This is usually the time of the year when Samsung reveals their flagship smartphone and then people go crazy about ‘The Next Big Thing’. But this year, LG has taken the lead in revealing the next flagship smartphone. The new flagship Android smartphone is named G5 and it is going to have a hard time, given how superb the LG G3 and LG G4 were. LG has finally embraced metal for their flagship device. The new LG G5 comes with aluminum unibody and is is powered by screaming fast Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 and comes with a brilliant 5.3″ quadHD 1440×2560 pixel display. LG G5 will be available in Silver / Titan / Gold / Pink color options.
Here is where it gets interesting, very very interesting. We have heard a lot about modular smartphones in the past few years and that Google is investing a lot of time and efforts. LG took a different, more subtle approach to this modularity. LG G5 can take extra functionality through ‘Magic Slot’ module. Modules can be inserted in the bottom half part of the phone.
The 5.3″ QHD IPS Quantum display is stunning, has Always-on (something that Lumia devices had for a while) and shows notifications, time, date and more even when the device is sleeping. The 3D Arc Glass protecting the display gives superb touch sensitivity. The display driver IC memory and power management function is redesigned so that the ‘always on’ display does not eat into too much of resources. The displays’ backlight illuminates only the necessary part of the display (like how it is in AMOLED display panels). The best part is that the Always on display takes only 0.8% of battery life every hour to operate.
The LG G5 has a standard 78 degree lens and a 135 degree wide angle lens at the back and this gives users 1.7 times wider viewing angle when compared to the competing phones. This is also 15 degree wider than human eye’s FoV.
The Snapdragon 820 is as of now the fastest chip available. Combined with a 64-bit CPU, Adreno 530 GPU, Hexagon DSP, Spectra 14-bit dual image signal processors, the SD820 is designed to give immense power to the user. The SD820 also supports next generation X12 LTE modem (category 12 downloads speeds, up to 600Mbps).
Other specifications include Android 6.0 Marshmallow, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, microSD card slot, USB type-C slot (USB 3.0), fingerprint scanner, can charge up to 83% in just 30 minutes, thanks to Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0. The battery is rated at 2,800mAh.
LG G5
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LG Electronics (LG) today unveiled its highly anticipated LG G5 smartphone, a brand new design with not only a sleek, metal body featuring a slide out removable battery but a modular design that gives a greater smartphone experience. Complete with LG Friends, an collection of companion devices, the G5 can be transformed into a digital camera, hi-fi player and more.
Encased in a sleek all metal body design and slide-out battery to easily swap out a used battery for a fully charged one in seconds, the LG G5 surpasses the visual experience of its predecessor, the LG G4. First, the G5’s 135-degree wide angle lens lets you choose between standard or wide angle lens to get more in the shot. Second, the Always-on Display makes notifications just a glance away with the time, date and more available anytime without waking the G5. Third, the 3D Arc Glass featured in the smartphone’s 5.3-inch display creates a gentle curve and a smooth metal surface using Micro-Dizing techniques. Plus the G5’s camera and home button on the back cover are seamlessly integrated into the main body without the use of insulation tape for strong signal reception.
LG’s First Modular Type Smartphone
LG’s innovative Modular Type design gives the LG G5 the ability to transform into a digital camera, hi-fi player and more all while keeping its traditional removable battery in an all metal uni-body design for the first time ever.
CAM Plus
The LG CAM Plus is a versatile camera module that can be attached through the battery slot to deliver a comfortable grip and convenient control of a DSLR. The LG CAM Plus provides physical buttons for power, shutter, record, zoom, LED display and comfortable hand grip. It also offers intuitive auto focus and exposure lock, features usually found on standalone digital cameras. When attached to the LG G5, it provides an additional battery capacity of 1,200mAh to allow for longer shooting times for more fun and enjoyment.
Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play
The LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play is an innovative portable Hi-Fi DAC audio player developed in collaboration with B&O Play to meet the needs of those who seek to enjoy top-notch sounds that have traditionally only been available through high-end audio devices. LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play stands out for its simple yet elegant Scandinavian design as well as premium sound technology. In addition to the up-sampling technology that was embedded for the 32-bit Hi-Fi DAC on the previously-introduced V10, the LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play actually supports 32-bit, 384KHz high-definition audio playback. LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play can be used either as a module with the LG G5 or as a separate Hi-Fi DAC by connecting to any smartphone or PC.
Always-on Display for Enhanced Convenience
The 5.3-inch QHD IPS Quantum display on the LG G5 offers an Always-on feature, the first on an IPS smartphone display. First introduced in the LG V10 as the Second Screen, the Always-on feature has been enlarged for the main display to show time, date and battery status continuously, even while the screen is in sleep mode.
