LG G7 ThinQ

The LG G7 ThinQ was LG’s flagship offering in 2018, showcasing the company’s focus on innovation, audio quality, and AI features. Here’s an in-depth review of the LG G7 ThinQ:

Overview:

Introduced in mid-2018, the LG G7 ThinQ was a continuation of LG’s G series, aiming to compete with other flagship devices of the year. It combined a sleek design, powerful specifications, and unique features, particularly in the audio department.

Features:

1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo, with LG’s custom skin.
2. Display: 6.1-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels, featuring a notch design and an ultra-bright mode for better sunlight visibility.
3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 Octa-core.
4. Memory: Options of 4/6 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
5. Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 16 MP primary sensor with OIS and a 16 MP wide-angle lens. An 8 MP front camera.
6. Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging and wireless charging support.
7. Other Features: Quad DAC for superior audio, Boombox speaker, IP68 water and dust resistance, rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, dedicated Google Assistant button, and face recognition.

Pros:

1. Audio Experience: The Quad DAC, when paired with high-quality headphones, provided one of the best audio experiences on a smartphone. The Boombox speaker feature also enhanced the external audio output.
2. Display: The ultra-bright mode allowed the display to be easily visible even under direct sunlight.
3. Wide-angle Camera: The wide-angle lens offered a unique perspective, allowing for more creative photography.
4. Build and Design: The device featured a premium glass and metal design with a sleek finish.
5. Dedicated Google Assistant Button: A dedicated button for Google Assistant allowed for quick and easy access to voice commands.

Cons:

1. Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was considered average, and heavy users often found the need to charge before the day ended.
2. Software Experience: While LG’s skin offered many features, it wasn’t as streamlined or as frequently updated as some competitors.
3. Price: At launch, the LG G7 ThinQ was priced similarly to other flagships, making it a tough sell against brands with stronger reputations in certain markets.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the LG G7 ThinQ faced competition from various flagship devices:

• Samsung Galaxy S9: Known for its Dynamic AMOLED display, camera with variable aperture, and feature-rich software.
• OnePlus 6: Offering flagship specifications at a more affordable price point.
• iPhone X: Apple’s flagship with its OLED display, Face ID, and the iOS ecosystem.

Launch Date:

The LG G7 ThinQ was announced in May 2018 and released in June 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Software Updates: LG was often criticized for its slow pace of delivering software updates, leading to users waiting longer for the latest Android features and security patches.
2. Camera Software: While the hardware was capable, some users felt the camera software sometimes produced inconsistent results, especially in low light.
3. Battery Optimization: Some users reported subpar battery life, especially when using the device’s brighter display settings or when using resource-intensive apps.

Conclusion:

The LG G7 ThinQ was a solid flagship offering from LG, bringing together a mix of innovative features, especially in the audio department. While it had its strengths, it faced stiff competition in a market filled with compelling alternatives. For audiophiles and those who valued the wide-angle camera experience, the G7 ThinQ was a strong contender. However, for the broader audience, the device’s appeal was somewhat hampered by its average battery life and software experience.