Choosing between two top-tier smartphones can be a daunting task, especially when both offer compelling features.
Today, we’re pitting the sleek OnePlus 5 against the feature-rich LG V20 in a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
The OnePlus 5 boasts impressive performance and a clean user experience, while the LG V20 stands out with its unique secondary display and exceptional audio capabilities.
We’ll dive deep into their specifications, design, cameras, and overall user experience to see which device truly reigns supreme in this showdown.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | oneplus 5 | lg v20 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.5-inch Optic AMOLED | 5.7-inch IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels | 1440 x 2560 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB / 128GB | 64GB |
| Rear Camera | 16MP (wide) + 20MP (telephoto) | 16MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 5MP |
| Battery | 3300 mAh | 2800 mAh (removable) |
| Operating System | Android 7.1.1 (OxygenOS) | Android 7.0 (LG UX) |
| Build Material | Aluminum | Aluminum/Plastic |
| Water Resistance | No | Yes (MIL-STD-810G certified) |
| Biometrics | Fingerprint Sensor (front) | Fingerprint Sensor (rear) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Oneplus 5: Features a 5.5-inch Optic AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. It offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, but some users found the color calibration to be a bit oversaturated. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
- Lg V20: Boasts a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels. It also includes a secondary “Always-on” display for notifications and quick access. The primary display is sharp and bright, though AMOLED offers better contrast. It’s protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4.
- Winner: LG V20
Performance
- Oneplus 5: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, paired with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM. This chipset provides excellent speed and smooth multitasking for demanding applications and games. It was considered one of the fastest phones of its time.
- Lg V20: Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of RAM. While still a capable processor, it’s a generation older than the Snapdragon 835 and may not offer the same peak performance for the most intensive tasks. It offered a solid user experience for everyday use.
- Winner: OnePlus 5
Camera System
- Oneplus 5: Features a dual-camera setup with a 16MP main sensor and a 20MP telephoto lens. It excels in good lighting conditions, producing detailed and natural-looking photos. The telephoto lens allows for optical zoom, which is a significant advantage.
- Lg V20: Sports a dual-camera system with a 16MP main sensor and an 8MP wide-angle lens. It’s known for its versatility, especially the wide-angle option which is great for landscapes and group shots. Low-light performance is generally good, but the OnePlus 5 can produce sharper images in daylight.
- Winner: OnePlus 5
Battery Life & Charging
- Oneplus 5: Comes with a 3300 mAh battery and supports Dash Charge technology, allowing for very fast charging. Battery life is generally good, easily lasting a full day for most users. The fast charging is a standout feature for quick top-ups.
- Lg V20: Features a removable 3200 mAh battery, which is a significant advantage for users who prefer to swap batteries. It also supports Quick Charge 3.0. Battery life is decent but can vary, and the removable battery offers ultimate flexibility.
- Winner: OnePlus 5
Build Quality & Design
- Oneplus 5: Has an aluminum unibody design, giving it a premium and solid feel. It’s sleek and minimalist, with a comfortable in-hand feel. The design is refined and modern.
- Lg V20: Features a more rugged build with a metal frame and a removable back cover, making it MIL-STD-810G drop-test certified. This makes it more durable for outdoor use. The design is functional and robust.
- Winner: LG V20
Audio
- Oneplus 5: Lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which was a controversial decision. Audio output is through USB-C or Bluetooth, and while decent, it’s not ideal for audiophiles.
- Lg V20: Features a 3.5mm headphone jack and a Quad DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter), offering superior audio quality for wired headphones. This is a major win for music lovers and those who prioritize high-fidelity sound.
- Winner: LG V20
Software Features
- Oneplus 5: Runs on OxygenOS, a clean and near-stock Android experience with useful customizations. It’s known for its smooth performance and timely updates. The software is user-friendly and bloatware-free.
- Lg V20: Runs on Android with LG’s custom UI, which offers a range of features like split-screen multitasking and a unique KnockOn unlock. While functional, LG’s software can sometimes feel a bit more cluttered than OxygenOS.
- Winner: OnePlus 5
Unique Features
- Oneplus 5: Its primary unique feature is its exceptional performance for its price point and the inclusion of Dash Charge. The dual-camera system with optical zoom was also a strong selling point.
- Lg V20: Standout features include its rugged MIL-STD-810G durability, the secondary always-on display, and the exceptional audio quality thanks to the Quad DAC and 3.5mm headphone jack. The removable battery is also a significant differentiator.
- Winner: LG V20
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Performance | oneplus 5 |
| Display Quality | lg v20 |
| Camera Versatility | oneplus 5 |
| Audio Experience | lg v20 |
| Durability | lg v20 |
| Software Experience | oneplus 5 |
| Battery Life | oneplus 5 |
| Unique Features | lg v20 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both devices feature high-quality displays that offer vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making them great for media consumption and general use.
