| SPECS AT A GLANCE: LG V30 | |
|---|---|
| SCREEN | 2880×1440 6-inch OLED |
| OS | Android 7.1.2 |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 |
| RAM | 4GB |
| GPU | Adreno 540 |
| STORAGE | 64GB/128GB |
| NETWORKING | 802.11b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, NFC |
| PORTS | USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack |
| CAMERA | 16MP Standard Angle (F1.6 / 71°) / 13MP Wide Angle (F1.9/ 120°) |
| SIZE | 151.7 x 75.4 x 7.3mm |
| WEIGHT | 158g |
| BATTERY | 3300 mAh |
| PRICE | TBC |
| OTHER PERKS | Fingerprint sensor, wireless charging, MicroSD slot |
LG has unveiled the LG V30, an Android smartphone that—unlike its predecessor the V20—is pleasingly gimmick-free. Headline features include the now-mandatory high screen-to-body ratio, dual-camera system, and a slick design.
About that OLED screen, then: it's a beauty. Measuring six inches across at an 18:9 aspect ratio (the same size as the Samsung Galaxy S8) with a 2880×1440 pixel resolution, it features slim top and bottom bezels, with mere slivers of bezel around the edges. Thanks to a less-aggressive curve where the screen meets the glass back than on the Galaxy S8, the V30 doesn't quite pull off the same floating display trick.
There are, however, fewer reflections along the edges—and fewer erroneous inputs, too, for those that use a vice-like grip on their phones. Measuring 151.7mm tall by 75.4mm wide, with a thickness of 7.39mm and a weight of just 158g, the V30 is a svelte, comfortable device. Coupled with the premium materials used throughout and excellent build quality, it's easily LG's most desirable phone to date. I do wish LG had gone with robust metal rather than fragile glass on the back, though. (At least it's Gorilla Glass 5.)
Naturally, the V30 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC, paired with 4GB of LPDDR4 memory and 64GB or 128GB of storage (expandable via microSD). There's up to 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 BLE, NFC, and USB Type-C. LG continues its premium audio push with 32-bit "Hi-Fi Quad" DAC, bundles B&O play headphones, and support for the MQA file format. And yes, thankfully, there's a headphone jack.
On the back of the V30 is a fingerprint sensor that's in a comfortable position away from the dual-sensor camera. The 16MP OIS sensor features a regular focal length and f/1.6 aperture, while the 13MP sensor has a super-wide lens attached with a 120-degree field of view. The selfie cam is a less impressive 5MP affair. The camera specs are impressive on paper, but these days it really is all about the software. Fingers crossed that LG has done enough to take on the mighty Google Pixel camera.
Interestingly, LG has upped its video game with support for a new "LG-Cine Log" format, which preserves a greater dynamic range for colour grading in post production.
The V30 comes with Android 7.1.2 out of the box, rather than Android 8.0 Oreo, but an update is promised later in the year. While I haven't yet had a chance to dig around the V30's software, it appears to be largely the same as that on the V20, meaning LG uses Google's own apps for the most part but doubles up on odd ones like the clock and gallery apps.
Google Assistant with always-on "OK Google" voice command support is baked in, too, as is questionably useful face and voice recognition unlocking.
The V30 will become available to consumers in South Korea starting on September 21, followed by North America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East at a later date. The V30 with 64GB ROM will come in four beautiful colours: Aurora Black, Cloud Silver, Moroccan Blue, and Lavender Violet 2. A price is yet to be announced.
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