Note: We may earn commissions (at no cost to you) if you buy through links on our site. Learn more.
NOTE: This model is discontinued and may no longer be available to purchase new. See the latest cell phones or compare used prices.

LG G4 review

8/10 AVG.
RATING
Compare Compare  
Compare Compare  

LG G4
LG G4
LG G4
LG G4
...


8/10
Informr score
The LG G4 currently has an Informr score of 8 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 47 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Display brightness and color reproduction
  • Case design
  • Camera quality
  • Removable battery
  • MicroSD support

What's bad

  • Low light performance on front facing camera
  • Awkward button placement for instant camera mode
  • Expensive

The hype around the LG G4 has been immense. With the flagship race heating up, the G4 has finally entered the fray. But does it live up to the hype with its color sensors, vegetable tanned leather and Quantum display? Let’s take a look at the reviews!

When it comes to options on customizing your phone, LG has offered plenty with their newest handset. With both ceramic-coated plastic and leather bodies from which to choose, reviewers are already lining up to give their opinions. While marketed as the lower tier option, the plastic back with its diamond design received good reviews. AndroidPit called the curved back and treated plastic, a “Really nice detail.”

However, reviews all indicate that the leather back is the real star of the show. AndroidPit called it the “First thing you're going to notice.” Virtually every review raved about the backing, though a few questioned whether it would attract scuffs after extended use.

Coming around to the front of the G4, you’re greeted with a 5.5-inch 2,560-by-1,440 pixel IPS Quantum display with curved front glass. LG claims that their proprietary screen technology will allow a level of color accuracy previously unseen in the mobile market. Overall, reviews agree. Expert reviews noted that it offered, “Lovely rich, vibrant colours and eye-searingly bright whites.” Later calling it, “Easily one of the most subjectively pleasing screens we’ve seen.” Reviews in sunlight are also great, indicating it might be a good choice for on-the-go use.

Unlike many of its competitors, the G4 is powered by a six-core 1.8Ghz Snapdragon 808 processor with 3GB of RAM. Reviews initially questioned the lack of an eight-core option. However, most found nothing lacking. Expert reviews called the interface and web browsing “Beautifully smooth with no signs of judder whatsoever.” Stuff put it through its paced and concluded, “Everything seemed very snappy and fast.”

Another feature that LG is quick to brag about is the 16MP rear camera with color sensor, laser auto-focus and image stabilization. Reviews indicate that their bragging is justified. Expert Reviews applauded the camera, stating, “Colours looked very natural.” If you’re looking for more than a simply point-and-shoot experience, reviewers loved the level of customization in manual mode. From long exposures to 104MP panoramas, it’s packed with features. Stuff tried many of them and called the camera, “Certainly impressive.”

For selfies and video chat, the phone includes an 8MP front-facing camera. Reviews loved the Gesture Control and burst mode features, though many noted that the beautification mode blurred details and that low-light shots were less than stellar.

LG chose a removeable 3,000 mAh battery to keep everything running. Wireless and turbo charge features are available through accessories. The removable battery also allows for
microSD support, making it easy to add up to 128GB of storage at an affordable price.

Overall, LG’s newest release appears to live up to the hype. Stuff summed it up well, stating, “The leather-clad G4, with its truck load of camera smarts, removable battery and expandable storage, has a lot to offer. The G4 is, if you'll pardon the cliché, an evolution rather than a revolution, but that's not to say it isn't exciting.” Android Central predicts, “This is going to be a phone a lot of folks are going to want to put in their pockets.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1.8 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.8 GHz
5.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5.5"
16+ MP
Camera
Camera
16+ MP
3000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

The LG G4 is an interesting smartphone that ticks many of the right boxes. It has a unique design, an excellent display, and a camera that's up there with the best in terms of image quality. However, it's let down by a few flaws - the large battery doesn't translate into equivalent real-world usage,...

- Kunal Dua, Gadgets 360
Recombu
Recombu

If you happen to spy the Moto G4 at a more reduced price, we’d still heartily recommend this brilliant budget blower. Full HD visuals, dependable camera tech, plus solid performance and battery life make for a truly enjoyable device, even a year after launch.

- Chris Barraclough, Recombu
APC
APC

Not everyone is going to love its design (we do), but they will love the G4’s incredible screen, camera and processing power.

- Stephen Lambrechts, APC
PC Magazine
PC Magazine

There's plenty to like about the LG G4, including its gorgeous display, great camera, removable battery, and microSD card slot. Unfortunately, this is the second unit we've tested to suffer from overheating near the earpiece. The battery life isn't stellar, either.

- Ajay Kumar, PC Magazine
Beta News
Beta News

On the whole I like this phone. It certainly isn't for anyone new to Android, but if you understand how things work then you will fare well and have a beautiful large screen in your pocket with plenty of power to do what you wish.Would I recommend it? Well yes for people who know Android, but I woul...

- Alan Buckingham, Beta News


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


The G4 price will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. You can compare LG G4 prices from around the web here on The Informr.


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the LG G4 user manual here.


LG backs up the G4 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your G4 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact LG support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find LG's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




Resources


Manuals / User Guides Helpful Links Share / Embed

Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.


Compare this phone to:

Quick view

Screen Size
5.5"

The LG G4's screen size is 5.5 inches with 1440 x 2560 pixels resolution.

Processor
1.8 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 Hexa core 1.8 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 5.1 Lollipop (Update Available: 7.0 Nougat) operating system (OS).

Camera
16+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 16+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 8+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
32 GB

Internal memory is 32 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 2000 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
3000mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 3000 mAh battery. LG's performance ratings are 1000 minutes, 474 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

LG G4 Specs

Overview
Release Date April 29, 2015
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 5.1 Lollipop (Update Available: 7.0 Nougat)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 Hexa core 1.8 GHz
Internal Storage 32 GB
RAM 3 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 1.08 W/kg
Body: 1.03 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery, Headset
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
Nano-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared Yes
Bluetooth 4.1
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC, microSDXC (up to 2000 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
16+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Brightness control, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, ISO, HDR, Voice activation
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4, WMV, FLV, AVI
Video Recording Parameters
Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
8+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
Front camera flash, Gesture shot
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1440 x 2560 pixels
Pixel Density 538 pixels
Size 5.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 3000 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 443 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 474 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 1000 minutes
Standby Time Up to 15.6 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Leather Brown, Leather Black, Metallic Gray, Ceramic White
Dimensions [H x W x D] 14.9 x 7.6 x 1 cm (5.9 x 3 x 0.4 in)
Weight 155 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key Yes
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): LG H815, H810, H811, LS991, VS986
Related Links Manual (PDF)
LG G4 Reviews
Where to buy LG G4
Suggest a correction