To minimize power consumption, 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, similar to the technology used on LCD TVs. Thanks to this technology, the Always-on Display requires only 0.8 percent of the battery’s power every hour to operate.
Extreme Wide Angle Lens and Advanced UX
Reflecting LG’s longstanding reputation as a leader in smartphone cameras, the LG G5 has two cameras on the rear: one with a standard 78-degree lens and another with a 135-degree wide angle lens, the widest available in any smartphone. The 135-degree lens on the LG G5 offers a viewing angle that is approximately 1.7 times wider than those of existing smartphone cameras and 15 degrees wider than the human eye’s field of view. The wide angle lens makes it easier for users to capture more landscape, taller buildings or larger groups without having to position oneself further from the subject.
The LG G5 features a collection of powerful photo effects including Pop-out Picture, Film Effect and Auto Shot. Pop-out Picture combines images taken by the standard and wide angle lens to create a picture-in-a-frame effect. Film Effect can apply nine different film emulators to an image while Auto Shot is an enhanced camera UX which automatically captures the perfect selfie shot when a face is recognized.
Diverse Range of Companion Devices
As part of the G5 ecosystem, LG is introducing a wide range of companion devices, aptly called LG Friends, to deliver fun while providing a new mobile experience far beyond traditional smartphone boundaries.
360 CAM
The LG 360 CAM is a compact 360-degree angle camera equipped with two 13MP wide angle cameras, 1,200mAh battery and 4G internal memory. The LG 360 CAM can be easily connected to the LG G5 allowing users to easily create 360-degree content. The LG 360 CAM provides a manual mode, 2K video and 5.1 surround channel recording on three microphones to help users effortlessly create high-quality 360-degree contents. Thanks to the partnership with Google, images taken with the 360 CAM can be uploaded to Street View and YouTube360, adding the fun of sharing creative contents with others. The images will also be available to view on the LG 360 VR or other smartphones or devices that are capable of 360-degree content.
360 VR
The LG 360 VR is a VR goggle that can be connected with the G5 by a dedicated cable and works exclusively with the G5. It has a stylish design that is foldable so that users can easily carry and watch VR content anytime, anywhere. Unlike other VR devices that require a smartphones to be inserted in the device, the LG 360 VR is about one-third as heavy as competing smartphone VR goggles. The device is compatible with 360-degree images and videos captured with LG 360 CAM as well as all Google Cardboard content.
Rolling Bot
The LG Rolling Bot is a companion device that rolls like a ball while capturing images and videos with its embedded 8MP camera. Not just a toy, the Rolling Bot can be used as a security system for the home, pet care companion as well as a remote controller for compatible home appliances. With an IP camera connectable via Wi-Fi, users can monitor the interior of their homes with the LG G5 from anywhere in the world.
Tone Platinum
The LG TONE Platinum (model HBS-1100), the latest in the LG TONE Plus Series, is a Bluetooth headset that has earned the Harman Kardon® Platinum grade for its superior sound quality. With a Balanced Armature design for minimum distortion, LG Tone Platinum delivers exceptionally sharp and clean sound. What’s more, it is the world’s first Bluetooth headset equipped with aptX HD codec, delivering lossless 24-bit audio for sound that is unrivaled in a wireless device.
Smart Controller
The LG Smart Controller allows users to control drones and other smart devices. With the LG Smart Controller, users can check the video stream from the drone through the LG G5 in real time, and intuitively control the unmanned aircraft by moving the lever on the LG Smart Controller.
H3 by B&O Play
H3 by B&O PLAY is a set of high-end earphones that delivers high-quality 32-bit sound of the LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play. Designed for audiophiles as well as anyone who considers audio performance a top-priority in a smartphone, H3 by B&O Play is compatible with all LG smartphones.
Friends Manager
Only available in the LG G5, Friends Manager is the hub application that allows the G5 to connect with LG Friends with minimal fuss and effort. Friends Manager automatically detects nearby Friends and connect quickly and easily in three simple steps, eliminating much of the hassle of pairing devices.
More Performance, More Efficiency
The LG G5 offers many other innovations designed to revolutionize today’s mobile lifestyle, such as:
Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 820 Processor
The LG G5 is equipped with the powerful yet energy-efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor that offers advanced features such as 64-bit performance, Adreno 530 graphics and lower-power Hexagon DSP as well as Qualcomm Spectra™ 14-bit dual image signal processors (ISPs) designed to deliver high resolution DSLR-quality images and additional power savings. The Snapdragon 820 processor also has an integrated X12 LTE modem that supports Category 12 download speeds of up to 600 Mbps and LTE Category 13 uplink speeds of up to 150 Mbps.
