Review and testing of the LG G4 smartphone. LG G4 smartphone review: the most fashionable Elgie g4
Smartphone LG G4c– a powerful and bright phone in an original, slightly curved body, which, according to the manufacturer, fits better in the hand and ensures comfortable use of the device. The device is positioned as a mid-price model, with some aspirations for the premium segment. However, up to the premium characteristics LG G4c falls short a little.
Main features and features
1. The already legendary arched design LG G4c. We are talking about that very slight curvature of the case: the display is slightly concave.
2. Five-inch IPS display manufactured by innovative technology LG In-Cell Touch. A new product from a Korean company, the essence of which is to reduce the distance between the touch screen surface and the display that displays colors. As a result, you get the feeling as if you are touching the images directly. Bright picture and the feeling of a living touch create special magic. With a resolution of 1280x720, the display provides a density of 294 pixels per inch, which ensures that individual pixels on the screen are almost completely indistinguishable to the eye.
3. A powerful CPU with 4 cores and a frequency of 1.5 GHz will ensure smooth operation of the device even under heavy load.
4. Front camera (or, as the manufacturer calls it, selfie camera) 5 MP with virtual flash due to the bright backlight of the screen, which provides clear selfies even in low light.
5. The Adreno 306 video processor will be an excellent assistant in 3D virtual worlds.
6. An important detail: the device is equipped with a slot for memory expansion, you can increase the volume up to 32 GB
7. 1W speakers provide deep bass. A unique phenomenon for phones: really high quality low frequencies no plastic sound.
Phone for long parties
One of the important advantages is a capacious 2540 mAh battery. This volume allows the phone to last quite a long time, and after activating the energy saving mode, you can last for several hours on the last percent of the charge. Therefore, even if the party lasts, you won’t have to put your phone in your purse or pocket like a lifeless brick.
Accelerometer(or G-sensor) - sensor of the device’s position in space. As the main function, the accelerometer is used to automatic change orientation of the image on the display (vertical or horizontal). Also, the G-sensor is used as a pedometer; it can control various functions of the device by turning or shaking.
Gyroscope- a sensor that measures rotation angles relative to a fixed coordinate system. Capable of measuring rotation angles in several planes simultaneously. A gyroscope together with an accelerometer allows you to accurately determine the position of the device in space. Devices that use only accelerometers have lower measurement accuracy, especially when moving quickly. Also, the capabilities of the gyroscope can be used in modern games ah for mobile devices.
Light sensor- a sensor that sets the optimal brightness and contrast values for this level illumination The presence of a sensor allows you to increase the battery life of the device.
Proximity sensor- a sensor that detects when the device is close to your face during a call, turns off the backlight and locks the screen, preventing accidental clicks. The presence of a sensor allows you to increase the battery life of the device.
Geomagnetic sensor- a sensor for determining the direction of the world in which the device is directed. Tracks the orientation of the device in space relative to the magnetic poles of the Earth. The information received from the sensor is used in mapping programs for terrain orientation.
Atmospheric pressure sensor- sensor for precise measurement of atmospheric pressure. Is a part GPS systems, allows you to determine altitude above sea level and speed up location determination.
Touch ID- fingerprint identification sensor.
Accelerometer / Geomagnetic / Gyroscope / Light / Proximity
Satellite navigation:
GPS(Global Positioning System - global positioning system) - satellite system navigation, providing measurement of distance, time, speed and determining the location of objects anywhere on Earth. The system is developed, implemented and operated by the US Department of Defense. The basic principle of using the system is to determine location by measuring distances to an object from points with known coordinates - satellites. The distance is calculated by the delay time of signal propagation from sending it by the satellite to receiving it by the antenna of the GPS receiver.
GLONASS(Global Navigation Satellite System) - Soviet and Russian satellite navigation system, developed by order of the USSR Ministry of Defense. The measurement principle is similar to the American system GPS navigation. GLONASS is designed for operational navigation and timing support for land, sea, air and space-based users. The main difference from the GPS system is that GLONASS satellites in their orbital motion do not have resonance (synchrony) with the rotation of the Earth, which provides them with greater stability.
The back panel of the LG G4 H818 smartphone is trimmed with genuine leather made using vegetable tanning technology. Thanks to it, the material becomes very smooth and pleasant to the touch and receives an original texture, giving the device a stylish and respectable look. appearance. In addition, the processing process does not use substances that can harm the human body.
INCREDIBLY CLEAR IMAGES
The 5.5-inch Quantum screen is created using IPS technology and is equipped with a matrix that meets the Quad HD resolution standard (2560 x 1440). Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve excellent image quality - both when watching videos and in 3D games. In-cell Touch technology allows you to automatically adjust picture parameters in bright light, providing deep contrast in any conditions.
