LG G4

The LG G4 was a notable release from LG, emphasizing its camera capabilities and unique design elements. Here’s an in-depth review of the LG G4:

Overview:

Launched in 2015, the LG G4 was the successor to the LG G3 and aimed to address some of the criticisms of its predecessor while introducing new features. The device was particularly marketed for its camera prowess and distinctive leather back option.

Features:

1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 5.1 Lollipop, with LG’s custom UX 4.0 skin.
2. Display: 5.5-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, known for its Quantum Display technology.
3. Processor: Qualcomm MSM8992 Snapdragon 808 Hexa-core.
4. Memory: 3 GB RAM with 32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
5. Camera: 16 MP rear camera with f/1.8 aperture, OIS, and laser autofocus. An 8 MP front camera.
6. Battery: 3000 mAh removable battery.
7. Other Features: Rear-mounted volume and power buttons, genuine leather back cover options, and an infrared (IR) blaster.

Pros:

1. Camera Quality: The G4’s camera was one of its standout features, offering excellent performance, especially in low light conditions.
2. Display: The Quantum Display technology provided vibrant colors and good contrast ratios.
3. Removable Battery: At a time when many manufacturers were moving away from this feature, the G4 still offered a removable battery, which was a plus for many users.
4. Expandable Storage: The inclusion of a microSD slot allowed users to expand storage as needed.
5. Design Options: The genuine leather back cover was a unique design choice that set the G4 apart from its competitors.

Cons:

1. Performance: The Snapdragon 808, while capable, was not the top-tier chipset of its time, leading to occasional performance hitches.
2. Software Experience: LG’s UX 4.0, while feature-rich, was often criticized for its bloatware and lack of optimization.
3. Build Quality: While the leather back was praised, the plastic variants of the G4 felt less premium compared to the metal and glass designs of competitors.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2015, the LG G4 faced competition from various flagship devices:

• Samsung Galaxy S6: Known for its revamped glass and metal design, Exynos 7420 chipset, and impressive camera.
• iPhone 6s: Apple’s flagship with its A9 chip, 3D Touch, and iOS ecosystem.
• HTC One M9: Featuring a premium metal unibody design and BoomSound speakers.

Launch Date:

The LG G4 was announced in April 2015 and released in June 2015.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Bootloop Issue: The G4 became infamous for a hardware defect that led to the device getting stuck in a bootloop, rendering it unusable. LG acknowledged the issue and offered repairs for affected units.
2. Overheating: Some users reported overheating issues, particularly when using the device intensively.
3. Battery Life: The battery life was considered average, with many users needing to charge the device before the end of the day.

Conclusion:

The LG G4 was a mixed bag in the 2015 smartphone landscape. While it had its strengths, particularly in the camera department and its unique design choices, it was plagued by significant issues like the bootloop problem. For users who didn’t encounter these issues, the G4 offered a solid camera experience and the flexibility of a removable battery and expandable storage. However, the device’s reputation was undoubtedly tarnished by its hardware problems, overshadowing many of its positive attributes.