- Processor Performance: While the OnePlus 5 has a newer generation processor, both the Snapdragon 835 and 820 are powerful chips capable of handling demanding applications and multitasking with ease.
- Ample Storage: Both phones offer a generous 64GB of internal storage, providing plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos. The OnePlus 5 also offers a 128GB option for those who need even more.
- Fast Charging: Both devices support fast charging technologies, allowing you to quickly top up your battery when you’re running low on power, minimizing downtime.
- Premium Build: Both the OnePlus 5 and LG V20 are constructed with premium materials, offering a solid and durable feel in hand, contributing to their overall aesthetic appeal.
- Dual Rear Cameras: Both phones boast a dual-camera setup on the rear, enabling advanced photography features like optical zoom and wider field-of-view shots.
Oneplus 5 Vs Lg V20 Buying Guide
Performance & Daily Use
For everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, both the OnePlus 5 and LG V20 offer snappy performance. The OnePlus 5, with its Snapdragon 835 and ample RAM, generally feels a bit smoother and more consistent in its responsiveness. The LG V20, while still capable with its Snapdragon 820, might show occasional micro-stutters in very demanding scenarios or over extended periods of heavy use. If your priority is a consistently fluid experience for all common tasks, the OnePlus 5 has a slight edge. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Camera Capabilities
When it comes to photography, the LG V20 often shines with its versatile dual-camera setup, particularly its excellent wide-angle lens which is fantastic for landscapes and group shots. The OnePlus 5, with its dual telephoto lens, excels at zoomed shots and portrait mode with its natural bokeh. In good lighting, both produce impressive photos. However, the V20’s low-light performance and color reproduction are generally considered superior, making it a more well-rounded photography tool.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery life is a crucial consideration. The OnePlus 5, with its larger battery and efficient processor, typically offers better endurance for a full day of moderate to heavy use. While the LG V20’s battery isn’t terrible, it often struggles to last a full day for power users, though its user-removable battery is a significant advantage for those who carry spares. Dash Charge on the OnePlus 5 also provides incredibly fast top-ups, which can mitigate battery concerns.
Build Quality & Features
The OnePlus 5 boasts a premium aluminum unibody construction that feels solid and refined in hand. It offers a sleek, minimalist design. The LG V20, on the other hand, features a more rugged, MIL-STD-810G compliant build with a metal frame and a removable back cover, making it more durable and offering that coveted removable battery. The V20 also includes features like a secondary display and a Quad DAC for superior audio, which the OnePlus 5 lacks.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy oneplus 5 If…
- You prioritize raw performance and the latest flagship processor.
- You want a cleaner, near-stock Android experience with OxygenOS.
- You desire a sleeker, more minimalist design.
- You need more RAM for intensive multitasking.
Buy lg v20 If…
- You value a secondary display for quick notifications and shortcuts.
- You need a phone with robust build quality and MIL-STD-810G certification for durability.
- You prefer a removable battery for easy swaps.
- You are interested in advanced audio recording and playback features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone is better for gaming?
For gaming, the OnePlus 5 generally holds an advantage due to its more powerful Snapdragon 835 processor and potentially better thermal management. This translates to smoother frame rates and less lag in demanding titles. While the LG V20 is still capable of running most games well, the OnePlus 5 offers a more consistently high-performance gaming experience. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Is the LG V20’s camera significantly better?
The LG V20’s camera system is often praised for its versatility, particularly its excellent wide-angle lens which is great for capturing more in a single shot. Its low-light performance and color accuracy are also generally considered superior to the OnePlus 5. While the OnePlus 5 has a good camera, the V20 offers a more refined and flexible photography experience.
Which phone has better battery life?
The OnePlus 5 typically offers better all-day battery life for most users, thanks to its larger battery capacity and more power-efficient chipset. While the LG V20’s battery performance is adequate, it may not last as long for heavy users. However, the V20’s advantage lies in its user-replaceable battery, allowing for instant power swaps.
Does the LG V20 have a better audio experience?
Yes, the LG V20 is renowned for its superior audio capabilities. It features a Quad DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) that provides a significantly richer and more detailed sound experience, especially when using high-quality headphones. The OnePlus 5 has a standard audio output which is good, but it cannot match the audiophile-grade quality of the V20.
Which phone has a more durable build?
The LG V20 boasts a more rugged build, meeting MIL-STD-810G standards for durability, making it more resistant to drops and environmental factors. It also features a removable back cover. The OnePlus 5 has a premium aluminum unibody which feels very solid, but it lacks the same level of ruggedization as the V20. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Final Verdict
The OnePlus 5 excels in raw performance, consistent smoothness, and faster charging, making it a great choice for those prioritizing a fluid daily experience and gaming. However, the LG V20 stands out with its exceptional camera versatility, superior audio quality via its Quad DAC, and the practical advantage of a user-replaceable battery and rugged build. For a more feature-rich and versatile multimedia device, the LG V20 takes the lead.
Winner: Lg V20