Compared to the previous Snapdragon 810, Qualcomm Technologies’ most advanced CPU architecture offers double teh speed and power savings. Adreno 530 graphics demonstrate up to 40 percent faster graphics performance and up to 40 percent more power efficiency. Snapdragon 820 supports 4K capture and playback at four times more than the resolution of 1080p, enabling users to watch and capture their daily moments in stunning detail and clarity. The processor is also optimized for VR, generating quality pixels and life-like colors to deliver the ultimate VR experience to G5 users.
aptX H: 24-bit Hi-Fi Wireless 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
The LG G5 offers Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 for incredibly fast charging. By employing an intelligent algorithm, Quick Charge 3.0 is up to four times faster than standard charging and up to 45 percent more efficient than the previous generation.
Low Power Location Estimation (LPLE) Technology
The LG G5 has excellent battery life, thanks to the Low Power Location Estimation technology. This solution enhances the battery efficiency by as much as 42 percent by improving the power consumption related to location-based apps.
“The new LG G5 will encourage owners to rediscover the true joy of a mobile life,” said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “The G5 ecosystem is the result of many experts inside LG asking themselves if it was still possible to be innovative and unique in the smartphone space. I think once customers spend a little time with the LG G5, their answer will be a resounding YES.”
Key Specifications:*
- Chipset: Qualcomm®Snapdragon™ 820 Processor
- Display: 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 0 Marshmallow
- Size: 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7~8.6mm
- Weight: 159g
- Network: LTE / 3G / 2G
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac / USB Type-C0 (3.0 compatible) / NFC / Bluetooth 4.2
- Colors: Silver / Titan / Gold / Pink
Specs
General
| Announced | 21 February, 2016 |
| Status | Coming Soon |
Display
| Display Type <strong>Display Technology => </strong> A number of display technologies and types used in mobile phones => TFT (Thin Film Transistor), IPS (In-Place Switching), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), AMOLED (Active-Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode), Super AMOLED (an even advanced version of AMOLED), Resistive Touchscreen (Resistive touchscreens contain two layer of conductive material with a very small gap between them which acts as a resistance), Capacitive Touchsceen (Capacitive touchscreen technology consists of a layer of glass coated with a transparent conductor) | IPS Quantum |
| Size | 5.3" |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 |
| Pixel Density <strong>Pixel Density (PPI)</strong> is refers to the concentration of pixels on a particular display, measured in pixels per inch (ppi). Pixel density is calculated by dividing the diagonal pixel resolution of a display by its diagonal size, higher pixel density better display quality. | 554 ppi |
| Secondary Display | No |
Hardware
| Chipset <strong>Chipset</strong> is a group of integrated circuits designed to perform one or a more dedicated functions, often with real time computing constraints, Popular smartphones are equipped with more advanced embedded chipsets that can do many different tasks depending on their programming. | Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 820 |
| CPU <strong>CPU</strong> (Central Processing Unit) mostly known as processors, CPU processes instructions in order to carry out certain functions that make your device operate properly. Processors are often described as the brain of computers, smartphones and tablets, Smartphones and tablets rely on processors to carry out their every task, Processors are an incredibly important factor in selecting any type of computing device, including your smartphone. | 2.2 GHz quad-core Kryo CPU |
| GPU <strong>GPU</strong> (Graphics Processing Unit) is a single-chip processor designed to rapidly manipulate and alter memory to accelerate the creation of images in a frame buffer intended for output to a display, This includes things such as lighting effects, object transformations, and 3D motion. | Adreno 530 |
| RAM (Memory) <strong>RAM</strong> (Random Access Memory) is a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes that allows information to be stored and accessed quickly from random locations. RAM is the most common type of memory found in computer systems, smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices. | 4GB |
| Internal Storage <strong>Internal Storage</strong> is a data storage space (flash memory) mostly used in smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices where operating system, apps, music, photos, videos, files and other user data Is stored. | 32GB |
| Card Slot <strong>Memory Card Slot</strong> is a special slot for inserting a memory card. Memory cards allow you to expand the phone's built-in memory, A memory card (sometimes called a flash memory card or a storage card) is a small storage medium used to store data such as text, pictures, audio, and video, for use on small, portable or remote computing devices such as mobile phones, mp3 players, digital cameras. | Yes, Up to 200GB |
| Sensors <strong>Sensors</strong> are electronic components that detects and responds to some type of input from the physical environment. The specific input could be light, heat, motion, moisture, pressure and location, The output is generally a signal that is converted to use in computing systems, a location sensor, such as a GPS receiver is able to detect current location of your electronic device. | Fingerprint, Proximity, Ambient Light, Accelerometer, Digital Compass, Gyroscope |
