LG announces the latest flagship smartphone, G5, before the Samsung Galaxy S7. After reading the lengthy press release, I will summarise the list of features that LG wants consumers to know.
LG G5 Modular Type
Google has already toyed with the idea of a modular device where consumers can piece together various components to create their desired smartphone (Project Ara). LG has kickstarted the movement by implementing this capability in LG G5. Unlike Project Ara, you can only install and replace the modules from the bottom of the smartphone. What would make this successful is the number of modules available and the usefulness. At launch, there will be a battery module, camera grip module, 32-bit digital audio module.
LG CAM Plus Module
This module provides additional battery of 1200mAh, dedicated shutter, zoom, power, record buttons, with a comfortable grip for ergonomic photography.
LG Hi-Fi Plus Module
This module by B&O PLAY provides 32-bit 384 kHz Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) playback. This module can also run as a standalone device. LG has also named the BeoPlay H3 as one of the LG Friends partner products.
2 Rear Cameras
Instead of zooming in, LG G5 allows you to zoom out to capture more. It has a 78-degree (16MP) camera and 135-degree (8MP) rear cameras, depending on what you want to capture. The front camera is 8MP.
Always-On Display
The concept was first introduced on the LG V10, but while the V10 always-on display is on the top strip, the LG G5 entire display is made always-on. LG redesigned the display driver IC memory and power management function so that the display’s backlight only illuminates one small part of the overall display. This technology uses just 0.8% of the battery’s full capacity per hour to operate. Coincidentally, Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge announced hours after LG also has this feature.
aptX HD: 24-bit Hi-Fi Bluetooth Audio
The LG G5 is equipped with aptX HD, an enhanced codec that supports 24-bit sound over Bluetooth, delivering rich and clear sound over wireless connections without any loss. When paired with the LG TONE Platinum, users can experience superb quality Hi- Fi audio that sounds amazingly close to the original source.
Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0
QC 3.0 is 27% faster and 45% more efficient than the previous generation (QC 2.0).
LG Playground Ecosystem
Besides announcing the LG G5, LG has introduced a suite of hardware and software – named LG Friends – to encourage play and fun.
LG 360 VR
This VR goggle can be connected with the G5 via a dedicated cable and works exclusively with the G5 to simulate a 130-inch TV viewed from two meters away. It does not require the G5 to be inserted onto the front goggle.
LG 360 CAM
This is a 360-degree angle camera with two 13MP 200-degree wide angle cameras, 1,200mAh battery and 4GB internal memory with microSD card support. The LG 360 CAM creates 2K video and 5.1 surround channel recording with three microphones. The content can be uploaded to YouTube and viewers can also enjoy VR via appropriate devices. This is going to be the trend of 2016.
LG Rolling Bot
This innovative product allows you to navigate the ball and view the video footage live.
LG Tone Platinum (HBS-1100)
The LG Tone headset series is no stranger. The new HBS-1100 has a Balanced Armature driver, which is known to provide clear and precise audio tonality. This product is also the first Bluetooth headset with aptX HD codec, delivering lossless 24-bit audio.
LG – Life’s Good When You Play More
So in essence, LG is not just announcing a new smartphone, but a new experience. While the VR and 360 cam are nothing new, they are necessary additions as part of the VR trend in 2016. The modular feature is innovative, and I hope third party makers can easily create Modular Type hardware to work with LG G5, else it would not be anything much to play with.
I will explore other features if given a chance to review a unit extensively. Meanwhile, post comments below to see if I can help in answering.
LG G5 Key Specifications
● Chipset: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 820 Processor
● Display: 5.3-inch Quad HD IPS Quantum Display (2560 x 1440 / 554ppi)
● Memory: 4GB LPDDR4 RAM / 32GB UFS ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
● Camera: Rear: Standard 16MP, Wide 8MP / Front: 8MP
● Battery: 2,800mAh (removable)
● OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow
● Size: 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7mm
● Weight: 159g
● Network: LTE / 3G / 2G
● Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac / USB Type-C) / NFC / Bluetooth 4.2
● Colors: Silver / Titan / Gold / Pink
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