Detailed Report on LG V20
Introduction
The LG V20, released in September 2016, was a flagship smartphone designed for power users and creative professionals. It followed the innovative path set by the LG V10, bringing upgraded features, enhanced multimedia capabilities, and a focus on audio and video performance. With its robust design and unique secondary display, the LG V20 catered to those looking for a versatile and durable smartphone.
Design and Build Quality
The LG V20 featured a premium metal body with a MIL-STD-810G certification for shock resistance, making it one of the sturdiest smartphones of its time. The device measured 159.7 x 78.1 x 7.6 mm and weighed 174 grams, offering a sleek yet durable profile. Available in Titan, Silver, and Pink, it appealed to a wide range of users.
Display
The phone boasted a 5.7-inch QHD IPS LCD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels (~513 PPI), delivering sharp visuals and vibrant colors. A secondary 2.1-inch screen sat above the main display, providing quick access to notifications, app shortcuts, and customization options, enhancing multitasking and convenience.
Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset and paired with 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM, the LG V20 delivered smooth performance across a variety of tasks. Its Adreno 530 GPU ensured excellent graphics rendering, making it capable of handling demanding applications and games. The device came with 64GB of internal storage, expandable up to 2TB via a microSD card, providing ample space for media and files. It shipped with Android 7.0 Nougat and was among the first smartphones to support Google’s Android In-App Search feature.
Camera System
The LG V20 was a pioneer in smartphone photography and videography, offering a dual-camera setup:
- Rear Camera: A 16 MP primary sensor with f/1.8 aperture and OIS, alongside an 8 MP wide-angle lens with f/2.4 aperture. The combination enabled users to capture both detailed standard shots and expansive wide-angle photos.
- Front Camera: A 5 MP sensor with a wide-angle lens and f/1.9 aperture, ideal for group selfies and video calls.
The camera app included manual controls for video recording, allowing users to adjust parameters like ISO, white balance, and shutter speed. It also supported 4K video recording and introduced Steady Record 2.0 for smoother footage.
Audio Excellence
The LG V20 was a trailblazer in audio quality, featuring a 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC and support for lossless audio formats. It catered to audiophiles with its exceptional sound clarity and included high-quality microphones for superior audio recording.
Battery and Charging
The phone came with a removable 3200 mAh battery, a rare feature among flagships. It supported Quick Charge 3.0, allowing for fast charging via its USB Type-C port, ensuring minimal downtime for users.
Connectivity and Features
The LG V20 provided a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, and an infrared port. It also featured a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and a headphone jack, which was becoming less common in premium smartphones at the time.
Pricing and Availability
At launch, the LG V20 was priced at approximately $800 globally and ₹54,999 in India, reflecting its premium positioning. Current market prices vary significantly based on condition and availability:
- India: Refurbished units are available on platforms like Amazon and Flipkart for ₹10,000–₹15,000.
- United States: In the secondary market, prices range from $100 to $150.
- Other Markets: Availability in local offline stores and refurbished online sellers remains, with similar pricing trends.
Conclusion
The LG V20 was a powerhouse of innovation, combining durability, cutting-edge audio and video capabilities, and a unique dual-display design. While it has been succeeded by more advanced smartphones, it remains a cherished device for those who value its creative features and robust performance. With its rich feature set and focus on user-centric innovation, the LG V20 is a testament to LG’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology.
