Introduction
Do we have a good one for you today – The venerable LG G4 goes up against the new stainless steel LG V10 with its mini display on top of the main display and dual front-facing cameras (FFC). Either one of these devices have a premium look – especially with the genuine leather backing on the LG G4…there is just something about leather (but that is another topic for a different time). On the other hand, stainless steel and silicone have their own attraction and beauty. These two devices have quite a bit in common, and we will take a look at those first before we delve into more detail.
The LG G4 and LG V10 both sport a main QHD IPS LCD display and are close in size – 5.5-inches for the LG G4 and 5.7-inches for the LG V10. They also use an identical 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor and they both have room to expand their base internal storage – 32GB on the G4 and 64GB on the V10. They also use identical main 16MP cameras, although the FFCs are different. They both have a single speaker – the LG G4’s is on the back and the LG V10’s is on the bottom. They both have the usual suspects – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, NFC, a built-in IR Blaster, a microUSB port for quick charging or data transfer and they both have 3000mAh removable batteries.
Please take a deliberate look at the detailed Specifications Comparison chart below and there you will see just how these two great devices stack up against one another – click on the “View Full Comparison” link at the end of the chart to expand the details. After that, we will look at each individual device in greater detail and point out some of their pros and cons. From all of this information we will try to determine the winner based on specs and execution of design and functions.
Specifications
LG G4
When the LG G3 was released with the first mass-produced Quad HD display, it excited the smartphone world, but it definitely needed several improvements. The LG G4 is slightly larger, but includes a slight curve to the entire device…just enough to make it a pleasure to hold in your hand. LG improved the ceramic-coated metallic plastic backing on the LG G4, making it easier to grip and added an optional genuine leather back in one of several colors…complete with stitching.
The LG G3 with its QHD display was statistically impressive, but in reality, it was rather dull looking. LG made an extra effort on improving the display on the LG G4 by switching to a new IPS Quantum display technology. LG claims this improvement creates a 25-percent brighter display with a 50-percent increase in the contrast and 56-percent improvement to the color accuracy. The new LG G4 sports a 5.5-inch QHD LCD Quantum display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and 538 pixels-per-inch (PPI)…this compares to the same great display, only at 5.7-inches and 515 PPI found on the LG V10.
LG naturally used the new Snapdragon 810 in their LG G Flex 2, but with the stories of overheating issues, they decided to pass on it for the LG G4. LG still stayed with Qualcomm, but selected their 64-bit Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor in the G4, with a quad-core clocked at 1.44 GHz and a dual-core clocked at 1.82 GHz. It worked out so well that LG decided to use the same processor in the LG V10. The LG G4 is packing 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage while the LG V10 packs 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal memory. Both devices have room for expansion via a microSD card to add an additional 128GB of memory.
The LG G4 has a top-rate camera area with a 16MP sensor, laser autofocus, dual-tone LED Flash, a wide f/1.8 aperture and OIS for their main camera. LG also included a huge 8MP FFC with the f/1.8 aperture that should take excellent selfies and provide great video chatting. The LG V10 has the same 16MP main camera with all of the amenities, but rather than the 8MP FFC, the V10 comes with two 5MP FFCs. The G4 and V10 share the same sized 3000mAh removable battery, they both offer a quick charge feature, and only the LG G4 offers an optional wireless charger.
The LG G4 does have a wireless charging option that the LG V10 does not offer. The LG G4 is available in a variety of colors in either the standard ceramic-coated plastic back or genuine leather backing. It is running the latest Lollipop, will cost you about $600+ off contract, and is available on all major US carriers.
LG V10
The LG G4 series has always ruled as their flagship device, but they just introduced a new device called the LG V10. It is an unusual smartphone in that it is sculptured from stainless steel and silicone, secondly it has two 5MP FFCs, and lastly, it has a small, independent display sitting ‘above’ the 5.7-inch main display, which can be on even when the main display is off. Exactly how the LG V10 will fit within this crowded field of premium devices remains to be seen…are customers going to grab it up or pass it up for the regular LG G4 or one of the many other flagship devices available? Let’s take a closer look at the new LG V10 and see just how it stacks up against the its older brother, the ruling LG G4
Like the Galaxy Note Edge that sported two displays – the main one and then the separate display off to the right – the LG V10 has two displays. The main display is a 5.7-inch IPS Quantum QHD with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and 515 PPI, along with a 1040 x 160 pixel display that ‘sits’ above the main display at the top. This secondary display can be on while the main display is off and can be used for showing notifications, the weather, the time/date, app shortcuts and more. This goes up against the 5.5-inch QHD IPS LCD display of the LG G4. LG chose the 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor with four cores clocked at 1.44 GHz and dual cores clocked at 1.82 GHz as the brains for both of these devices. The V10 is packing 4GB of RAM versus the LG G4 with 3GB of RAM – both using DDR3 RAM. The LG V10 has only one option – 64GB of internal memory, but has a microSD card slot to expand another 128GB. The LG G4 gives you one 32GB option with room to expand.
The main camera areas should be very competitive if the LG V10 lives up to the LG G4’s camera heritage. Both devices use identical main cameras – 16MP sensor with laser autofocus, a large f/1.8 aperture, OIS and an LED flash. The LG V10 uses a dual 5MP FFC to add a wider field and more depth to the traditional selfie or video chat. The LG G4 has the more traditional single 8MP FFC. Both devices use a removable 3000mAh battery and both have a fast charge option, with the LG G4 enjoying a wireless charge option.
Unlike the LG G4, the LG V10 wisely includes a fingerprint sensor with the NFC that will allow the V10 to approve mobile payments, once the V10 gets its Android 6.0 Marshmallow update. The LG V10 has a speaker on the bottom of the device and includes Hi-Fi circuitry for improved sound through the headphones. The available colors are Space Black, Luxe White, Modern Beige, Ocean Blue and Opal Blue. It should be available in October/November on Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile and priced approximately $650 – $700.
…And The Winner Is…
Summary
This was tough in a way, but when it comes down to which device has the pure technological and specification superiority, it has to be the LG V10. It is more impressive and has more features – looks flashier, better build, secondary display, a better FFC…or should I say two, more RAM, more standard internal storage, better audio circuits, better radio/antenna and a fingerprint sensor. It is a newer model and certainly more ‘future proof’ than the LG G4.
The LG G4 will be somewhat cheaper by now and retains some great specs – top-rated main camera, the same removable battery, ability to expand storage and a fast charging battery and optional wireless charging. It also is a little smaller and with the curved design is a little easier to hold in your hand.
Either device is a solid pick, but if you want the better specifications and hardware, you really have to look to the LG V10 – it will cost you a little more, but is right in line with other new flagships. Only you can decide if the added features and specs on the LG V10 are worth it to you, but I am picking the V10 as the winner in this comparison.
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