Introduction
Do we have a good one for you today – the LG V30 takes on the Lenovo Moto Z2 Force. The new LG V30 is now an all glass affair while the Moto Z2 Force retains the metal backing of its predecessor – in fact, it looks very similar to last years’ model so it can accommodate the Moto Mods. This makes the LG V30 the definite winner in the looks department with its small bezels, while the Moto Z2 Force retains its rather large top and bottom bezels. The devices do share many of the same internal parts and specs, but the overall feel of the devices are quite different. Let’s take a look to see just what these two devices have in common and then we will take a closer look at each device.
The LG V30 and the Moto Z2 Force do have quite a few things in common, even though they target different audiences. Both devices are almost identical in physical size, although while the Z2 Force is slightly thinner (6.1mm vs. 7.4mm) the LG V30 weighs 15 grams more than the Z2 Force. The displays are close in size – 6.0-inches vs. 5.5-inches – and both are using a QHD display resolution and the same P-OLED technology. They both have a kind of ‘always-on’ technology – the LG V30 uses a small floating display that informs you of notifications and can be swiped out of the way, while on the Z2 Force you can wave your hand over the display or move the device to see your date, time, and notifications. Both devices use the Snapdragon 835 processor and Adreno 540 GPU. Both have 4GB of DDR4 RAM, and both have 64GB of expandable memory via a microSD card. Both devices offer a dual camera area – the Z2 Force uses two 12-megapixel sensors, and the LG V30 one 16-megapixel sensor and one 13-megapixel sensor, and they both use a 5-megapixel front-facing camera (FFC) for selfies and video chats. They share the usual suspects – WiFi, Bluetooth (v4.2 in the Z2 Force and v5.0 in the LG V30), GPS, NFC, fingerprint sensor, rapid battery charge, and a USB Type-C reversible port for charging and data transfer.
Please take a thoughtful look at the detailed specifications comparison chart below and here you will see just how these two great devices stack up against one another. After that, we will look at each device in greater depth and point out some of its 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 V30
Love them or hate them, you have to give LG credit when it comes to innovative ideas and taking chances – as witnessed by the LG G5’s modular design. Okay, it was not a commercial success, but it was innovative. They also jumped into dual cameras and added four DACs for superior sound. When LG designed the new LG V30, it was not afraid to make some big changes from the LG V20. The new V30 now uses an all-glass body and they switched to a non-removable battery and added an IP68 certification and wireless charging. LG also tossed aside its old 16:9 LCD display technology and jumped onboard the 18:9 OLED bandwagon. This allows the V30 to have a larger display than the V20, but a smaller footprint when it comes to actual phone size. LG included the newest Snapdragon 835/Adreno 540 GPU and retained the Hi-Res audio circuitry that works great with a pair of headphones. LG’s only real crime is not including dual speakers.
LG has made OLED displays for years, but other than their limited flexible G Flex device, this is their first usage on a flagship device. The LG V30 sports a 6-inch QHD OLED display with a resolution of 2880 x 1440 that results in 538 pixels-per-inch (PPI). LG named their new display ‘FullVision’ and it includes Dolby Vision and HDR 10 support, and the new 18:9 ratio. The latter allows it to form two squares for a better multiple screen experience. Rather than using a fixed secondary display, the LG V30 uses a ‘floating bar’ that can be moved or swept out of the way. The LG V30 packs a Snapdragon 835 processor clocked at 2.45 GHz that adds speed, more capabilities, and better battery life. The Qualcomm processor uses an Adreno 540 GPU for stunning graphics. The V30 has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable memory.
LG started using a dual camera setup on the LG V10 and continues to use the same configuration on the V30 with a few improvements. The primary camera sports a 16-megapixel sensor, OIS, laser and PDAF for quick focusing, dual-tone LED flash, and a large f/1.6 aperture to help capture those low-light shots. The secondary camera, used for your wide-angle photos, does not have all of the bells and whistles of the primary camera. It uses a 13-megapixel sensor with a wide-angle 120-degree field and a slightly smaller aperture of f/1.9. The FFC is the same 5-megapixel used on the LG V20, but adds facial recognition to go along with selfies and video chats. A 3,300 mAh non-removable battery that offers Quick Charge 3.0, as well as wireless charging powers the device.
