LG will launch the G7 this week, but this still a solid phone for anyone that need the latest and greatest. This is the LG-H870K model which does NOT have the Quad Dac (headphone output even on this model seems to still kill just about everything else though).
Bootloop has been fixed mate. Dw. Move on ;)
yep, have V20, no issues.
People have moved on from Samsung batteries and are enjoying their new phones.
Pity doens't have the quad dac.
There is. I own 1 myself
Except quad dac everything else the same, camera, screen, bands, etc?
32 GB single sim
Yep, everything - I believe this version has wireless charging instead (US model)
You're correct - I was unaware there were two Aussie variants. FWIW, the JB variant has the Quad-DAC
Bought, the wife wont even know what quad triceps are :P she can now sell the V20 :) Thanks OP!
Whats wrong with the v20?
My cousin has the V20 and sometimes the phome misses a couples of text messages from people, especially when receiving 3-4 messages in a row .
V20 is a slimmer and better looking phone
I've got a G6 and have come from a V20. Looks subjective but I find the G6 better looking at the sacrifice of durability.
G6 Overall better phone.
Not even close. My sister and mother both have a V20 and I have a G6. The V20 is just plastic while the G6 is metal and glass and the android skin is more polished. The G6 looks and feels twice as premium as the V20.
V20 is actually like 95% metal - just the top and bottom are plastic for antennas.
DAC is supposed to give better sound but few people have head phones that can make the difference unless you start getting into the better Senheisser over ear head phones that cost more than the phone.
Not necessarily, you're speaking of phones with a higher impedance that require more power to properly make use of them. A lower impedance headphone will still sound better. Better is subjective and varies between headphones.
Will this get the Project Treble update?
No
Shame, seems like a great price for the specs. I'll hold out for something with proven Treble support though I think (not just a promise of "yes it's coming")
So the Quad DAC makes no difference just like a $2,000 DAC performs the same as a $2 motherboard codec.
Huh? Not at all what I said, and not at all true.
I don't think you know what you're talking about.
DAC means digital to analogue conversion. Your suggesting all do the same thing. Which is ridiculous. Have a think about it.
You shouldn't comment unless you know what you're talking about.
Does anyone know if H870K has B28?
It does have b28
But not B5 (Vodaphone/koganmobile)
Like a G6!
Getting slizzards…
I notice the G6 does not come with a removal battery like the G5 had
The G6 is a bad phone executed well:
+ top-tier waterproofing
+ very strong corners
+ flat display (fits Glass Protectors perfectly)
+ recessed camera bump
+ high-grade metal buttons
+ premium feeling in-hand
+ great quality screen (but LCD)
+ big battery
+ loud speaker (with earpiece support)
+ good quality wide-angle lens
- too long/tall
- weird aspect ratio is mostly hindrance
- relocation of front-firing speakers
- dual-cam is mostly useless
- skinned OS
The G5 is a good phone executed poorly:
- bootlooping issues
- plastic covering metal very bad
- fit and finish very poor at the bottom
- fragile
- rear fingerprint and camera bump
- not very tactile buttons
- poor loudspeaker
- very dim display
- wide-angle camera is bad quality
- small battery
- No water resistance
+ removable battery
+ hot-swappable mods
+ usable/optimised 16:9 display
I'm very pedantic/ocd, but I think LG certainly could make a better/more practical phone.
- A sealed bottom to replace dying batteries easier
- A sealed front to replace damaged screens easier
- Top-tier IP68 protection, retention even after the standard replacements service
- Big 4,000mAh battery
- Standard 1080p Flat OLED display
- Single high quality Wide Angle rear-cam
- Single high quality Wide Angle ff-cam
- Front-firing speakers (ala Pixel 2XL)
- In-screen fingerprint scanner, no volume buttons, no Power Button
- Symmetrical-use phone (ala Alcatel Idol3)
- QuadDAC, 3.5mm on bottom left, lanyard hole on bottom right
I'd probably also add AndroidOne long-term support, Titanium Alloy sides, Kevlar back… no need to use a case, or upgrade phones unless better camera or processor.