TOP CLASS PERFORMANCE
Thanks to a modern six-core processor with high clock frequency and large volume random access memory the smartphone can cope with any tasks assigned to it, including launching modern games, as well as video processing and editing.
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS
The phone is equipped with a 16-megapixel camera, with which you can take bright, contrasting and detailed pictures even in night street lighting or at dusk. The built-in color spectrum sensor automatically adjusts photo settings depending on the surrounding environment, allowing you to achieve natural color reproduction. Application of laser autofocus and professional system optical stabilization guarantees frame clarity even when working with fast-moving objects.
COMFORTABLE SELFIES
Do beautiful pictures Using a front camera has never been so easy. It supports gesture control. Due to this, the user can prepare for shooting or even take several shots by mounting the phone on a special tripod. 8 megapixel matrix front camera Provides excellent detail.
RELIABILITY AND GRACE
The curved body not only gives the device an original appearance, but also allows you to hold it securely in your hand even while walking fast.
CONTINUOUS COMMUNICATION
The device is equipped not only with standard Wi-Fi modules and Bluetooth, but also 3G/4G transmitters. Thanks to this, the user can access the Internet at speeds of up to 100 Mbps from anywhere. There is no need to limit surfing time, because a full battery charge lasts for 20 hours of connection in 3G mode. In standby mode, the smartphone can work up to 434 hours.
LG G4- this is from the asshole side new flagship, and on the other hand an experiment. Moreover, we are not talking about a manufacturer’s experiment within its line, but, perhaps, about a global posing of the question for the entire market: what to do next?
The new Korean smartphone is one of the most stylish products of 2015, but it lags behind its competitors in technically. This is noticeable to the naked eye, both when studying its specifications and from the results of its work. However, do not rush to label the device as unsuccessful. In fact, everything is much more interesting than it seems.
Design
The most important and important component of a smartphone is its appearance. G4 looks very good, fits perfectly in the hand, pleases with natural leather on the back cover and delivers exclusively positive emotions from its use.
The software shell, coupled with the ergonomics of the case, makes the smartphone feel like home after just a couple of hours of use.
You take a new product out of your pocket, and it feels like you’ve been using it for several months. However, I in no way want to say that the design of the device quickly becomes boring. Here everything is just the opposite.
The front side is slightly curved and this is a feature that is characteristic of all new smartphones of the company: from Leon to the hero of today review.
The protective glass on the front panel perfectly protects the screen from fingerprints and dust. A must have for any modern device.
The back side is a different story. First, let's talk about the trim levels. In our country, the device will be sold in five variations. Firstly, there are three models available with leather trim: light brown, black and red.
Initially, at the pre-order stage, you can choose only from two options: with light brown or black leather on the back. The most interesting thing is, of course, the bright colors of the skin. However, the black lid also looks quite good. The red shade will appeal to the female half of humanity. The texture of the skin varies from model to model, but to the touch it is slightly dry - the surface, so to speak, is far from glossy. I am not an expert in this area, so I say what I see and feel.
Later, two more models will be available: with a white or dark gray plastic back cover.
The first creates a strong feeling that the lid is made of ceramic. The protruding edges play interestingly in the light and even convey the coolness that is characteristic of real ceramics.
The latest modification is a dark gray model with an imitation of specially processed metal. An analogue of what we have already seen in . It doesn’t bring any positive experience, it’s just a lid, just plastic - in general, compared to other modifications, this one looks boring.
Personally, I would choose between a light brown or a black leather model. The first option looks stylish and bright, the second is restrained and noble. In any case, the presence of leather pleasantly warms the soul and gives the feeling that 40,000 rubles were not given in vain. By the way, the remaining colors of the skin (turquoise, bright yellow, light gray), as well as the additional gold color of the plastic cover, will not be sold here, and indeed will appear on sale around the world a little later.
If you are in Europe or South Korea, take a device with such a cover there. Of the modifications that are not available on our market, I liked the most, as I already said, the turquoise color. Not a boy's option, but girls will be delighted.
The dimensions of the device can be assessed in comparison with its competitors using the table below.
| Length | Width | Thickness | Weight | |
| LG G4 (5.5’’) | 148,9 | 76,2 | ||
| LG G3 (5.5’’) | 146,3 | 74,6 | ||
| Apple iPhone 6 Plus (5.5’’) | 158,1 | 77,8 | ||
| Xiaomi Mi Note Pro (5.7’’) | 155,1 | 77,6 | ||
| Samsung GALAXY Note 4 (5.7’’) | 153,5 | 78,6 |
As before, the new product will have its own cases available with the familiar round window on the front. You can use many applications without opening the case: listen to music, take pictures, answer calls, and so on.
