LG Q8 2017 The Ultimate Guide to Specs Pricing Pros and Cons

Overview

The LG Q8, released in 2017, is a smartphone that was designed to balance performance and affordability. With a robust set of features, it aimed to capture the mid-range market by providing users a combination of reliable hardware and comprehensive software support found in some of LG's higher-end models.

Design and Build

The LG Q8 is constructed with a stylish yet durable design. It features an aluminum frame combined with an aluminum/plastic back, ensuring a comfortable yet sturdy grip. The front is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4, offering resistance against scratches and minor impacts. The device measures 149 x 71.9 x 8 mm and weighs 146 grams, making it relatively light and compact, fitting comfortably in hand or pocket.

Display

The smartphone showcases a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, resulting in an impressive pixel density of approximately 564 ppi. This high resolution ensures crisp, vibrant images and text, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and general usage. The display is complemented by its quality color accuracy and wide viewing angles, which are characteristic of IPS technology.

Performance and Hardware

Powered by a Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 chipset and a Quad-core CPU (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo), the LG Q8 offers robust performance for everyday tasks. The Adreno 530 GPU provides additional graphical capabilities, allowing for smooth gameplay and video playback. Accompanied by 4GB of RAM, the device efficiently handles multitasking, ensuring smooth performance even under heavy usage.

Storage and Memory

The LG Q8 comes with 32GB of internal storage, offering ample space for applications, media, and files. For users requiring more storage, the device supports microSDXC cards, allowing expansion. The single-SIM model has a dedicated card slot, while the dual-SIM model uses a shared SIM slot for storage expansion.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera system of the LG Q8 is equipped with a dual-camera setup: a 16 MP wide sensor and an 8 MP ultra-wide sensor. The primary camera features Laser Autofocus and 3-axis Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), enhancing the quality of both photos and videos. It supports panoramic shots and HDR, capturing detailed and colorful images. Video recording capabilities include 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, and 720p@120fps, paired with stereo sound recording.

The selfie camera sports a 5 MP sensor with an f/1.9 aperture, supporting 1080p@30fps video recording, perfect for high-quality video calls and selfies.

Battery and Charging

The device is equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery. It supports 18W fast charging with Quick Charge 3.0 technology, ensuring a rapid power-up cycle and minimizing downtime.

Software and OS

The LG Q8 operates on Android 7.0 Nougat, delivering a seamless user experience with a range of features like split-screen multitasking and improved notifications. LG's custom user interface adds functionality and personalization options, catering to a broad range of user preferences.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The LG Q8 supports a comprehensive suite of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, and DLNA, facilitating high-speed data transfer and connectivity. Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and GPS (with GLONASS) support extend the device's compatibility with various peripherals and services.

The inclusion of a USB Type-C port enhances charging and data transfer convenience. For security, the device features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, complemented by other sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass.

The phone retains a 3.5mm headphone jack and provides sound enhancements for an immersive audio experience.

Network and Communication

The LG Q8 is compatible with GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks. It supports a range of 2G, 3G, and 4G bands, ensuring widespread connectivity and solid network performance across various regions. Moreover, advanced LTE features like carrier aggregation ensure efficient data utilization.

Conclusion

The LG Q8 marks a significant entry into the mid-range smartphone category, blending high-quality display technology, potent hardware, versatile camera capabilities, and robust connectivity options. It's a suitable choice for those seeking a balance between performance, style, and affordability. While it launched with Android 7.0, the device's hardware was forward-thinking enough to remain relevant and usable for several years following its release.