The smartphone battleground of 2017 was fiercely contested, with two titans emerging as top contenders: the LG G6 and the Samsung Galaxy S8. Both devices promised cutting-edge technology and premium experiences, but which one truly delivered the ultimate package for discerning users? If you’re still weighing your options or simply curious about how these two giants stacked up, you’ve come to the right place.
The LG G6 arrived with a focus on durability and an immersive display, aiming to redefine user interaction. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S8 pushed boundaries with its stunning Infinity Display and powerful performance, setting a new standard for smartphone design. This comparison delves deep into their features, performance, and overall value to help you understand their unique strengths and weaknesses.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | LG G6 | Samsung S8 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.7-inch | 5.8-inch |
| Display Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2880 | 1440 x 2960 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 821 | Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895 |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Internal Storage | 32GB / 64GB | 64GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (microSD) | Yes (microSD) |
| Rear Camera | 13MP (wide) + 13MP (ultrawide) | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 5MP | 8MP |
| Battery Capacity | 3300 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Biometric Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor, Iris Scanner, Face Recognition |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Lg G6: 5.7-inch IPS LCD with a 2880 x 1440 resolution and a 18:9 aspect ratio. It offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, making it great for media consumption. However, it lacks the vibrant contrast of AMOLED panels.
- Samsung S8: 5.8-inch Super AMOLED with a 2960 x 1440 resolution and an 18.5:9 aspect ratio. The display is stunning with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. The curved edges can be prone to accidental touches for some users.
- Winner: samsung s8
Processor
- Lg G6: Qualcomm Snapdragon 821. While a powerful chip for its time, it’s a generation older than the S8’s processor, meaning slightly less raw performance and efficiency. It handles everyday tasks and most games well.
- Samsung S8: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos 8895 depending on region). This is a top-tier processor that offers excellent performance for demanding apps and multitasking. It’s known for its speed and power efficiency.
- Winner: samsung s8
RAM
- Lg G6: 4GB RAM. This is sufficient for smooth multitasking and general usage. However, with more demanding applications and future software updates, it might feel slightly less future-proof compared to higher RAM configurations.
- Samsung S8: 4GB RAM. Similar to the G6, 4GB is generally adequate for most users. While some competitors offered 6GB, 4GB on the S8 provides a fluid experience due to Samsung’s optimized software.
- Winner: Tie
Camera
- Lg G6: Dual 13MP rear cameras (wide and ultrawide) with OIS. The ultrawide lens is a standout feature, offering unique perspectives. Image processing is good, but can sometimes struggle in low light compared to the S8.
- Samsung S8: Single 12MP rear camera with OIS. Samsung’s image processing is renowned for producing vibrant and detailed photos, especially in good lighting. Low-light performance is excellent, and the autofocus is very fast.
- Winner: samsung s8
Battery
- Lg G6: 3300 mAh battery with Quick Charge 3.0. The battery life is generally decent, offering a full day of moderate use. It supports wireless charging, which is a convenient addition.
- Samsung S8: 3000 mAh battery with fast charging and wireless charging. Battery life is a known weak point for the S8, often struggling to last a full demanding day. Optimization has improved over time, but it’s not a battery champion.
- Winner: lg g6
Storage
- Lg G6: 32GB or 64GB internal storage, expandable via microSD card. The base storage is a bit limited for today’s standards, but the microSD slot offers great flexibility for users with large media libraries.
- Samsung S8: 64GB internal storage, expandable via microSD card. The base storage is more generous, and like the G6, it offers expandable storage. This combination provides ample room for apps, photos, and videos.
- Winner: samsung s8
Biometrics
- Lg G6: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. It’s fast and accurate, conveniently placed for one-handed unlocking. It also features facial recognition, though it’s less secure and reliable.
- Samsung S8: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, iris scanner, and facial recognition. The fingerprint sensor is well-placed, and the iris scanner offers a secure alternative. Facial recognition is convenient but can be inconsistent in varying light conditions.
- Winner: samsung s8
Design & Build
- Lg G6: Aluminum frame with a glass back, IP68 water and dust resistance. The design is sleek and modern with minimal bezels, and the build quality feels premium. It’s comfortable to hold despite its size.
- Samsung S8: Aluminum frame with a glass front and back, IP68 water and dust resistance. The Infinity Display with curved edges gives it a very futuristic and immersive look. It’s incredibly sleek but also more prone to drops and scratches due to its all-glass design.
- Winner: samsung s8
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | Samsung S8 |
| Design | Samsung S8 |
| Camera | Samsung S8 |
| Performance | Samsung S8 |
| Battery | LG G6 |
| Durability | LG G6 |
| Unique Features | Samsung S8 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both devices feature large, high-resolution displays that offer vibrant colors and sharp details, making them great for media consumption and gaming.
- Premium Build Quality: Both the LG G6 and Samsung S8 are constructed with premium materials, typically featuring a glass front and back with a metal frame, giving them a high-end feel.