The LG V30 uses four DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters), an EQ with left/right balance controls, and B&O Play certifications. The V30 retains its MIL-STD-810G certification even with a glass back. Using a glass back forced LG to use a non-removable battery, but it also allowed them to offer an IP68 certification and wireless charging. Other improvements start with the P-OLED technology and a larger display. The camera area improves all around and now adds facial recognition to the V30’s voice recognition. The non-removable battery is 3,300 mAh and will easily make it through a day. The device measures 151.7 x 75.4 x 7.4 mm and weighs in at 158 grams. The V30 comes in your choice of Cloud Silver or Moroccan Blue and will come with Android 7.1.2. The LG V30 will cost you approximately $840 outright.
Lenovo Moto Z2 Force
Lenovo’s new Moto Z2 Force has a beautiful P-OLED display and a price tag that is creeping up to $756 to $800 depending on where you buy it. However, this Moto device has some pretty good specs and a dual camera to help back it up – the ShatterShield display, a terrific camera, and the ability to add Moto Mods. The Moto Z2 Force is an all-metal design with a solid build and certainly is a flagship in every sense of the word. You can use it ‘as-is’ or add a Mod to enhance your Z2 Force experience – of course, you have to pay for the Moto Mod adding more to your overall investment. The Mod can be something as simple as a stylish back or something as complicated as the Hasselblad camera, JBL speaker, or even a wall projector.
The Moto Z2 Force sports a 5.5-inch P-OLED QHD 16:9 display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and 535 PPI. The display uses Moto’s ShatterShield, which is a 5-layer design that helps prevent damage to the screen. Lenovo went with the best processor – the Snapdragon 835 octa-core with a quad core clocked at 1.9GHz and a quad core clocked at 2.35GHz coupled to an Adreno 540 GPU to handle the most intense graphics you can throw at it. The Z2 Force packs 4GB of DDR4 RAM and offers 64GB of expandable internal memory via a microSD card.
The Z2 Force joins other manufacturers and offers up a dual camera arrangement. The primary camera on the Z2 Force uses a 12-megapixel sensor with an aperture of f/2.0, laser, and phase detection autofocus (PDAF), and a dual-tone flash. The secondary 12-megapixel camera uses a monochrome sensor for black & white photos. It uses a 5-megapixel FFC with an f/2.2 aperture and a dual-tone LED flash for selfies and video chatting. A 2,730 mAh non-removable battery powers the Moto Z2 Force and it comes with Moto’s Turbo Power charger – this is down from the 3,500 mAh battery in the Moto Z Force. A $90 Moto Mod will increase the battery by 2,200 mAh and can even add wireless charging capabilities as well.
The Moto Z2 Force does not have a Gorilla Glass front covering the display, but uses Motorola’s ShatterShield technology – it is great for frequent drops, but it scratches fairly easily unless you use a screen protector. It lacks a 3.5mm earphone jack that could be a real pain for some people. It handles headphones via an adapter (provided with the phone) that plugs into the USB Type-C reversible port to accept earphones – it does produce a better sound, but you have to remember to carry around an adapter or switch to using a Bluetooth headset. The other significant factor is that it can utilize Moto Mods that can add features to your device as well as covers for the back to help customize its looks. It measures in at 155.8 x 76 x 6.1mm and weighs in at 143 grams. It comes in three colors – Super Black, Fine Gold, and Lunar Grey with pricing from $756 to $800 depending on where you purchase the device.
…And The Winner Is…
The Final Word
This was a tough decision, but I am picking the LG V30 as the winner of this comparison. Both smartphones offer a well-made device that should satisfy their target audiences. If you want more modern looks, a better camera and sound is high on your list of priorities, then the LG V30 should be your choice – however, if you like the flexibility of using the Moto Mods, then the Moto Z2 Force is your winner.
The LG V30 offers a larger display, an 18:9 aspect ratio, a better main camera area, a larger battery, Hi-Res Audio with four DACs, a 3.5mm headphone jack, IP68 certification, face and voice recognition, MIL-STD-810G standard, and wireless charging without any adapter. These extra features with cost you slightly more at $840 versus the $756-$800 for the Moto Z2 Force.
The Moto Z2 Force is an excellent device and has their ShatterShield display technology, Moto Mods, and the Moto phones have excellent radios in them for drawing in a signal. The big thing here is the Moto Mods – if you think you will use them, then save a few bucks and pick up a Z2 Force.
Buy the LG V30 (Verizon)From Motorola