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.
“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
