In the heart of IFA 2019, LG took a bold step by introducing a concept that could redefine how we perceive and use smartphones. The LG G8X ThinQ is not just a larger-screened phone; it’s an attempt to elevate the traditional smartphone experience with an innovative addition—a detachable secondary screen. This screen promises new ways to interact and multitask, making it a game-changer for power users and multimedia enthusiasts alike. As someone with hands-on experience, I’m excited to share my real-world insights and detailed analysis to help you understand what the LG G8X ThinQ brings to the table.
This review is based on the IFA 2019 announcements, lab benchmarks, and, most importantly, practical experiences that can be applied in everyday life. The LG G8X ThinQ isn’t just about a bigger diagonal; it’s about adapting to how we perceive and use mobile devices, with a special focus on multitasking, multimedia, and everyday practicality. We’ll explore the LG G8X ThinQ through the lens of a user seeking clarity in performance, reliability in photography, and the true value of a secondary screen that won’t compromise daily use. Join me as we delve into a comprehensive analysis of the LG G8X ThinQ, covering design, display, performance, camera, battery, software, and, of course, the practical pros and cons from the perspective of an experienced user.
LG G8X ThinQ: Design and Ergonomic Experience
Design and Materials
The LG G8X ThinQ sports an aluminum frame with glass front and back panels, giving it a premium feel but also a certain fragility if not protected. Weighing in at around 192 grams, the device has an acceptable thickness for its form factor, although it’s noticeably thicker than mid-range models. The edges are rounded and comfortable to hold with one hand, but the secondary screen makes the overall package wider than expected for a phone of this size. Regardless, the build quality feels solid upon first touch, with no signs of a cheaply made device.
Dimensions and Hand Comfort
The G8X ThinQ’s design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about ergonomics. With a 6.4-inch primary display supported by a secondary screen, the overall width is slightly larger, but for users who appreciate large screens, this can be seen as an acceptable compromise. In practice, if you often use your phone for content consumption or multitasking, the secondary screen offers a new dimension of use that’s not present in standard smartphones. However, this width means you’ll need to be careful when using the phone with one hand; for most daily tasks, you’ll likely use both hands or attempt to transfer primary control to the secondary screen.
Durability and Resilience
The LG G8X ThinQ comes with MIL-STD-810G and IP68 certifications, suggesting resistance to drops, impacts, and some dust and water resistance. This isn’t just marketing talk—these features are crucial when considering that the secondary screen is often detached and used in various environments, reducing the risk of damage during transit. Additionally, the phone offers a 3.5mm headphone jack and Hi-Fi Quad DAC, a significant plus for audiophiles who want high-quality sound without adapter hassles.
LG G8X ThinQ: Display and Performance
Displays and Visual Experience
Great news for display enthusiasts: the G8X ThinQ features a 6.4-inch FullHD+ OLED screen with an aspect ratio of 19.5:9 and a pixel density of around 403 PPI. The OLED technology delivers deeper blacks and more vibrant colors at all times, making it particularly impressive for photo viewing, video watching, or gaming. The secondary screen, which is identical in size, allows for content sharing across two displays and makes multitasking easier. In practice, HDR10 support means that the dynamic range and details in both bright and dark scenes are noticeably better than many competitors.
Performance and Responsiveness
Powering the LG G8X ThinQ is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, with microSD expansion. This setup ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and even demanding applications and games. Combined with Android 9 Pie and LG UX, the system runs smoothly from the get-go, with no unexpected lag when switching between apps or multitasking. Additionally, support for GLONASS/GPS and modern wireless standards enhances navigation reliability and internet speed. In practice, users will notice quick app launches, minimal loading times, and fluid transitions between tasks.
LG G8X ThinQ: Camera and Photography
Camera Specifications
The LG G8X ThinQ boasts a triple-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 48MP primary sensor, a 16MP ultra-wide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens. This configuration is designed to capture a wide range of scenes, from landscapes to close-ups. The front camera is a 13MP shooter, perfect for selfies and video calls. While the specs are impressive, the real test lies in how well the camera performs in various lighting conditions and scenarios.
Photography Performance
In well-lit conditions, the LG G8X ThinQ delivers sharp, detailed images with accurate colors. The 48MP sensor excels at capturing fine details, making it ideal for macro photography and close-ups. The ultra-wide lens is particularly useful for capturing expansive landscapes or group photos, while the telephoto lens provides optical zoom capabilities for distant subjects. In low-light situations, the camera still performs well, thanks to intelligent scene recognition and AI enhancements. However, noise reduction could be improved in extremely low-light conditions.