Any deals on dual sim options?
Have smart phones gotten to the point where they're all pretty much the same now?
I remember that there were several years where all the dumb phones did the same thing basically. Even the super cheap ones had camera, colour screen, a few games and that type of thing. Seems to be that every smart phone manufacturer can knock out the premium phones now.
Is this a fair, albeit not literal, representation?
Yes.
restricted proprietary software and gimmicks dont count and miss the point. otherwise hey, samsung has edge control, bixby, and S Health!
Agree about LG screens being bad - so far the one on my G6 is holding up (1 week old) but the V20 screen was terrible.
Lastly, 3D touch is a gimmick no one asked for. It can be replaced by software.
Not really. It differentiates between a long press and a force touch, which software would have no way of being able to do without the pressure input. Still a gimmick though. Don't think I've seen any really useful uses for it
It can be replaced by software and a combination of taps. It works but it isn't necessary.
Pretty much. Saw this video yesterday comparing a budget phone again the iPhone x.
https://youtu.be/R-_CNY_s_C8
Sure there's some advantages to a higher price phone. Usually a better screen, camera, OS updates and faster hardware. Unless you do a lot of gaming and tasks that require more power than that extra processing power isn't that beneficial. We reached a point where the majority of tasks that typical users will run well on cheaper hardware. Cheaper phones are also getting more premium designs and look pretty similar to the flagships now so that gap has even shrunk.
LG phones seem like a bargain, and they are but you have compromises. Which are usually quality control, and software updates. What I like about LG is their wide angle camera.
yes, and if it's android one where google does the updates it levels the playing field even more.
if you get a phone with the features you want, eg band 28, nfc, wireless charging regardless of brand and it's android one, you are just buying the hardware and loading googles software.
I was thinking this recently. I used to overclock/custom roms and push the limits of my poor phones to run the newest apps but I feel like my s7 can still handle anything I need it to do aside from the battery life.
Thanks, bought one to replace my reliable G4 Plus.
Hope this deal will stay around by this afternoon. I've messaged my sister about it who is saving up for an iPhone 8 ($700 saved so far) but I think this is better value and fits everything she would need in a phone.
If she is heavily invested in iOS, perhaps switching to another Android device isn't the best move.
She's in year 12 and the iPhone is supposed to be her graduation gift to herself at year end, but she's not opposed to Android. This will be her first iPhone, and she's buying it because 'it's pretty' in her words. I'll respect her decision though, your comment was a good reminder thanks!
Even if she isnt, her introduction to Android should not be via a custom badly skinned Android. LG's skin is one of the worst of the lot especially performance. I had the V20 and therefore I know.
A 17 year old doesn't care about Android or iOS though. Just the latest and greatest.
Anyway she doesn't want it, she'll stick to her Galaxy S4 and buy a phone later. :)
Any deal with huge screen for elderly?
Is it really only a 12 month warranty as listed in the Description?
LG website says 12 months for any other phone not listed and this is not listed from what I can see in their warranty page. It is a pity because I got 2 years with my LG G4 which died just before warranty ran out and replacement is going strong now.
I thought 2 year in minimum now and it's sort of standard?
Manufacturers can say whatever they want, but that doesn't mean it is legal when it comes time for you to claim repairs. There is no 'standard' period.
it was more in regards to battery for 2 years as they are non replaceable.
New model is set to be announced tomorrow apparently. Good price. I'll wait until the DS model gets to this price before I commit.
I was about to post that this one is better, because despite a couple spec downgrades, it has an unlockable bootloader.
Getting the 64GB, QuadDAC, Dual-SIM grey-market model for $460 last year around June was "The Deal".
…well, I misremembered because this is identical to the South Korean model (not US/Europe) so you're stuck with Android 7 and the Security Update from October 2017. LG really sucks at software, moreso than Samsung, so Custom ROMs are very desirable.
