All opinions expressed in this piece are my own
In a time where there’s tons of competition rising, LG isn’t among the mindsets for many users when it comes to smartphones. There’s no doubt LG makes some of the best phones out there. LG tried to differentiate themselves by launching the G5 with some gimmicky swappable parts that added extra functionality, but that didn’t work well for LG. Later on, LG released the V10, the true flagship (in my opinion) from LG. Featuring the highest end hardware, the best set of cameras and audio, well though out design, functional “second display” and much more. Pretty much the whole package.
With the launch of the V20, yet again, it seems like the V20 is going under the radar despite being the first smartphone to sport Android 7.0 Nougat. Last year’s V10 came with a rubbery back that allowed it to be “slip-proof” thanks to the material, but with the V20, LG has switched to premium aluminum allowing it to catch up with current trends. And believe me, you shouldn’t underestimate this phone.
On the internals, yet again, the LG V20 sports the highest end hardware, packing a Snapdragon 820, 4GB RAM, 64GB of internal storage, 5.7-inch QHD 2560 x 1440 display along with a functional dual camera setup (16+8MP).
While there is a subtle change between the V10 and the V20, I think that the refresh should be meaningful for many users getting into LG’s ecosystem.
Comparing the LG G5 to the V20, I would recommend the V20 anyday over LG’s G5 for its excellent cameras, removable battery, expandable storage via microSD card, audio DAC and the added professional tools.
Taking the price into consideration, LG’s G5 has dropped quite a bit in pricing which may attract a bit of users from the “already-saturated” mid-range market. If LG continues with a G6, we should be expecting them to get back onto the $700-800 price tag if its the best they can offer. But having two flagships from LG isn’t making sense anymore.
As the V20 hasn’t arrive in the hands of the public yet, LG’s V20 has performed admirably well in camera comparisons compared to Samsung’s offerings and is capable of tackling the biggest competitors in the market.
I think the V20 is a refreshing option for the market for it’s capabilities differing itself from the competition thanks to the ever-so-dying removable battery and the MicroSD card even with an aluminum body.
However, if LG wants to keep it simple, I think ditching the G5 or even the upcoming G series from LG should allow LG to focus pushing the V20 or upcoming V series of smartphones to more regions.
While some editors did disagree with my point taking Samsung’s Note lineup into account, I think that Samsung’s Note series is living only due to its pen functionality and they’re doing that well. If it weren’t for their S Pen functionality, it would have been a super sized smartphone.
Isn’t it more likely that LG works off a two premium phone model? new premium phone every 6 months to keep unit sales more consistent through the year.
I think keeping one flagship and properly distrtributing it in markets is key. Especially with the V20, its an amazing smartphone