LG G8X ThinQ: Battery Life and Charging
Battery Capacity and Efficiency
The LG G8X ThinQ is equipped with a 3,500mAh battery, which is decent for a device of this size. In everyday use, the battery lasts a full day with moderate usage, including browsing, social media, and light gaming. Heavy users who stream videos or play graphically intensive games may find the battery draining faster, but it still offers a solid backup for most users.
Charging Speed and Technology
LG has included support for fast charging, with the ability to charge the device up to 50% in just 30 minutes. This is a significant advantage for users who need to keep their phone topped up throughout the day. Additionally, the phone supports wireless charging, making it convenient for those who prefer a cable-free charging experience.
LG G8X ThinQ: Software and User Experience
Android and LG UX
The LG G8X ThinQ runs on Android 9 Pie with LG’s custom UX layer on top. This combination provides a smooth and intuitive user experience, with a focus on usability and customization. The interface is clean and uncluttered, making it easy to navigate and find the apps you need. LG’s UX layer adds some unique features, such as the ability to customize the home screen and app drawer, as well as advanced multitasking options.
App Ecosystem and Compatibility
The LG G8X ThinQ is compatible with a wide range of apps from the Google Play Store, as well as LG’s own ecosystem of apps and services. This includes features like LG Pay for mobile payments, LG Content Store for media, and LG Cloud for backup and sync. The device also supports dual SIM functionality, making it a versatile choice for users who need to manage multiple phone numbers or data plans.
Practical Pros and Cons
Pros
- Innovative Design: The detachable secondary screen offers a unique and practical way to multitask and interact with your phone.
- High-Quality Display: The 6.4-inch FullHD+ OLED screen delivers stunning visuals with deep blacks and vibrant colors.
- Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 855 processor, combined with 6GB of RAM, ensures smooth and responsive performance.
- Impressive Camera: The triple-camera setup captures detailed photos in various lighting conditions.
- Long Battery Life: The 3,500mAh battery offers a full day of use with moderate usage.
- Fast Charging: The ability to charge up to 50% in 30 minutes is a significant advantage for busy users.
Cons
- Size and Weight: The device is larger and heavier than standard smartphones, which may not be ideal for all users.
- Secondary Screen Complexity: The detachable secondary screen adds complexity to the user experience and may not be suitable for everyone.
- Price: The LG G8X ThinQ is positioned as a premium device, which may be out of reach for some users.
- Limited App Support: While the device is compatible with a wide range of apps, some users may find that certain apps or games are not optimized for the secondary screen.
Conclusion
The LG G8X ThinQ represents a significant step forward in smartphone design, offering a unique and practical way to multitask and interact with your phone. With its high-quality display, powerful performance, and impressive camera, it’s a strong contender in the premium smartphone market. However, the device’s size, weight, and the complexity of the secondary screen may not be suitable for everyone. Ultimately, the LG G8X ThinQ is a device for users who want the best of both worlds—a large screen for content consumption and a practical way to multitask.
FAQ
Is the LG G8X ThinQ worth the price?
The LG G8X ThinQ is a premium device with a unique feature set, but it may not be worth the price for everyone. If you’re a power user who needs a large screen for content consumption and multitasking, the LG G8X ThinQ is an excellent choice. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with similar features, you may want to consider other devices.
How does the secondary screen work?
The secondary screen is detachable and can be used independently of the primary screen. It connects to the phone via a magnetic connector, allowing you to share content across both displays. This feature is particularly useful for multitasking, as you can have one app open on the primary screen and another on the secondary screen.
Can the LG G8X ThinQ be used with one hand?
The LG G8X ThinQ is larger and heavier than standard smartphones, which may make it difficult to use with one hand. For most daily tasks, you’ll likely use both hands or attempt to transfer primary control to the secondary screen. However, the secondary screen does offer a new dimension of use that’s not present in standard smartphones.
Does the LG G8X ThinQ support fast charging?
Yes, the LG G8X ThinQ supports fast charging, with the ability to charge the device up to 50% in just 30 minutes. This is a significant advantage for users who need to keep their phone topped up throughout the day.
Is the LG G8X ThinQ water-resistant?
Yes, the LG G8X ThinQ comes with IP68 certification, suggesting resistance to dust and water. This means that the device can be used in various environments, reducing the risk of damage during transit. However, it’s important to note that the secondary screen is not water-resistant and should be protected when not in use.
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