern smartphones. This feature allows users to carry a spare battery for emergencies. The device supports 18W fast charging through Qualcomm's Quick Charge 3.0 technology, considerably reducing charging time and offering convenience for users on the go.

Software and Interface

Originally shipped with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, the LG G5 is upgradeable to Android 8.0 Oreo, providing access to newer features and improvements. The phone's interface is managed by LG UX 5 UI, which adds some proprietary customizations and options on top of the stock Android interface. This ensures users have a rich and intuitive interaction with the device.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The LG G5 offers comprehensive connectivity options, including dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2 with A2DP and aptX HD support, and NFC. It supports global positioning systems such as GPS, GLONASS, and BDS, ensuring accurate navigation. The inclusion of an infrared port allows it to act as a remote for various electronic appliances. For wired connections and transfers, it uses USB Type-C 3.0, which is reversible and supports OTG.

Audio and Multimedia

Sound quality on the LG G5 is supported by a dedicated loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature appreciated by audiophiles despite its gradual phase-out in smartphone designs. The device supports FM radio, offering users access to radio broadcasting without needing internet access.

Durability and Tests

The device underwent various tests to confirm its robustness and reliability. The display's contrast ratio ranks highly, ensuring good visibility even under direct sunlight. Its battery endurance rating is around 60 hours, making it fairly reliable for day-to-day use without requiring constant recharging. The phone's audio quality measures well with low noise levels and minimal cross-talk, ensuring clarity during calls and media playback.

Conclusion

The LG G5 remains a remarkable device due to its innovative modular design and solid performance characteristics despite being discontinued. Its removable battery and upgradeability to newer Android versions make it a suitable choice for users valuing flexibility and functionality. Its comprehensive connectivity features, coupled with a versatile camera system, ensure the phone can handle the needs of most smartphone users adequately.

Key Features of LG G5

  • Advanced Network Support: GSM, CDMA, HSPA, LTE compatibility for global connectivity.
  • Sleek Design: Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum back, and aluminum frame.
  • High-Resolution Display: 5.3 inch IPS LCD with 1440 x 2560 pixels and Gorilla Glass 4 protection.
  • Powerful Performance: Equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset and Adreno 530 GPU.
  • Ample Storage and Memory: 32GB internal storage paired with 4GB RAM, expandable via microSDXC.
  • Dual Rear Cameras: 16 MP main camera with Laser AF, 3-axis OIS and secondary 8 MP camera.
  • Quality Selfie Camera: 8 MP front camera for clear selfies and video calls.
  • Comprehensive Connectivity: Includes Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and USB Type-C 3.0.
  • Removable Battery: 2800 mAh battery supporting Quick Charge 3.0 for fast charging.
  • Multitude of Sensors: Fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, and color spectrum.
  • FM Radio and Infrared Port: Additional multimedia options available.

Disadvantages of LG G5

  • The device has been discontinued, which may result in limited support and updates.
  • The battery capacity of 2800 mAh could be considered low by modern standards, impacting battery life.
  • Some users might find the 32GB internal storage insufficient, requiring reliance on microSD cards.
  • The phone features a hybrid dual SIM slot, meaning it cannot accommodate a second SIM and microSD card simultaneously.
  • The secondary 8 MP rear camera lacks autofocus, which can decrease image quality.
  • The IPS LCD display, while sharp, may not offer the same color richness and energy efficiency as AMOLED alternatives.
  • The phone's durability could be a concern due to its removable back and modular design.
  • The loudspeaker quality is rated moderately with 68dB for voice and 73dB for ring, which is considered average.
  • The performance scores, such as Basemark OS II 2.0: 2314, indicate that it may not keep up with more recent high-performance models.
  • Although the phone can be upgraded to Android 8.0 (Oreo), it may not receive the latest Android features and security patches.
Network
Technology GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only)
3G bands HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - H850
4G bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40 - H850
Speed HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps or LTE Cat9 (3CA) 450/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2016, February 21. Released 2016, April 01
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7 mm (5.88 x 2.91 x 0.30 in)
Weight 159 g (5.61 oz)
Build Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum back, aluminum frame
SIM Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
Type IPS LCD
Size 5.3 inches, 77.4 cm2 (~70.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~554 ppi density)
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 4
Platform
OS Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), upgradable to Android 8.0 (Oreo), LG UX 5 UI
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 (14 nm)
CPU Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo)
GPU Adreno 530
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only
Internal 32GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual 16 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.6", Laser AF, 3-axis OIS 8 MP, f/2.4, 9mm, 1/3.6", no AF
Features LED flash, panorama, HDR
Video 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, HDR, stereo sound rec.
Selfie camera
Single 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Bluetooth 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
Positioning GPS, GLONASS, BDS
NFC Yes
Infrared port Yes
Radio FM radio
USB USB Type-C 3.0, OTG
Features
Sensors Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, color spectrum
Battery
Type Li-Ion 2800 mAh, removable
Charging 18W wired, QC3
Stand-by Up to 400 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 20 h (3G)
Misc
Colors Silver, Titan, Gold, Pink
Models H860, H850, F700L, VS987, H830, H831, H820, H840, LGLS992, LGUS992, F700S, F700K, RS988, LGAS992, H820PR
SAR EU 0.52 W/kg (head)     1.24 W/kg (body)
Price About 300 EUR
Tests
Performance Basemark OS II 2.0: 2314Basemark X: 27577
Display Contrast ratio: 1855:1 (nominal), 2.905 (sunlight)
Camera Photo / Video
Loudspeaker Voice 68dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 73dB
Audio quality Noise -92.6dB / Crosstalk -93.3dB
Battery (old) Endurance rating 60h

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