The back cover of the case fits very tightly to the body of the smartphone, so the accessory does not make the device much thicker. This is definitely a plus.
The control buttons, as has already happened within the company’s product line, are moved back. Their design, of course, has undergone changes, but this has not affected the convenience in any negative way. As before, operating a smartphone is convenient.
By carefully separating the battery compartment cover from the body, you can study in detail how this leather insert is glued, which takes about 12 weeks to create. It's simple. The skin layer is glued directly onto the plastic cover, and the protruding edges are neatly trimmed. If desired, the glued layer can be pryed off and probably even torn off from the plastic. This is unlikely to happen naturally during normal operation of the device.
But the skin can easily wear out over time and, perhaps, in just a few months you will receive a smartphone with a cover riddled with scratches.
In the photo above I tried to reflect one of the scratches that appeared on the back cover. It’s not noticeable, but if you look closely, the wear is noticeable. I wonder how LG is going to deal with users who will make complaints about the quality of the leather coating and is it going to do it at all? In general, time will tell and perhaps an interesting precedent will be created.
Display
The smartphone has a 5.5-inch diagonal screen with QuadHD resolution (2560 x 1440 pixels). The dot density is the same 538 ppi we are familiar with from the G3. The differences lie in technology. In its latest device, the manufacturer used a display built using Quantumm IPS (In-Cell touch) technology, which led to an improvement in color reproduction by 20%, an increase in brightness by 25%, and contrast by 50%.
In practice, the display is good in almost every way. In the sun it behaves well even in direct sunlight.
The viewing angles are excellent, but the black color is still not as deep as in the same one (on the right or above in the photo). The difference is noticeable only in direct comparison, but in reality it is not worth attaching importance to. At least for most users.
Full Technical LG G4 specifications
I wrote all this material based on the results of testing the LG-F500L model with one SIM card (version for South Korea). We will sell the LG G4 H818P model with support for two SIM cards simultaneously. Accordingly, the camera test and performance results are relevant for a smartphone, which in fact may not have the final firmware version, and therefore may not have indicators that are not sufficiently objective for the end consumer. However, let's start by comparing the characteristics of these two models according to the table below (changes are highlighted in green):
| LG G3 (D855) | LG G4 (H818P) | |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 2.5 GHz (4 Krait 400 cores) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 1.8 GHz (6 cores, 64 bit, Cortex-A53 and Cortex-A57) |
| Video accelerator | Adreno 330 | Adreno 418 |
| RAM | 2 GB (3 GB versions available) | 3 GB |
| Built-in memory | 16 (versions with 32 GB available) | 32 GB |
| Memory card support | Yes (Micro SD up to 128 GB) | Yes (Micro SD up to 128 GB) |
| Display | 5.5’’, IPS+, 2560 x 1440 pixels (538 ppi) | 5,5’’, Quantumm IPS, 2560 x 1440 pixels (538 ppi) |
| Main camera | 13 MP (f/ 2.4, sensor size 1/3.06’’) | 16 MP (f/ 1.8, sensor size 1/2.6’’) |
| Front-camera | 2.1 MP | 8 MP (f/ 2.0) |
| Battery | 3000 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| OS | Android OS 4.4.2 (5.0 available for download) | OS Android 5.1 Lollipop |
| cellular | 2G, 3G, 4G | 2G, 3G, 4G ( Cat 6) |
| Wireless interfaces | Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, GPS, GLONASS, IR port | Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, GPS, GLONASS, IR port |
| Connectors | USB 2.0 (OTG), 3.5 mm audio output | |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, digital compass, light sensor and distance sensor | Accelerometer, gyroscope, digital compass, light sensor, distance sensor |
| SIM card form factor | Micro | Micro ( 2x) |
| Water and dust protection | No | No |
We can’t help but be glad that the company has provided us with a dual-SIM option.
In Russia, people are practical: they use one SIM card for work, another for home, or calls and the Internet - an option for thrifty, practical citizens who, nevertheless, have an extra 43 thousand for a smartphone. Honored +1.
Performance
Everything is fine with this parameter. Or rather, everything will be fine with the release of more stable and debugged firmware. Now on the test device (see model above), the animation of desktops, menus and everything else slowed down from time to time. Problems are obvious programmatic, which will most likely be eliminated in the very near future. Again, LG understands everything, tries, and works to improve its products. The stability and speed of the G3 is further confirmation of this.