- Water and Dust Resistance: Both phones boast an IP68 rating, meaning they can withstand submersion in water and are protected against dust ingress, offering peace of mind for everyday use.
- Expandable Storage: Users can expand the internal storage of both devices using a microSD card, providing ample space for photos, videos, and apps.
- Fast Charging: Both the LG G6 and Samsung S8 support fast charging technologies, allowing you to quickly top up the battery when it’s running low.
- Good Camera Performance: While their approaches differ, both phones are capable of capturing high-quality photos in various lighting conditions, with the LG G6 notably offering a versatile dual-camera setup.
LG G6 Vs Samsung S8 Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The LG G6 boasts a more robust and utilitarian design, featuring a metal frame and Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and back. Its wider aspect ratio and rounded corners make it comfortable to hold, and it offers a more durable feel for everyday use. The Samsung S8, on the other hand, presents a sleeker, more premium aesthetic with its curved Infinity Display and glass sandwich construction. While visually stunning, its all-glass design can be more prone to scratches and cracks.
Display Technology
Both devices offer excellent displays, but with different strengths. The LG G6 features a 5.7-inch IPS LCD panel with a 2880 x 1440 resolution, delivering vibrant colors and great viewing angles. Its unique 18:9 aspect ratio is well-suited for multitasking. The Samsung S8 sports a slightly larger 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display, also with a 2880 x 1440 resolution, renowned for its deep blacks, incredible contrast, and punchy colors. The S8’s display generally offers superior brightness and color accuracy. (See Also: Chrysler 300 Vs Dodge Charger )
Camera Performance
When it comes to photography, both phones excel, but the LG G6 offers a unique dual-lens setup with a standard and an ultra-wide lens. This provides excellent versatility for capturing expansive landscapes or fitting more into a single shot. The main sensor captures sharp and detailed images with good color reproduction. The Samsung S8’s single 12MP camera is a powerhouse, known for its exceptional low-light performance and fast autofocus. Its images are often praised for their natural look and excellent dynamic range.
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, the LG G6 is powered by a Snapdragon 821 processor, which, while a generation older than the S8’s Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos equivalent), still offers very capable performance for most tasks and gaming. The Samsung S8 generally feels snappier and more fluid in daily use due to its more powerful chipset and optimized software. In terms of battery life, both devices offer decent endurance. The G6 has a slightly larger 3300 mAh battery, while the S8 has a 3000 mAh battery, but the S8’s efficiency often leads to comparable or even better real-world usage.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy LG G6 If…
- You prioritize a durable and rugged design with excellent water resistance.
- You appreciate a wide-angle lens for capturing more in your photos, especially landscapes or group shots.
- You are looking for a reliable flagship experience at a potentially more accessible price point.
- You prefer a traditional fingerprint sensor placement on the rear of the device.
Buy Samsung S8 If…
- You want the absolute latest in display technology with an immersive, edge-to-edge screen.
- You desire a wider range of biometric security options, including iris scanning and face recognition.
- You are a fan of Samsung’s ecosystem and software features.
- You are looking for a slightly more compact device with a powerful processor and excellent camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better screen?
The Samsung S8’s Super AMOLED display is generally considered superior due to its deeper blacks, higher contrast ratio, and more vibrant colors. While the LG G6’s IPS LCD is excellent, the S8’s screen offers a more visually striking experience, especially for media consumption. (See Also: Brooklinen Sateen Vs Percale )
Which phone is better for photography?
Both offer great cameras. The LG G6’s dual-lens system with an ultra-wide option provides unique versatility for different shooting scenarios. The Samsung S8 excels in low-light conditions and produces consistently natural-looking photos with excellent detail and dynamic range.
Which phone has better build quality?
The LG G6 is often perceived as having a more durable build due to its metal frame and slightly more robust feel. The Samsung S8, while more aesthetically pleasing with its curved glass, can be more susceptible to damage from drops or scratches.
Which phone offers better performance?
The Samsung S8, with its more advanced Snapdragon 835 (or equivalent) processor, generally offers a snappier and more fluid user experience. While the LG G6’s Snapdragon 821 is still capable, the S8 has a slight edge in raw performance and multitasking capabilities. (See Also: Pink Moissanite Vs Morganite )
Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer decent battery life for a full day of moderate use. The LG G6 has a slightly larger battery capacity, but the Samsung S8’s more efficient processor often results in comparable or even slightly better real-world endurance for many users.
Final Verdict
The LG G6 and Samsung S8 were flagship contenders, each with distinct strengths. The G6 offered a durable design, a versatile ultra-wide camera, and a great display for multitasking. However, the Samsung S8, with its stunning Infinity Display, superior processing power, and exceptional camera performance, particularly in low light, provided a more refined and cutting-edge user experience. For those prioritizing the absolute best in display technology and overall performance, the S8 edges out the G6.
Winner: Samsung S8