It’s still early in the year, but we’ve already seen some impressive additions to the smartphone market.
Today, we take a look at the specifications of two recently announced flagships – the LG G6 and the Samsung Galaxy S8.
Here’s how they compare on paper:
Specifications
| Feature | LG G6 | Samsung Galaxy S8 |
| Display | 5.7-inch QHD FullVision Display 2 880 x 1 440 (4K) resolution 564ppi |
5.8-inch Quad HD+ 2 960 x 1 440 resolution 570ppi |
| Camera | 13MP Rear Camera + 13MP Dual Wide Angle Rear Lens 5MP Wide Angle Front Camera |
12MP Dual Pixel Rear Camera 8MP Front Camera |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 64-bit Quad-Core |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 64-bit Octa-Core 10nm |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Memory | 32GB internal Up to 2TB expandable |
64GB internal Up to 256GB expandable |
| Battery | 3 300mAh | 3 000mAh |
| Water/dust resistant? | Yes, IP68 | Yes, IP68 |
| AI Assistant | Google Assistant | Bixby |
| Fast Charging? | Yes | Yes |
But, looking past a list of specs, what are the major differences between the phones?
Different Displays And Design
While both LG and Samsung have opted for a higher screen-to-body ratio with their latest flagships, the results of these efforts have turned out differently.
The LG G6 has a flat screen with an 18:9 aspect ratio, accompanied by a thin bezel.
Meanwhile Samsung, in pursuit of its Infinity Display, opted for a more untraditional aspect ratio of 18.5:9 to achieve its high screen-to-body ratio. Due to the curved edges of the screen, the phone appears bezel-less.
According to Phone Arena, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is the phone which achieved the higher screen-to-body ratio. The S8 has a ratio of 84.26% according to the site, while the LG G6’s is 79.47%.
Aesthetically, many critics have praised the Galaxy S8 as the winner of the journey towards no bezels. However, others have noted that the strange aspect ratio may result in content, such as online video, not displaying properly.
Pricing
Price is a major aspect where the two smartphones differ. The LG G6 has a recommended retail price of R12 099, while the Galaxy S8 is expected to retail for R15 499, with pre-orders currently available at the price point. The S8+, meanwhile, will be sold at a recommended price of R17 499.
For many budget-conscious consumers, price will be a huge factor in which phone they would choose.
While the S8 is, on paper, the more powerful phone with a more premium feel, this might not be enough to get consumers to cough up over R3 000 extra.
Then again, the S8 will be the same price as the iPhone 7 Plus was at the time of its release last year. In fact, the current price for 32GB version of the iPhone 7 Plus, from the iStore, is actually only R500 less than the S8. So, some may argue that Samsung’s price is not a huge ask.
We’ll leave it up to you to decide.
Release Dates
While the LG G6 was released in South Africa on 7 April, those hoping to buy the S8 will have to wait until 5 May.
This is why the LG G6 has had extensive coverage in terms of reviews, but the Galaxy S8 remains mostly unrated. The S8 will only make its international debut on 21 April.
Only upon its release will consumers be able to compare opinions on the two flagships in terms of more than just technical specifications and design.
