Choosing between two flagship smartphones can be a daunting task, especially when they hail from the same manufacturer and offer distinct, yet compelling, features. Today, we dive deep into a head-to-head comparison between two popular LG devices: the innovative LG G5 and the feature-rich LG V10.
Both phones aimed to capture the high-end market with their unique selling points. The LG G5 introduced a modular design, promising a new level of user customization and expandability. Meanwhile, the LG V10 stood out with its secondary display and robust build quality, catering to power users and multimedia enthusiasts.
This comparison will help you understand the key differences and similarities, empowering you to make an informed decision about which LG powerhouse best suits your needs and preferences. Let’s explore what each device brings to the table.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | LG G5 | LG V10 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.3 inches | 5.7 inches |
| Display Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels | 1440 x 2560 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Internal Storage | 32 GB | 64 GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (microSD) | Yes (microSD) |
| Rear Camera | 16 MP (f/1.8) + 8 MP (ultrawide) | 16 MP (f/1.8) |
| Front Camera | 8 MP | 5 MP + 5 MP (dual) |
| Battery Capacity | 2800 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Operating System (at launch) | Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow | Android 5.1.1 Lollipop |
| Dimensions | 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7 mm | 159.6 x 79.3 x 8.6 mm |
| Weight | 159 g | 193 g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Lgg 5: Features a 5.3-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels. This offers a sharp and vibrant viewing experience with good color accuracy. However, some users found the display to be a bit too reflective in bright sunlight.
- Lg V10: Boasts a larger 5.7-inch IPS Quantum display, also with a 1440 x 2560 resolution. It includes a unique secondary “ticker” display above the main screen for notifications and shortcuts. While the main display is excellent, the secondary display’s utility can be subjective.
- Winner: LG V10
Processor & Performance
- Lgg 5: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM. This provided flagship-level performance for its time, handling multitasking and demanding applications with ease. It was a solid performer for daily use.
- Lg V10: Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 chipset and 4GB of RAM. While still powerful, the 808 was a slightly less potent chip than the 820, which could lead to minor performance differences in very intensive tasks. It offered smooth operation for most users.
- Winner: LG G5
Camera System
- Lgg 5: Features a dual rear camera setup: a 16MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle sensor. This allowed for versatile shooting options, especially the ability to capture expansive landscapes. Image quality was generally good, though low-light performance could be inconsistent.
- Lg V10: Comes with a 16MP rear camera and a unique dual front-facing camera system (5MP each). The rear camera produced excellent photos with good detail and color. The dual front cameras were designed for enhanced selfie capabilities and group shots.
- Winner: LG V10
Battery Life & Charging
- Lgg 5: Has a removable 2800 mAh battery, a feature praised for its convenience. This allowed users to swap out batteries for extended use. However, the 2800 mAh capacity was on the smaller side for its display size, sometimes requiring mid-day charging.
- Lg V10: Features a non-removable 3000 mAh battery. While not as convenient as a removable option, it offered slightly better longevity for most users compared to the G5. It also supported Quick Charge 2.0 for faster charging.
- Winner: LG V10
Build Quality & Design
- Lgg 5: Utilized a metal unibody design with a slightly unusual modular “chin” for accessories. While innovative, some users found the build to feel less premium than competitors, and the modular aspect had limited adoption. It was a departure from LG’s previous metallic designs.
- Lg V10: Showcases a more rugged and premium design with a stainless steel frame and a textured back cover for grip. This build felt more durable and substantial in hand. The design was distinctive and aimed at a more discerning user.
- Winner: LG V10
Audio Experience
- Lgg 5: Features a single bottom-firing speaker. While it provided decent sound, it lacked the richness and loudness of front-facing or stereo speakers. It was adequate for casual listening but not exceptional.
- Lg V10: Equipped with dual front-facing stereo speakers and a 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC. This provided a significantly superior audio experience, with richer, clearer, and louder sound, especially when using headphones. It was a major selling point for audiophiles.
- Winner: LG V10
Expandability & Storage
- Lgg 5: Offered 32GB of internal storage and expandable storage via a microSD card slot. The modular design also allowed for accessories that could potentially increase storage or functionality. It provided good options for managing media.
- Lg V10: Came with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage options and a microSD card slot for expansion. This offered flexibility in storing apps, photos, and videos. Both phones provided ample storage for most users.
- Winner: LG V10
Unique Features
- Lgg 5: Its standout feature was its modular design, allowing users to swap out components like the battery or attach accessories like a camera grip or DAC module. This was an ambitious attempt at hardware customization. However, the ecosystem of modules never fully took off.
- Lg V10: Introduced a secondary ticker display above the main screen, offering quick access to notifications, time, and app shortcuts without waking the primary display. It also featured dual front cameras for advanced selfie capabilities. These were innovative additions that set it apart.
- Winner: LG V10
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size | LG V10 |
| Processor Performance | LG G5 |
| Camera Versatility | LG G5 |
| Build Durability | LG V10 |
| Unique Features | LG V10 (Secondary Display) |
| Modularity | LG G5 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Quality: Both devices boast Quad HD (1440 x 2560 pixels) displays, offering sharp and vibrant visuals with excellent pixel density for an immersive viewing experience.
- Performance: They share 4GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and the ability to run demanding applications and games without significant lag.