Battery
| Battery Type <strong>Battery Type => </strong> Cell phones run on various kinds of batteries depending on the manufacturer, phone size or shape and features. There are basically four types of cell phone batteries => Lithium Polymer, Lithium Ion, Nickel Metal Hydride and Nickel Cadmium. | Li-Ion (Lithium Ion) |
| Capacity <strong>Battery Capacity</strong> is a measure (typically in Amp-hr) of the charge stored by the battery, and is determined by the mass of active material contained in the battery. The battery capacity represents the maximum amount of energy that can be extracted from the battery under certain conditions. | 2800mAh |
| Fast Charging | 83% in 30 minutes |
Camera
| Primary <strong>Camera</strong> is able to capture photographs and usually videos, The most important characteristics of a camera are the resolution (measured in megapixels), lens focus type (fixed or automatic), higher megapixel cameras are known to capture higher quality photos, but not always a good measurement of the photos quality. | 16mp + 8mp |
| Camera Features |
Laser Auto Focus & Color Spectrum Analyzer Optical Image Stabilization 135 degree super wide angle lens |
| Secondary | 8mp |
| Video | UHD (3840x2160), Full HD(1920x1080), HD(1280x720), 120HD Slow Motion |
| Flash <strong>Flash Light => </strong> There is commonly two types of flash lights are used in camera mobile phones, LED Flash (LED flash offers lower power consumption with drive circuitry that takes up very little room, LEDs can be strobed faster than any other light source), Xenon Flash (xenon flash produces an extremely intense full-spectrum white light for a very short duration) | Yes |
Design
| Type <strong>Design Type</strong> called form factor refers to a mobile phone's size, shape, and style as well as the layout and position of major components of phone. There are three major form factors seen in mobile phones => bar phones, folding phones and sliding phones. | Bar |
| Dimensions | 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7~8.6mm |
| Weight | 159 grams |
| Protection | Aluminum Unibody |
| Colors | Silver / Titan / Gold / Pink |
Network
| SIM <strong>SIM</strong> (Subscriber Identity Module) is a small card that contains mobile network subscriber's account information. This allows the phone using the card to attach to a mobile network. The SIM card is most commonly associated with GSM and UMTS mobile networks. Moving a SIM card from one phone to another allows a subscriber to switch mobile phones without having to contact their mobile network carrier. SIM cards can also be used by a phone to store limited amounts of data, such as phone numbers and text messages. | Nano SIM |
| 2G Network | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G Network | H818 : HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 4G Network | 4G / LTE Cat.6 VoLTE |
Software
| Operating System <strong>OS => </strong> Every computer system run on a base software called Operating System (OS). Operating System controls all basic operations of the computer (such as smartphone, PDAs, tablet computers and other handheld devices). The Operating System allows the user to install and run third party applications (apps), apps are used to add new functionality to the device. | Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
| User Interface <strong>UI</strong> or user interface of a device is the look and feel of the on-screen menu system. How it works, its color scheme, how it responds to button presses, all of these things are part of the user interface. | LG UI |
Connectivity
| Bluetooth <strong>Bluetooth</strong> is a wireless communications technology for exchanging data between mobile phones, headsets, computers and other network devices over short distances without wires, Bluetooth technology was primarily designed to support simple wireless networking of personal consumer devices. | v4.1 |
| Infrared <strong>Infrared</strong> connectivity is an old wireless technology used to connect two electronic devices. It uses a beam of infrared light to transmit information and so requires direct line of sight and operates only at close range. | |
| Wi-fi <strong>Wi-Fi</strong> is a popular wireless networking technology using radio waves to provide high-speed network connections that allows devices to communicate without cords or cables, Wi-Fi is increasingly becoming the preferred mode of internet connectivity all over the world. | 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| USB | 3.0 |
| GPS <strong>GPS</strong> The Global Positioning System is a satellite-based radio navigation system, GPS permits users to determine their position, velocity and the time 24 hours a day, in all weather, anywhere in the world, In order to locate your position, your device or GPS receiver must have a clear view of the sky. | Yes |
| NFC <strong>NFC</strong> (Near field communication) is a set of standards for smartphones and similar devices to establish peer-to-peer radio communications with each other by touching them together or bringing them into proximity, usually no more than a few inches. |
Benchmarks
Reviews
“The new LG G5 will encourage owners to rediscover the true joy of a mobile life,” said Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “The G5 ecosystem is the result of many experts inside LG asking themselves if it was still possible to be innovative and unique in the smartphone space. I think once customers spend a little time with the LG G5, their answer will be a resounding YES.”
