When LG introduced the G8 ThinQ in early 2019, it wasn’t just launching another smartphone—it was making a statement. In a market dominated by Samsung Galaxy S10 and Huawei P30, the G8 ThinQ aimed to carve out its own identity with a blend of innovative features, solid performance, and a design that felt both premium and practical. But does it truly stand out, or is it just another high-end device lost in the crowd? In this comprehensive LG G8 ThinQ review, we’ll explore every facet of this phone, from its unique Air Motion gestures and 3D Time-of-Flight sensor to its everyday usability, camera performance, and value proposition. Whether you’re considering an upgrade or just curious about what LG brought to the table, this deep dive will help you decide if the G8 ThinQ is still worth your attention today.
Design, Build Quality, and Ergonomics
At first glance, the LG G8 ThinQ exudes a sense of understated elegance. It’s not as flashy as some rivals, but its glass sandwich design—featuring Gorilla Glass on both the front and back with a polished aluminum frame—feels premium and well-constructed. Weighing in at 167 grams and measuring 151.9 x 71.8 x 8.4 mm, it strikes a balance between heft and manageability, making it comfortable for one-handed use without feeling insubstantial.
Materials, Size, and In-Hand Feel
The G8 ThinQ’s curved edges and matte finish on the frame contribute to a secure grip, though it can be a bit slippery without a case. Compared to bulkier flagships, its compact form factor is a welcome feature for users who prioritize portability. The placement of buttons—power on the right, volume and Google Assistant key on the left—is intuitive, and the inclusion of a dedicated hardware button for quick access to Google Assistant is a thoughtful touch, though not everyone may find it regularly useful.
Durability and Resistance
LG didn’t cut corners when it comes to durability. The G8 ThinQ boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. Additionally, it meets MIL-STD-810G standards, which test resilience against shocks, vibrations, and extreme temperatures. While these certifications provide peace of mind, real-world usage still calls for caution; the glass back is prone to fingerprints and minor scratches, so a protective case is advisable for long-term preservation.
Display and Audio: Visual and Auditory Excellence
One of the standout features in any LG G8 ThinQ review is its display. The 6.1-inch OLED panel with a resolution of 1440 x 3120 pixels delivers crisp, vibrant visuals with deep blacks and excellent contrast ratios. With support for HDR10 content, streaming movies or playing games becomes an immersive experience, though the default color calibration tends to be a bit saturated for some tastes—luckily, this is adjustable in settings.
Display Quality and Performance
The Crystal Sound OLED technology is where LG truly innovates. By using the screen itself as a speaker diaphragm for the earpiece, they’ve managed to reduce bezels while maintaining audio clarity. In practice, this means you get stereo sound without noticeable distortion, though the lack of a traditional earpiece grill can take some getting used to. Outdoor visibility is strong thanks to high peak brightness, and the Always-On Display feature is both practical and energy-efficient.
Audio and Hi-Fi Capabilities
For audiophiles, the LG G8 ThinQ is a dream come true. It retains the beloved 3.5mm headphone jack and includes a Quad DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) that significantly enhances audio quality through supported headphones. Listening to lossless audio files or high-bitrate streams reveals nuances often lost on other devices. The built-in speakers, while not the loudest on the market, provide clear, well-balanced sound with decent bass, making them suitable for casual media consumption.
Performance and Software Experience
Under the hood, the G8 ThinQ is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. This configuration was top-tier for its time and remains capable today, handling everything from multitasking to graphics-intensive gaming with ease. Benchmark scores place it competitively against contemporaries like the Galaxy S10, though it may not keep pace with 2021–2022 flagships in raw speed.
Snapdragon 855 Performance in Daily Use
In everyday scenarios, the G8 ThinQ feels snappy and responsive. Apps launch quickly, and switching between them is seamless thanks to efficient memory management. Gaming performance is solid, with titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile running smoothly on high settings. However, prolonged gaming sessions can lead to noticeable warmth, though it never reaches uncomfortable levels. Battery life is adequate, offering around 5–6 hours of screen-on time with mixed usage, but heavy users may need to top up before the day ends.
