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.”
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Kunal Dua, Gadgets 360The 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,...
- Chris Barraclough, RecombuIf 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.
- Stephen Lambrechts, APCNot everyone is going to love its design (we do), but they will love the G4’s incredible screen, camera and processing power.
- Ajay Kumar, PC MagazineThere'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.
- Alan Buckingham, Beta NewsOn 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...
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
- LG G4 Manual (PDF)
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