- Expandable Storage: Both phones support microSD cards, allowing users to easily increase their storage capacity for photos, videos, and apps.
- Removable Batteries: A key feature for many users, both the LG G5 and LG V10 come with user-replaceable batteries, offering the convenience of swapping out a depleted battery for a fresh one.
- Premium Build Materials: While their designs differ, both phones utilize robust materials, contributing to a solid and premium feel in hand.
Lgg 5 Vs Lg V10 Buying Guide
Camera Capabilities
The LG G5 boasts a dual-lens rear camera system, featuring a standard 16MP sensor alongside a 135-degree wide-angle lens. This offers impressive versatility for capturing expansive landscapes or fitting more into your shots. While its low-light performance is decent, it may not reach the same heights as some competitors.
The LG V10, on the other hand, also sports a dual-lens setup but with a slightly different approach. It features two 5MP front cameras for versatile selfies and a 16MP rear camera. The V10 is known for its excellent video recording capabilities, including manual controls that appeal to aspiring videographers. Its rear camera performs well in various lighting conditions, producing sharp and detailed images. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the LG G5 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM. This configuration ensures smooth multitasking and handles demanding applications with ease. It launched with Android Marshmallow and has received updates, offering a fluid user experience with LG’s custom UI on top.
The LG V10 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, also with 4GB of RAM. While slightly older, it still provides a capable performance for everyday tasks and most gaming. The V10 also ran on Android Marshmallow and has seen updates, though its software support might be less extensive than the G5’s due to its earlier release date. LG’s software on both devices is generally well-regarded for its intuitiveness.
Design and Build Quality
The LG G5 introduced a modular design, allowing users to swap out the battery and attach accessories like the LG Cam Plus or Hi-Fi Plus modules. This innovative approach offers expandability but some users found the plastic construction less premium. It features a 5.3-inch IPS LCD display with a Quad HD resolution.
The LG V10 stands out with its unique dual-screen design. It has a primary 5.7-inch QHD IPS display and a smaller secondary ticker display above it for notifications and shortcuts. The V10 also features a robust build with a stainless steel frame and a textured back, often considered more durable and premium than the G5’s construction. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Battery Life and Charging
The LG G5 comes with a removable 2800 mAh battery, which is a significant advantage for users who need to swap batteries on the go. It supports Quick Charge 3.0, allowing for rapid charging. However, the modular design sometimes meant that battery life could be further impacted by the weight and power draw of attached modules.
The LG V10 houses a non-removable 3000 mAh battery. While it offers a slightly larger capacity on paper, its performance in real-world usage can be comparable to the G5, especially considering the larger primary display. It also supports fast charging, ensuring you can get a significant boost in power relatively quickly. The lack of a removable battery might be a downside for some power users.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy LG G5 If…
- You prioritize a more compact and ergonomic design.
- You are interested in modular accessories that enhance functionality.
- You desire a slightly more modern processor for day-to-day tasks.
- You want a dual-camera system for versatile photography, including ultrawide shots.
Buy LG V10 If…
- You prefer a larger screen for media consumption and productivity.
- You value the unique secondary display for quick access to notifications and shortcuts.
- You want a more durable build with a rubberized back for better grip.
- You are interested in a dual-front camera setup for advanced selfie capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better camera for photography?
For general photography and versatility, the LG G5’s dual rear cameras, particularly the wide-angle lens, offer more creative options. The V10 excels in video recording with its manual controls and dual front cameras for varied selfies. Both capture good stills, but the G5’s rear setup is often preferred for its broader photographic capabilities.
Is the modular design of the LG G5 worth it?
The modular design of the LG G5 was an innovative concept that allowed for battery swaps and accessory attachments like camera grips or DACs. Whether it’s “worth it” depends on your needs. If you value the flexibility and potential for enhanced functionality, it’s a unique feature. However, it added complexity and didn’t gain widespread adoption. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Which phone is better for gaming?
Both phones offer capable performance for gaming. The LG G5, with its Snapdragon 820, has a slight edge in raw processing power, potentially handling more demanding titles at higher settings. However, the V10’s Snapdragon 808 is still very competent. For most casual to moderate gaming, the experience will be enjoyable on either device.
Which phone has a more premium build?
The LG V10 is generally considered to have a more premium build quality. Its stainless steel frame and textured back give it a more robust and luxurious feel compared to the LG G5’s primarily plastic construction, which, while functional, doesn’t exude the same level of premium materials. The V10’s design feels more solid and durable.
Which phone offers better battery life?
The LG G5 has a removable battery, which is a significant advantage for users who need to swap it out for extended usage. While the V10 has a slightly larger capacity, the G5’s ability to instantly replace a depleted battery often translates to better practical battery life for heavy users. Both support fast charging.
Final Verdict
The LG G5 and LG V10 represent distinct approaches to smartphone innovation from LG. The G5’s modularity and wide-angle camera offer unique advantages for specific users, while the V10 impresses with its dual screens, robust build, and superior video recording capabilities. For those prioritizing versatility in photography and the potential for hardware expansion, the G5 is compelling. However, the V10’s enduring appeal lies in its durable design and advanced multimedia features, making it a more well-rounded device for content creation and consumption.
Winner: Lg V10