Introduction
Launched in April 2016, the LG G5 broke conventional smartphone design molds with its modular innovation and focus on versatility. Packed with flagship-grade specifications, it introduced “LG Friends” modular accessories, appealing to tech enthusiasts seeking unique functionality.
Design and Build Quality
The LG G5 stood out with its sleek metal unibody design, combined with a modular bottom that allowed users to swap out components for enhanced functionality. Dimensions measured 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7 mm, and the phone weighed 159 grams. It was available in stylish colors like Silver, Titan, Gold, and Pink. Despite its unibody appearance, it cleverly hid a removable battery—a rarity among its peers.
Display
The G5 featured a 5.3-inch Quad HD IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, achieving an impressive pixel density of ~554 PPI. Its vibrant and sharp screen made it ideal for multimedia consumption. The Always-On Display allowed users to check time, date, and notifications at a glance without waking the device fully. The screen supported excellent brightness levels and color reproduction, enhancing outdoor usability.
Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset, the LG G5 offered top-notch performance for its time. This quad-core processor, paired with the Adreno 530 GPU, handled multitasking, gaming, and app usage with ease.
- RAM and Storage: 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM complemented 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card (up to 2TB).
- Operating System: It launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and was later upgraded to Android 8.0 Oreo, offering a clean and customizable user interface.
Camera Capabilities
The LG G5 introduced a dual-camera setup, which was ahead of its time:
- Primary Camera: A 16 MP main sensor with f/1.8 aperture, OIS, and laser autofocus for sharp and clear photos.
- Secondary Camera: An 8 MP ultra-wide lens with a 135° field of view, perfect for capturing landscapes and group shots.
- Front Camera: An 8 MP sensor capable of detailed selfies and video calls.
The camera software included advanced features like Manual Mode, HDR, Panorama, and Night Mode. It also supported 4K video recording, ensuring high-quality video capture.
Battery Life
A 2800 mAh removable battery powered the LG G5, aligning with its modular design. Users could easily replace the battery with a fully charged spare, ensuring uninterrupted use. It supported Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, delivering up to 80% charge in just 35 minutes via its USB Type-C port.
Connectivity and Additional Features
- Connectivity: The LG G5 supported 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and Infrared.
- Sensors: It featured a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for fast and secure access, along with accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass sensors.
- Modular Accessories: The “LG Friends” ecosystem included accessories like the CAM Plus (camera grip) and Hi-Fi Plus (audio module), enhancing its versatility.
Pricing and Availability
At launch, the LG G5 was priced at around ₹52,990 in India and $649 globally. In the used and refurbished markets today, it is available for much lower prices, typically between ₹5,000 and ₹10,000 depending on condition and region.
Conclusion
The LG G5 represented a bold step forward in smartphone innovation with its modular design and dual-camera system. While its modular approach faced mixed reviews, it left a lasting impression in the industry. For users seeking a unique and capable smartphone, the LG G5 remains a noteworthy choice in the history of mobile devices.