Here are the list of modules that will be available for the LG G5 at launch
LG CAM Plus
The LG CAM Plus is a versatile camera module that can be attached through the battery slot to deliver a comfortable grip and convenient control of a DSLR. The LG CAM Plus provides physical buttons for power, shutter, record, zoom, LED display and comfortable hand grip. It also offers intuitive auto focus and exposure lock, features usually found on standalone digital cameras. When attached to the LG G5, it provides an additional battery capacity of 1,200mAh to allow for longer shooting times for more fun and enjoyment.
Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play
The LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play is an innovative portable Hi-Fi DAC audio player developed in collaboration with B&O Play to meet the needs of those who seek to enjoy top-notch sounds that have traditionally only been available through high-end audio devices. LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play stands out for its simple yet elegant Scandinavian design as well as premium sound technology. In addition to the up-sampling technology that was embedded for the 32-bit Hi-Fi DAC on the previously-introduced V10, the LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play actually supports 32-bit, 384KHz high-definition audio playback. LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play can be used either as a module with the LG G5 or as a separate Hi-Fi DAC by connecting to any smartphone or PC.
Diverse Range of Companion Devices
As part of the G5 ecosystem, LG is introducing a wide range of companion devices, aptly called LG Friends, to deliver fun while providing a new mobile experience far beyond traditional smartphone boundaries.
360 CAM
The LG 360 CAM is a compact 360-degree angle camera equipped with two 13MP wide angle cameras, 1,200mAh battery and 4G internal memory. The LG 360 CAM can be easily connected to the LG G5 allowing users to easily create 360-degree content. The LG 360 CAM provides a manual mode, 2K video and 5.1 surround channel recording on three microphones to help users effortlessly create high-quality 360-degree contents. Thanks to the partnership with Google, images taken with the 360 CAM can be uploaded to Street View and YouTube360, adding the fun of sharing creative contents with others. The images will also be available to view on the LG 360 VR or other smartphones or devices that are capable of 360-degree content.
360 VR
The LG 360 VR is a VR goggle that can be connected with the G5 by a dedicated cable and works exclusively with the G5. It has a stylish design that is foldable so that users can easily carry and watch VR content anytime, anywhere. Unlike other VR devices that require a smartphones to be inserted in the device, the LG 360 VR is about one-third as heavy as competing smartphone VR goggles. The device is compatible with 360-degree images and videos captured with LG 360 CAM as well as all Google Cardboard content.
Rolling Bot
The LG Rolling Bot is a companion device that rolls like a ball while capturing images and videos with its embedded 8MP camera. Not just a toy, the Rolling Bot can be used as a security system for the home, pet care companion as well as a remote controller for compatible home appliances. With an IP camera connectable via Wi-Fi, users can monitor the interior of their homes with the LG G5 from anywhere in the world.
Tone Platinum
The LG TONE Platinum (model HBS-1100), the latest in the LG TONE Plus Series, is a Bluetooth headset that has earned the Harman Kardon® Platinum grade for its superior sound quality. With a Balanced Armature design for minimum distortion, LG Tone Platinum delivers exceptionally sharp and clean sound. What’s more, it is the world’s first Bluetooth headset equipped with aptX HD codec, delivering lossless 24-bit audio for sound that is unrivaled in a wireless device.
Smart Controller
The LG Smart Controller allows users to control drones and other smart devices. With the LG Smart Controller, users can check the video stream from the drone through the LG G5 in real time, and intuitively control the unmanned aircraft by moving the lever on the LG Smart Controller.
H3 by B&O Play
H3 by B&O PLAY is a set of high-end earphones that delivers high-quality 32-bit sound of the LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play. Designed for audiophiles as well as anyone who considers audio performance a top-priority in a smartphone, H3 by B&O Play is compatible with all LG smartphones.
Friends Manager
Only available in the LG G5, Friends Manager is the hub application that allows the G5 to connect with LG Friends with minimal fuss and effort. Friends Manager automatically detects nearby Friends and connect quickly and easily in three simple steps, eliminating much of the hassle of pairing devices.
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 0 Marshmallow
- Size: 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7~8.6mm
- Weight: 159g
- Network: LTE / 3G / 2G
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac / USB Type-C0 (3.0 compatible) / NFC / Bluetooth 4.2
- Colors: Silver / Titan / Gold / Pink
