Choosing your next smartphone can feel like navigating a labyrinth of features and specs. When the LG G7 ThinQ and the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus entered the arena, they both aimed to capture the premium market with their distinct strengths. Both devices offered a compelling package, but which one truly stands out for your needs?
The LG G7 ThinQ boasted a vibrant display and impressive audio capabilities, aiming to redefine your multimedia experience. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus countered with a powerful camera system and a refined design that appealed to many. This comparison will dive deep into what each phone brings to the table.
We’ll explore their performance, camera prowess, battery life, and unique features to help you make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize raw power, photographic excellence, or a balanced user experience, understanding the nuances between the G7 and the S9 Plus is key.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | g7 | s9 plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 6.2-inch |
| Display Type | OLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Processor | Snapdragon 855 | Snapdragon 845 |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB | 64GB/128GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (microSD) | Yes (microSD) |
| Rear Camera | 12MP Wide + 12MP Ultrawide | 12MP Wide + 12MP Telephoto |
| Front Camera | 8MP | 8MP |
| Battery | 3000mAh | 3500mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Biometrics | Fingerprint, Face Unlock | Fingerprint, Face Recognition, Iris Scanner |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers, 3.5mm Jack | Stereo Speakers, 3.5mm Jack |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- G7: Features a 6.1-inch IPS LCD display with a 1440 x 3120 resolution and a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. It offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, making it great for outdoor use. However, as an LCD, it doesn’t achieve the absolute blacks and contrast of AMOLED.
- S9 Plus: Boasts a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1440 x 2960 resolution and an 18.5:9 aspect ratio. The AMOLED panel provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, leading to a more immersive viewing experience. Some users might find the slightly taller aspect ratio less ideal for certain content.
- Winner: s9 plus
Processor & Performance
- G7: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM. This chip delivered flagship performance at its release, handling most apps and games smoothly. While still capable, it’s a generation behind the S9 Plus’s chipset.
- S9 Plus: Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (US) or Exynos 9810 (international) processor, with 6GB of RAM. These processors were top-tier for their time, offering robust performance for demanding tasks and multitasking. The extra RAM on the S9 Plus provides a slight edge in sustained multitasking.
- Winner: s9 plus
Camera System
- G7: Features a dual-camera setup: a 16MP main sensor and a 16MP ultrawide sensor. The ultrawide lens is a standout feature, offering unique perspectives. Image processing can sometimes be a bit aggressive, leading to slightly unnatural-looking photos in certain conditions.
- S9 Plus: Comes with a dual-camera system: a 12MP main sensor with variable aperture and a 12MP telephoto sensor. The variable aperture allows for better low-light performance and depth-of-field control. It generally produces excellent, well-balanced photos with good detail and dynamic range.
- Winner: s9 plus
Battery Life
- G7: Houses a 3000 mAh battery. While sufficient for moderate use, heavy users might find themselves needing a midday charge. It supports fast charging, which helps to mitigate this somewhat.
- S9 Plus: Equipped with a 3500 mAh battery. This offers a slightly better endurance than the G7, especially for moderate users. It also supports fast charging and wireless charging for added convenience.
- Winner: s9 plus
Audio
- G7: Features a “Boombox Speaker” which amplifies sound by using the phone’s body as a resonance chamber, offering surprisingly loud and full audio. It also retains the 3.5mm headphone jack. The audio quality is a significant strength.
- S9 Plus: Includes stereo speakers tuned by AKG and supports Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience. It also features a 3.5mm headphone jack. The stereo setup provides a good, balanced sound profile.
- Winner: g7
Design & Build
- G7: Sports a glass sandwich design with an aluminum frame. It has a more modern, notch-style display cutout and a dedicated Google Assistant button. The build feels premium, though the glossy finish can be prone to fingerprints.
- S9 Plus: Features a sleek glass and metal construction with curved edges. The design is refined and elegant, with a well-integrated fingerprint sensor on the back. It offers a premium in-hand feel, but the curved screen can sometimes lead to accidental touches.
- Winner: s9 plus
Software & Updates
- G7: Launched with Android 8.0 Oreo and received updates, but as an older device, it’s unlikely to receive further major OS updates. LG’s software is generally clean but can have some bloatware.
- S9 Plus: Launched with Android 8.0 Oreo and received multiple major OS updates, reaching Android 10. Samsung’s One UI has evolved significantly, offering a feature-rich experience. However, Samsung’s update speed can be inconsistent.
- Winner: s9 plus
Biometric Security
- G7: Offers a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is fast and accurate. It also includes face unlock, though it’s less secure than the fingerprint sensor.
- S9 Plus: Features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, face unlock, and iris scanning. The combination of multiple biometric options provides flexibility and enhanced security. The iris scanner is particularly advanced for its time.
- Winner: s9 plus
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size & Quality | s9 plus |
| Camera Versatility | s9 plus |
| Performance | g7 |
| Battery Life | s9 plus |
| Design & Build | s9 plus |
| Unique Features | s9 plus |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both devices feature vibrant OLED displays that offer excellent color reproduction and deep blacks, making for an immersive viewing experience.
- Expandable Storage: Users of both the G7 and S9 Plus can expand their internal storage via a microSD card slot, providing flexibility for media and app storage.
