LG has finally unveiled the latest flagship phone, the G5 with a modular approach which gives a better experience using a smartphone. This approach turns your LG G5 into a digital camera, Hi-Fi player and more. It also comes with a wide range of companion devices to make the overall experience better.
Coming to the hardware, the G5 packs a punch with a 5.3 inch Quad HD display, which is slightly smaller than what we saw on LG G4. Under the hood is the latest and most powerful Snapdragon 820 Quad core processor coupled with 4GB of RAM. There is 32GB on-board storage which is expandable to 2TB via micro SD card.
Encased in a sleek metal aluminum body and Slide-out Battery to easily swap out a depleted battery for a fully charged one in seconds, G5 definitely offers a different experience in flagship category. On the imaging front, the G5 sports dual camera, a 16MP primary camera and a 8MP secondary camera. The front camera is again an 8MP shooter.
The battery capacity is at 2800 which we feel slightly lower for a flagship, but the device comes with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 which should be able to charge it up pretty fast. The phone runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box. The LG G5 has dimensions of 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7mm and weighs 159g.
On the connectivity front, it has USB C Type port, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G LTE and NFC.
Now coming to the modular approach, the first time ever on a smartphone, the G5 can be turned into a digital camera or a Hi-Fi music player with this approach.
LG CAM Plus:
The LG CAM Plus is a camera module that can be attached through the battery slot to deliver a comfortable grip and convenient control of a standalone camera. The LG CAM Plus provides physical buttons for power, shutter, record, zoom, LED indicator and comfortable 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.
LG 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 audiophiles. It can plugged into G5 the same way as the LG CAM Plus and it delivers great music experience.
As part of the ecosystem, LG is introducing a wide range of companion devices, aptly called LG Friends to deliver a great experience with the G5.
LG 360 VR
The LG 360 VR is a VR goggle that 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 has a foldable design 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 weighs only 118g (4.16 ounces) and is just one-third as heavy as competing VR goggles while delivering a resolution of 639 ppi.
LG 360 CAM
The LG 360 CAM is a compact 360-degree angle camera equipped with two 13MP 200-degree wide angle cameras, 1,200mAh battery and 4GB internal memory, which can be supplemented by a microSD card. The LG 360 CAM can be easily connected to the LG G5 allowing users to create 360-degree content. The LG 360 CAM provides 2K video and 5.1 surround channel recording on three microphones to help users effortlessly create high-quality 360-degree contents.
LG 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 LG Rolling Bot can be used as a monitoring 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 remotely monitor the interior of their homes with the LG G5 via live streaming.
LG Tone Platinum
The LG TONE Platinum (model HBS-1100), the latest in the LG TONE 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.
H3 by B&O PLAY
H3 by B&O PLAY is a set of high-end earphones that is compatible with the high-quality 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 works with all Android smartphones.
LG Smart Controller
The LG Smart Controller allows users to easily control certain drones. With the LG Smart Controller, users can check the video stream from the drone through the LG G5 in real time and control the unmanned aircraft with the LG Smart Controller joystick.
LG 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. LG Friends Manager automatically detects nearby LG Friends and connects quickly and easily in three simple steps, eliminating much of the hassle of pairing devices.
Availability:
The LG G5 will be available in Silver, Titan, Gold and Pink colors and will be available in April along with the accessories.
Design is not that good…LG screwed up this time….