There are no problems in games. Dead Trigger 2 and Real Racing 3 did not sag even in dynamic scenes. As for system tests, the results are as follows.
We see that this year's Korean flagship is ahead of most of the top devices from the past 2014, but some of them (or Meizu MX4) were still too tough for it. It’s time to ask the question - what’s the matter? Especially if you remember the test result in AnTuTu - more than 65 thousand points in a non-64-bit test.
Firstly, LG clearly does not use chemicals in the tests, unlike their Korean colleagues, and the device is tested in exactly the same mode as may be available to the user. There are clearly no additional accelerators provided. Secondly, we see that the company is shifting its focus from maximum performance characteristics and giving the user something different, perhaps even more important - design and user experience. The absolute leaders in the latter are, of course, the guys from Apple. The company creates something that is far from top in terms of technical characteristics product, but makes it (at least tries) as convenient as possible in communicating with the user.
And besides, the iPhone is fashionable, it’s status, and smartphones from Samsung or LG cannot yet boast the same charge. However, LG is still trying to do something similar and offer the user a comfortable device, and not the maximum hardware, which most users did not ask for.
The manufacturer is following its own path, although it is parallel to the game Apple is playing. Where and when these manufacturers will meet is a big question, the answer to which we will receive in the coming years, but not in the current time period and, unfortunately, not in the example of LG G4’s competition with the iPhone 6S. However, a start has been made and that’s great.
Camera
The front photo module has grown to 8 megapixels and acquired a fairly large aperture ratio of f/ 2.0. As before, various gestures are available for remote control shot (releasing the shutter by clenching your palm into a fist), but now the arsenal of seasoned selfies has been replenished with the ability to take up to 4 frames in a row with different faces. Later you can choose the best one or leave all the pictures at once.
What has changed now? Yes, in general, nothing. The camera capabilities have been improved, the algorithms have been optimized, but nothing radically new has been shown. We'll talk about the camera's capabilities in detail in a full article. LG G4 review, but for now here is what was stated by the manufacturer.
The matrix has increased and now its dimensions are 1/2.6’’. The installed lens received constant value aperture f/ 1.8. The stabilization function (OIS 2.0) has also been improved: now the picture is aligned along all three axes (X, Y, Z). The focusing speed has not changed compared to the G3 and is still the same 0.27 seconds, and an infrared light spectrum sensor specially installed next to the camera is responsible for correct color reproduction. Yes, as it turns out, this is not a dual LED flash.
The G4 shoots better than most of last year's flagships, but it doesn't compare to the camera in the . The latter is good on all fronts and it will not be easy for its future competitors of this year, which have not yet been announced, to compete with it.
Examples of frames taken on the G4 in comparison with the Meizu MX4 Pro (right) that was at hand are below.
Battery life
The short time during which I was able to test the device is certainly not enough to make a full conclusion regarding the autonomy of the device. However, some results can be drawn now.
LG G4 will work for a day at best.
With active use, the device is unlikely to survive until dark (we're talking about summer). You will have to charge the device every day; you most likely cannot expect anything different.
As soon as I have the opportunity to test the smartphone for a longer period of time, I will report more detailed results, but for now we’ll focus on this. It's summer now, sunshine, warm water for swimming and green parks here and there. Why not put down your smartphone (let it be a G4 or something else) for a while and go, for example, for a walk in the fresh air, leaving all your electronic gizmos at home? This will clearly be more useful than collecting an extra hundred likes on Instagram and burning milliamps per hour on your smartphone. Manufacturers involuntarily hint at this to us.
Bottom line
For the first time, one of the manufacturers, besides, of course, Apple, did not focus on the technical component of its most anticipated product, but focused on design and user experience. It is not known for certain: maybe this year the Korean manufacturer simply failed to create a truly modern, technically sophisticated flagship that can compete with the same Samsung Galaxy S6. Or maybe LG simply changed course and realized earlier than others that you won’t get far on the very best characteristics alone. Indeed! HTC, for example, produces some of the most technically advanced devices, but is steadily losing the market. The situation with Sony is similar, close to their Taiwanese competitor. Samsung, on the other hand, creates the very best devices and also, year after year, does not show any amazing sales figures for its flagship solutions.
LG actively experiments with form, design, software and is not afraid to do so. For this alone the company is worth praising. The new LG G4 came out very interesting. I didn’t see any breakthrough in terms of the technical component, however, considering the design, leather materials and user experience in general, the smartphone turned out to be very successful. All this needs to be considered together.