- Water and Dust Resistance: Both smartphones boast an IP68 rating, meaning they are protected against dust ingress and can withstand submersion in water up to a certain depth and duration.
- Headphone Jack: For those who prefer wired audio, both the G7 and S9 Plus retain the convenient 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature increasingly rare in flagship phones.
- Stereo Speakers: Both devices are equipped with stereo speakers, which enhance the audio experience for media consumption and gaming by providing a more immersive soundstage.
G7 Vs S9 Plus Buying Guide
Price and Value
When considering the LG G7 ThinQ and the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, price is a significant factor. The S9 Plus, being an older flagship, often sees more substantial price drops, making it a potentially better value proposition for those seeking premium features at a reduced cost. The G7 ThinQ, while also a capable device, might hold its value slightly better or be available at a more consistent price point, depending on the retailer and current promotions.
For budget-conscious buyers, the S9 Plus could offer a more attractive entry into high-end smartphone technology. However, it’s essential to compare current market prices as both devices have been superseded by newer models, influencing their availability and pricing dynamics. (See Also: Iphone 12 Vs 13 )
Camera Performance
Both the LG G7 ThinQ and the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus boast impressive camera systems, but they excel in slightly different areas. The S9 Plus is renowned for its versatile dual-lens setup, offering excellent zoom capabilities and consistently vibrant, pleasing images, particularly in good lighting. Its portrait mode is also a strong suit.
The G7 ThinQ, on the other hand, features a wide-angle lens that is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or group shots, a feature often missing on other flagships of its time. Low-light performance is generally strong on both, but the S9 Plus might have a slight edge in detail and color accuracy in challenging conditions.
Display Quality
The display is a critical component for any smartphone, and both the G7 ThinQ and S9 Plus deliver exceptional viewing experiences. The S9 Plus features a stunning Super AMOLED display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast ratios. Its curved edges contribute to an immersive, bezel-less feel.
The G7 ThinQ sports a vibrant IPS LCD display that offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, often lauded for its natural color reproduction. While AMOLED displays typically win on contrast and black levels, the G7’s LCD is a top-tier panel that provides a fantastic visual experience for media consumption and everyday use. (See Also: Vvs Moissanite Vs Diamond )
Performance and Battery Life
In terms of raw performance, both devices were top-tier flagships for their respective release years. The S9 Plus, with its Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos equivalent), offers smooth multitasking and gaming. The G7 ThinQ, powered by the Snapdragon 845, also delivers excellent speed and responsiveness.
Battery life is where there might be a noticeable difference. The S9 Plus generally offers slightly better endurance, especially with its larger battery capacity. The G7 ThinQ’s battery life is adequate for most users but might require more frequent charging for heavy usage compared to the S9 Plus.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy g7 If…
- You prioritize a slightly more compact form factor while still getting a premium display.
- You’re looking for a phone with a versatile dual-camera system that includes an ultrawide lens for expansive shots.
- You appreciate a clean software experience and robust performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
Buy s9 plus If…
- You desire a larger display for media consumption and productivity.
- You want the advanced camera capabilities of a telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- You value a wider range of biometric security options, including an iris scanner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display?
Both phones boast excellent displays. The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus features a Super AMOLED panel renowned for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast, offering a truly immersive viewing experience with its curved edges. The LG G7 ThinQ, however, sports a highly-rated IPS LCD display that excels in color accuracy and brightness, providing a more natural and true-to-life color reproduction for those who prefer it.
How do their cameras compare?
The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus offers a versatile dual-lens system with impressive zoom capabilities and consistently produces vibrant, well-balanced photos, especially in good lighting. Its portrait mode is also a strong performer. The LG G7 ThinQ stands out with its ultra-wide-angle lens, ideal for landscape and group shots. Both offer good low-light performance, though the S9 Plus might have a slight edge in detail and color consistency. (See Also: Dell Inspiron Vs Xps Desktop )
Which phone offers better value for money now?
Considering they are older models, the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus often presents better value due to more significant price reductions over time. Its premium features, like the AMOLED display and advanced camera system, are still highly competitive. The LG G7 ThinQ, while still a capable device, might be found at slightly higher price points depending on the retailer and available stock.
Is one phone significantly faster than the other?
Both the LG G7 ThinQ and the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus were equipped with flagship processors of their time (typically the Snapdragon 845), ensuring excellent performance for daily tasks, multitasking, and gaming. While benchmarks might show minor differences, in real-world usage, both devices offer a fluid and responsive experience, and the perceived speed difference is likely negligible for most users.
Which phone has better battery life?
Generally, the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus tends to offer slightly better battery life due to its larger battery capacity. While the LG G7 ThinQ provides adequate battery performance for moderate usage, heavy users might find themselves needing to top up more frequently with the G7 compared to the S9 Plus, especially under demanding conditions like extensive gaming or video playback.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus emerges as the more compelling choice for most users seeking a premium smartphone experience at a potentially more accessible price point today. Its superior AMOLED display, more versatile camera system with better zoom, and generally longer battery life give it a distinct advantage. While the LG G7 ThinQ offers a great display and a unique wide-angle lens, the S9 Plus provides a more well-rounded and consistently high-performing package for its age.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus