The latest flagship device from LG, the G6, is just around the corner. The device should become available in the next couple of days in the South Korea, followed by an international release that should happen during the first half of April. Across the LG G6, we have another powerful device from the Korean manufacturer, the LG V20, featuring large screen coupled with an auxiliary notification display, dual camera setup, and huge dimensions. How do the two devices compare? Found out here.
Design
Design-wise, the LG G6 is a clear winner. That sexy rounded screen in combination with minimal side bezels and small gaps above and below the screen make the phone extremely attractive. The back isn’t as catchy as the front, but at least it looks exactly the same as on the V20.
Dimensions of the LG G6 are 148.9 x 71.9 x 7.9 mm making the phone visibly smaller than the LG V20 (159.7 x 78.1 x 7.6 mm) despite both models sporting the same sized screen.
Hardware
As for the hardware, neither device can be classified as a proper top-end smartphone. The LG V20 is powered by, now a bit dated, Snapdragon 820 (2×2.15 GHz Kryo & 2×1.6 GHz Kryo, Adreno 530 GPU), it has 4 GB of RAM and 32 or 64 GB of expandable internal storage (dedicated microSD card slot).
The LG G6 is powered by Snapdragon 821 (2×2.35 GHz Kryo & 2×1.6 GHz Kryo, Adreno 530), it features 4 GB or RAM and a choice between 32 and 64 gigabytes of expandable storage (dedicated micro SD card slot, or SIM 2 slot in dual SIM version). Yes, the phone doesn’t feature the latest Snapdragon 835, but except if you are benchmark freak or you use your smartphone for heavy multitasking, the difference in power between the Snapdragon 821 and the Snapdragon 835 will be almost invisible. Both chipsets are more than capable of providing snappy performance, seamless multitasking, and supreme experience playing video games.
Display
Both models offer some sort of special feature regarding the display. The LG V20 features the main 5.7-inch IPS display (1440 x 2560 pixels resolution) that will be more than enough for everyone except for users who desire a huge, 6+ inch screen. The auxiliary screen (2.1 inches, 160 x 1040 pixels) is a nice addition, perfect for showing various notifications and keeping the main screen off from eating the battery life.
The LG G6 doesn’t have an auxiliary screen. Instead, the phone offers unusual 18:9 screen aspect ratio (instead of a classic 16:9 aspect ratio), making the display longer but narrower at the same time, easing up one-hand usage. It is also rounded at the corners, making it even better to look at. The screen is of the same size as the one featured on the LG V20. A 5.7-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1440 x 2880 pixels (the result of making the display long and narrow) is near perfect. Saturated colors, wide viewing angles, high brightness and large dimensions are the main features of the screen.
Camera
Cameras were always one of LG’s stronger sides, and this is the case on both devices. The V20 packs a dual camera setup (16 MP f/1.8; 8 MP f/2.4) on the back supporting laser autofocus, OIS and LED flash. The camera is capable of recording 2160p@30fps videos. On the front, you’ll find a 5MP (f/1.9) selfie snapper.
The LG G6 also packs a dual camera setup (13 MP f/1.8; 13 MP f/2.4) on the back featuring OIS, laser autofocus, and LED flash. The camera can record 2160p@30fps videos. The front-facing camera features 5 MP (f/2.2).
Both devices offer superb main cameras capable of providing photographs of excellent quality, so if you are looking for a camera phone you won’t go wrong with either model.
Battery, Software
The LG V20 features a relatively small (at least for a 5.7-inch device) 3200 mAh battery, enough to last for a whole day with medium usage. The LG G6 packs a bit larger 3300 mAh battery that should give the phone a whole day of usage.
Both devices run Android Nougat (7.0) and they both come with a fingerprint sensor on the back. The LG V20 is MIL-STD-810G certified (drop resistant), while the LG G6 features IP68 certification (dust/water proof over 1.5 meter and 30 minutes; Water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes).
Price, Conclusion
The V20 can be found for Rs. 36,999 ($555) and it offers a lot for the money, Superb camera, superb audio, auxiliary screen, powerful hardware, and Android Nougat. The LG G6 should cost around Rs. 49,999 ($750) once it comes out. For the money, you’ll get a huge rounded screen, compact dimensions, superb camera, and attractive design, along with the last year’s Snapdragon 821.
If you need a large screen but don’t like the huge dimensions of the LG V20, wait a couple of weeks and get the LG G6. If dimensions are not a problem, then you should think about going for the LG V20.