Here's more info:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/lg-g6/how-to/official-lg-g6…
Thanks for this post Kangal. Are you able to summarise the whole bootloader thing, as I don't quite understand it. Why is it advantageous to get an unlockable bootloader? Is it because you can manually get android upgrades that you otherwise wouldn't be able to?
Pretty much.
Since AOSP/Android is OpenSource it means working on the OS is relatively easy (say compared to modded consoles). And because of the Snapdragon processor by Qualcomm, we also have a lot of documentation, drivers, sources, and kernels to refer to and port from. Basically making Custom ROMs and Custom Kernels is relatively easy, and so most of these community systems are high quality and better than the OEM/Stock Firmware.
Now to be able to replace the kernel or rom, or gain root access you need the initial boot (ie bootloader) to allow you to do that. For valid security reasons, all bootloaders come locked. However, only few are un-lockable. Some can be unlocked through an exploit, most others can be unlocked via a Key from the OEM. Google let's you unlock your Nexus easily, Samsung doesn't care, HTC and LG have some tools to do an OEM-Unlock but they are rare. The LG G6 doesn't have an exploit, so the only way to unlock the bootloader is to get it unlocked by LG. And LG only allows the few European and US variants to it. And the unlock cannot be used for the other variants, if you attempt it, you will break the initial boot, essentially soft-bricking your phone without a fix. If you're happy with the way the software is on the phone, sure enjoy, but the OS is pretty bad and unoptimised by LG moreso than Samsung. So the benefits are big for the G6, alas.
Just think back to the Nexus4, you can Resurect an older phone, to make it much more modern/usable in 2018. Or how about the Samsung S7, it's not a great performing phone now. But if you load up the best kernel and rom, and tinker around with it a little… you not only get a faster processor (efficiency), you also get longer battery life (efficiency), more storage (less bloatware), better camera too, and on top of that you get access to more features (root). It pretty much brings it in-competition to the OnePlus 5t and Bloated Samsung S9.
Now before anyone says it's not true anymore, well it is. TouchWizz is lighter than before but it's still very bloated. And definitely not as smooth as the Pixel devices, let alone iOS. The only other relief is to get a Pixel, or get an AndroidOne device…otherwise an iPhone is the alternative to get for the support and software.
Sorry for the long essay
@Kangal: Thanks for this info man. Very good. I've just been googling based on your response. It seems the only downside to rooting a phone is the security aspect (i.e. leaving your phone open to hacking etc)?
Many LG phones since G4 the bootloader is not unlockable. Including the infamous Taiwanese versions of G4 and G5. I'm guessing it's only because this is the model without DAC. The one with DAC is probably got bootloader locked.
Anyway regarding Samsung S7 and newer. I thought they still have this triggering count due to Knox security that cannot be reset. It will void your warranty immediately once you unlocked the f bootloader. Or was this changed recently?
@neonlight:
No, it's still the same.
But many many people (but NOT most) prefer to give up the warranty, to get the benefits of a more secure, cleaner, faster, and more efficient phone. The latest Nexuses (5X and up) are the only devices which I thought I didn't need to change the kernel, or rom, or add mods. Just needed root for a few things, otherwise, a delightful experience in contrast to the LG G6 I'm daily-ing.
Bought one. Thanks.
Do they supply a tax invoice for TRS purposes ?
How much is this phone normally?
$599AU for Australian Stock at JB
thats the Dual Sim 64 GB model… and they have just put int back to $799
My bad, I got it as a replacement from JB last week
Anyone buying this phone (or any other phone with a Snapdragon 820/821) should make use of the excellent Google Camera Port
Their software processing is better than most and makes the photos shine
https://www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/
The above URL contains a complete list of all versions that have been ported. There are also version to utilise LG's wide angle camera lens.
