LG has decided to “take the road less travelled” this has taken place with a vast array of add-ons and the Magic Slot. It’s a gallant move, but that’s how innovation materialises.
Key specs
- 5.3” IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
- Resolution: 1440 X 2560 pixels
- Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 4
- Primary camera: Dual 16 MP (29mm, f/1.8) + 8 MP (12mm, f/2.4), laser autofocus, OIS (3-axis), LED flash
- Secondary camera: 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4″ sensor size, 1.12 µm pixel size, 1080p
- Android OS: Android OS, v6.0.1 (Marshmallow)
- LG Optimus UX 5.0 UI
- Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 chipset
- CPU: Quad-core (2×2.15 GHz Kryo & 2×1.6 GHz Kryo)
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
- microSD dedicated card slot (expandable up to 256 GB)
- 4 GB RAM
- 32 GB internal memory
- Bluetooth: 2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
- 0, Type-C 1.0 reversible connector, USB On-The-Go
- Removable Li-Ion 2800 mAh battery
- Talk time: Up to 20 h (3G)
LG G5 Unit
Pros: Dual rear cameras; powerful chipset; speedy overall performance; legibility in direct sunlight; fantastic display; variety of add-ons
Cons: Expensive; have to switch off your phone each time you want to use a new module; sub-par battery life; no adaptive storage
The Magic Slot and the assortment of add-ons need to be discussed before anything else. They include the following:
Magic Slot Add-ons
- LG Cam Plus. It essentially allows your device to feel – and functions – like a dedicated camera.
- Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play.
- 360 degree Virtual Reality (VR)
- 360 degree Cam
The big question is “do you need them?”
LG G5 Magic Slot
With add-ons specifically designed to enhance your photo snapping experience, it stands to reason that the G5 should boast a great camera…and it does. It has all the features found on the G4: Laser Autofocus; OIS and a colour spectrum sensor.
Now, to take the experience to the next level, the G5 is equipped with a dual snapper setup. You have a choice of 2 viewing angles – the conventional 75 degrees or the 135 degree ultra-wide. LG has added to dedicated shortcuts so that you can seamlessly switch between cameras.
LG has definitely conceptualised a phone that goes against the grain and and has transformed the idea into a transcendent device. If you love the prospect of having different add-ons that will give you a unique experience, consider the G5.
Verdict: 8/10