Software Features and User Interface
The phone shipped with Android 9 Pie out of the box, overlayed with LG’s custom UX. While not as minimalist as stock Android, the interface is clean and functional, with useful additions like Knock Code for secure unlocking and Dual App support for running two instances of the same app. The Air Motion gestures—allowing users to control the phone with hand waves—are innovative but gimmicky; they work reliably in controlled environments but can be frustratingly inconsistent in real-world use. Software updates have been sporadic, which is a common critique for LG devices, so don’t expect timely Android version upgrades.
Camera System: Versatility with Some Quirks
The LG G8 ThinQ features a dual-camera setup on the rear: a 12MP standard lens and a 16MP ultra-wide lens, complemented by a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor for depth sensing. On the front, there’s an 8MP selfie camera alongside the ToF sensor for facial recognition and portrait effects. Overall, the camera performance is good but not class-leading, especially when compared to the computational photography prowess of Google Pixel or Huawei devices from the same era.
Rear Camera Performance
In well-lit conditions, the main sensor captures detailed, color-accurate photos with good dynamic range. The ultra-wide lens is excellent for landscapes and group shots, though it suffers from slight distortion at the edges. Low-light performance is decent with Night View mode, but it can’t match the night modes found on more recent smartphones. The ToF sensor aids in creating natural-looking bokeh in portrait mode, though edge detection isn’t always perfect.
Front Camera and Biometric Features
The front camera uses the ToF sensor for secure facial recognition, which is fast and works well in various lighting conditions. However, it’s not as advanced as Apple’s Face ID system. Selfies are generally sharp with accurate skin tones, but the fixed focus can be a bit limiting for close-up shots. Video recording capabilities are strong, with 4K support at 60fps and effective stabilization, making it suitable for vlogging or capturing smooth footage on the go.
Battery Life and Charging
With a 3500mAh battery, the G8 ThinQ provides all-day battery life for moderate users. Streaming video, browsing social media, and making calls will easily get you through a full day, but power users might find themselves reaching for a charger by evening. The included 18W wired charging refills the battery quickly, and there’s support for wireless charging, which is convenient for topping up throughout the day. Unfortunately, reverse wireless charging—a feature found on some competitors—is absent here.
Conclusion: Is the LG G8 ThinQ Still a Good Buy?
In retrospect, the LG G8 ThinQ is a device that offered several forward-thinking features but didn’t quite dominate the flagship segment. Its strengths—like the excellent audio quality, compact design, and innovative display technology—make it a compelling option for specific users, such as audiophiles or those who prefer smaller phones. However, its camera performance and software support lag behind rivals, and with LG exiting the smartphone market in 2021, long-term updates are uncertain.
If you can find it at a discounted price today, it remains a capable daily driver for most tasks, but there are better options available in 2023 for those seeking cutting-edge performance or camera capabilities. For nostalgia or budget-conscious buyers, though, the G8 ThinQ holds up as a solid piece of hardware with a unique character.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the LG G8 ThinQ have a headphone jack?
Yes, it includes a 3.5mm headphone jack with Quad DAC support for enhanced audio quality.
Is the LG G8 ThinQ waterproof?
It has an IP68 rating, making it resistant to dust and water immersion up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
How good is the battery life?
Battery life is average for a 2019 flagship, lasting a full day with moderate use but requiring a recharge with heavy usage.
Does it support 5G?
No, the LG G8 ThinQ is a 4G LTE device; a separate 5G variant, the LG G8X ThinQ, was released later.
Can the facial recognition be fooled by a photo?
Thanks to the ToF sensor, it’s more secure than basic facial recognition and isn’t easily tricked by photos.
Is wireless charging supported?
Yes, it supports both Qi wireless charging and fast wired charging.
How does the camera compare to an iPhone or Galaxy?
It holds its own in good light but falls short in low-light and computational photography compared to contemporaries like the iPhone XS or Galaxy S10.
Will it receive Android updates?
Given LG’s exit from the smartphone market, major Android updates are unlikely, though security patches may continue sporadically.
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