We’ve seen a flurry of phones unveiled at MWC 2019, including two new flagships from LG. The LG G8 ThinQ is the release we expected, but it was joined by the slightly bigger LG V50 ThinQ. Both are packing some impressive hardware, but there are some differences worth highlighting if you’re considering buying either of these phones. Let’s take a look at exactly how they measure up as we pit LG G8 ThinQ versus LG V50 ThinQ to pick a winner.
Specs
LG G8 ThinQ |
LG V50 ThinQ | |
Size | 151.9 × 71.8 × 8.4 mm (5.98 × 2.83 × 0.33 inches) | 159.2 x 76.1 x 8.3 mm (6.27 x 3 x 0.33 inches) |
Weight | 167 grams (5.89 ounces) | 183 grams (6.46 ounces) |
Screen size | 6.1-inch AMOLED | 6.4-inch AMOLED |
Screen resolution | 3,120 × 1,440 pixels (564 pixels per inch) | 3,120 x 1,440 pixels (537 pixels per inch) |
Operating system | Android 9.0 Pie | Android 9.0 Pie |
Storage space | 128GB | |
MicroSD card slot | Yes, up to 512GB | Yes, up to 512GB |
Tap-to-pay services | Google Pay | Google Pay |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 |
RAM | 6GB | 6GB |
Camera | Dual-lens ultra-wide-angle 16-megapixel, and standard 12MP with OIS rear, dual lens 8MP and TOF front | Triple-lens ultra-wide-angle 16-megapixel, standard 12MP with OIS, and telephoto 12MP with OIS rear, dual lens 8MP and wide-angle 5MP front |
Video | 2,160p at 60 frames per second, 1,080p at 60 fps, 720p at 240 fps | 2,160p at 60 frames per second, 1,080p at 240 fps |
Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Ports | USB-C port, 3.5mm audio jack | USB-C port, 3.5mm audio jack |
Fingerprint sensor | Yes, on back | Yes, on back |
Water resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
Battery | 3,500mAh
QuickCharge 3.0 Qi wireless charging |
4,000mAh
QuickCharge 3.0 Qi wireless charging |
App marketplace | Google Play Store | Google Play Store |
Network support | AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint | T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint |
Colors | Carmine red, new Aurora black, new Moroccan blue | Astro black |
Price | TBA | TBA |
Buy from | LG | LG, Sprint |
Review score | Hands-on | Hands-on |
Performance, battery life, and charging
While both these phones feature the soon to be ubiquitous Snapdragon 855 processor, only the V50 ThinQ has the optional X50
The
Winner:
Design and durability
Apart from the size difference — the
They both score IP68 ratings, which means they can take a dip without sustaining lasting damage, but we’d advise a case for whichever one you choose.
Winner: Tie
Display
Both these devices are blessed with beautiful AMOLED screens. The
Winner: Tie
Camera
LG multiplied the number of lenses in its smartphone cameras in recent releases and the G8 and V50 are no exception to this trend. The V50 features a triple-lens setup which includes a standard 12-megapixel lens with an f/1.5 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS), alongside a 16-megapixel ultra wide-angle lens with an f/1.9 aperture, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens with an f/2.4 aperture and OIS. In certain markets, the
There are differences around front, too. The G8 ThinQ pairs a wide-angle 8-megapixel lens with a Time of Flight sensor which enables secure face unlock, Hand ID, and Air Motion gestures. You can lock and unlock your G8 without touching it, and you can even control video, volume, or take calls by waving your hand above that front-facing camera suite, which LG calls Z Camera. It could prove handy if you’re in the habit of trying to use your phone with wet or dirty hands, but it could also prove to be a gimmick that you don’t use.
The
The triple-lens camera is going to be more versatile than the dual lens, because the extra telephoto lens enables 2x optical zoom. Which of the front-facing cameras you prefer depends on your tastes, but the V50 will likely offer some advantages in the video department.
Winner:
Software and updates
You’ll find LG’s user interface running on top of Android 9.0 Pie here and there’s not going to be much difference in your experience between these two phones. The
Winner: Tie
Special features
Apart from its video smarts, LG is also going to offer a second screen accessory for the V50, though we don’t know what it will cost. It’s a bit like a cover case, but it contains a second 6.2-inch OLED screen, so you could watch a movie on one screen while you text on the other. It’s not exactly a folding phone, but some people might be tempted. You’ll also enjoy
The
Winner:
Price and availability
We don’t yet know the price of either of these phones, but we expect the
Overall winner: LG V50 ThinQ
These are two very similar phones, so your final decision could well boil down to size and budget preferences. The