Thanks mate. I have come across this earlier as well but I am not sure how to read it given its a sea of version. How to know which one is going to work on my phone. I have a HTC U11
I installed one on my wife's U11 and she loves it. The Portrait mode is amazing.
I think this is the one:
https://forum.xda-developers.com/u11/themes/app-arnova8g2s-g…
Of course I'd have to check on her phone because my Pixel 2 already has the app…
Thanks for this, I tried it when it was first ported and it kept crashing a lot, I'll try a few that support the widescreen lenses.
Edit: grabbed this one, seems good.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=75562766&pos…
Yeah there are a few out there that are buggy - the two I have going are rock solid. Loving it.
Looking to buy but the internal 32gb seems to small. Can anyone answer what can and can't you transfer to the sd card on this phone? Cheers
Grrr. Still can't find a V20 with band 28 for cheaper than this!
this or the jb hi fi HTC 10 ? cant decide between the two, possibly leaning on the htc 10 for android updates.
I have a V20 with LG versions of Android 7, son has A1 with android One and got updates to android 8 ….. go the HTC for the updates.
cheers
While I'm very happy with my G6 I don't think this is a good deal, I got mine for $487 10 months ago, which is a superior model with dual sim (also takes SD cards), 64gb and improved audio.
Me too.
I would only buy with the QuadDac and 64gb
Same. So far very happy with it.
Non-removable battery is a worry. My G4 is about 2 years old I think and the battery often just shuts down when it gets to 15%. Plug it in the charger and it comes back at 50% or some odd thing. It gets back on track for a week or so then has another hissy fit and shuts down at about 15% I'm thinking a replacement battery would be a good idea. With a fix bettery like this G6 what do you do when the batt goes out?
I'm thinking a replacement battery would be a good idea.
Replace the G4, 2 years old about to bootloop
I've still got a G4, and my battery went too after 2 years (symptoms: random rebooting, especially when using the camera; woeful battery life, not lasting very long; percentage battery left would jump down massively sometimes after a reboot, such as from 60% to 5%). It often made using the phone extremely annoying.
At first I ordered a replacement from eBay for $16. It looked like a genuine LG battery, and first few weeks it was okay but not great, but then it gradually got worse and worse, until it was worse than my original battery. I got a refund from the seller on eBay, but it was a bit of work. In retrospect I'm certain it was a knock-off battery, it's useful life was literally 1/15th of the original battery. Most of experiences buying rechargeable batteries off eBay have turned out bad, so would recommend avoiding this.
Next I ordered a replacement from Amazon US, this one: https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Ombar-Replacement-T-Mobile-Ce… … and a family member brought it out from the states for me. So far it's working great, so much better than the eBay one, and comparable to the performance of the original battery when it was new.
Even Apple have said that their phone batteries have a useful life of 500 charges. Most phones need to be recharged overnight, so that automatically means they'll need to be pulled apart to have their batteries replaced in under 2 years. So I agree that non-removeable batteries are a thing to avoid. I expect my phones to last 3 years or more, even if after 3 years they are just in use as backup or test phones.
Thanks for the link, nickj. I'm still happy with my G4, but battery is the problem. Will order it and try to find someone to bring it back for me.
Had this phone for about 9 months, really great unit.
I don't suggest buying this G6 due poor camera quality it's worse than G4 for both front and back lack of detail. Only good thing is it doesn't bootloop. It takes better pictures than my S7
I considered buying it but after reading reviews and several sites confirmed it isn't good
I had a G4 before I upgraded to a G6. You are dead wrong, my simple friend.
Hi, which cover would you recommend for this phone? Or is it not needed and casing is sturdy enough to survive occasional drop or scratch?
Has anyone had their phone posted?
Might cancel mine, sick of waiting to hear if it's been shipped.
Would JB be likely to pricematch? Pretty sure they stock this.
They have just posted mine, eta 11/5, ive received phones from hong kong in 2 days :(
I'm scared if I buy this I'll have a swarm of people threatening me with bootloop.
Great price btw!