Price for models with leather trim on this moment is 39,990 rubles. The largest domestic retail retailers have already managed to slightly reduce prices to a psychologically important level. Of course, this is still a lot and the demand for the device will be very limited. The manufacturer now faces the task of conveying to as many people as possible more people who are able to pay so much money for a phone that the Koreans have a decent device, and it’s time to try something new, not get hung up on the image created by Apple. The task is extremely difficult without the use of an aggressive advertising company and, most likely, it will not be completed 100%, but I want to believe that LG will succeed.
Release date: early June 2015 Price: 39,990 rubles
LG company for a long time fought for a place in the smartphone market, since the main competitor, Samsung, always held the lead here. All flagships have always been aimed at competing with him. Having developed the LG G4, the company embarked on a bold experiment that could surprise many, which Samsung had never dared to do, adhering to the main features of the line.
LG G4 phone - Reviews
If you believe the announcements from LG, then this flagship will be released in as many as 9 design options. From the start in Russia, there will be two options with black and brown leather trim on the rear panel, and the usual glossy plastic in white is also expected.
In addition to them, perhaps others will enter our market. The following colors are expected in plastic-ceramics: metallic gray, white, golden. There will also be leather cases in beige, blue and yellow flowers.
The leather trim of the battery cover has a seam running down the middle; this design looks stylish and feels pleasant to the touch. The developers claim that leather production for this phone takes approximately 12 weeks, and the processing technology is borrowed from cutting-edge, fashionable brands producing leather accessories. Plastic has a geometric texture.
At the same time, the company has not abandoned the usual roundness of the rear panel, thanks to which the device fits well in the hand. Classic elements also remain, such as the removable back panel and a battery, which makes the smartphone universal and demonstrates the company’s refusal to chase trends, and allows owners to change the design of their device.
Compared to the previous generation, the device has become more angular and has slightly increased in size, so G3 accessories will not fit it. Under the cover there are slots for 2 SIM cards and a card microSD memory.
For some reason, LG refused to install an AMOLED display on the flagship; instead, a 5.5-inch IPS matrix was installed. However, according to the manufacturer, the screen has been significantly improved, its contrast, brightness have been increased and the color palette has been expanded. The display resolution is 2560 x 1440, which results in a density of 538 pixels per square inch.
The size of the screen allows you to work with this device with one hand, which will please connoisseurs of ergonomics. The screen itself actually has good performance, but it is somewhat more modest than the stated characteristics, and the factory settings could have been better.
Filling
LG, when developing the G4, decided to abandon the flagship Snapdragon 810 processor. Instead, the Snapdragon 808 chip was installed. The company did not indicate the reasons for such a replacement, but thanks general optimization This had a negligible impact on system performance.
The device received 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal memory, as well as a microSD slot with support for cards up to 2 TB, which competitors cannot boast of.
Software
LG G4 runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop, optimized specifically for the device itself. There are no significant differences with the previous generation of the flagship, and for regular user they are practically invisible. However, this can rather be considered a plus, since the system is still simple, easy to navigate, and the OS does not require large processor resources.
Camera LG G4
LG equipped the G4 with a 16-megapixel camera with a stabilizer, which copes well with any movement, and the device also has a laser autofocus sensor. The latest addition really makes for very fast and high-quality adjustments, even with macro photography.
The manufacturer also claims that the camera has sensors that allow you to change parameters and ensure natural color rendition under any shooting conditions. It really works, but not as well as advertised. Under artificial lighting, yellowness appears and white balance suffers.
The camera does not bring anything innovative, but in general it keeps up with the competition and allows you to shoot video in RAW format. Capture 1080p or 4K images at a good level.
LG G4 battery
The battery life on a single charge is average, despite capacious battery at 3000 mAh. Watching videos with high screen brightness drains the battery in about 6 hours. However, music with the screen off takes up only a percentage per hour, and in this mode the phone can last for several days.
Bottom line
Overall, the updated LG G4 turned out to be quite good and quality smartphone with excellent characteristics and a camera, which is what you would ultimately expect from such a flagship.
There is no doubt that the G4 is the best phone LG today, not only because of the components, but also because of the ideas that were implemented in it. Little things like bright screen with better contrast, a beautiful interface, and many useful software tricks, will attract and force you to communicate with them every day.
Curved rear end and the edges will make it easier to take the phone from the table and hold it in your hand. Double-tapping the screen to wake your smartphone from sleep is always a useful feature, and there's a real leather alternative instead of the plastic construction.
pros
- bright screen with great differences;
- excellent camera performance;
- shooting in RAW and manual mode;
- removable battery and slot MicroSD cards;
- leather case case.
