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Earlier today, LG announced the LG G5. They are calling this phone the “first ever modular smartphone.” Pretty much all of the rumors about this device were true, including the “accessory slot.” We were able to get our hands on the G5, the first two modules, and all the other crazy stuff they showed off. Buckle up.
LG G5
The LG G5 has a completely revamped design. Gone are the traditional LG features such as power and volume buttons on the back. It looks like a cross between the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. The G5 is a little narrower and thinner than the G4, but the display is also slightly smaller at 5.3-inches. It feels really nice in the hand.
Speaking of the display, it’s Quad HD IPS LCD. LG has brought the concept of the “Always-on” display from the LG V10 to the G5, but in a more traditional design. The display can show the time and date continuously in sleep mode. LG redesigned the display so only a small part is illuminated by the backlight. This means the Always-on display will use much less power than a traditional LCD panel.
The G4 had an exceptional camera, and now LG has elevated their game to the next level. On the back of the G5 are two cameras: one is 16MP with a standard 78-degree lens, the other is 8MP with a wide 135-degree lens. You can switch between the two cameras on a whim to perfectly match your situation. Here are the rest of the LG G5 specs:
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 Processor
- Memory: 4GB RAM / 32GB internal / microSD (up to 2TB)
- Battery: 2,800mAh (removable)
- OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- Size: 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7mm
- Weight: 159g
- Colors: Silver / Black / Gold / Pink
The LG G5 will be available on all major US carriers in the near future. LG says they will reveal pricing information at the end of March with a release following shortly in April. We’re very impressed with the LG G5 and friends. LG has made a strong case for the best smartphone of 2016.
LG G5 Modules
The really interesting new feature is what LG calls “Friends.” These are devices that work with the G5. Two of the “Friends” are modules that can slide into the accessory slot. The first is a camera accessory called LG CAM Plus. This module is designed to enhance the camera experience and provide extra battery life. It gives you the grip and controls of a traditional camera. CAM Plus adds a shutter button, record button, LED indicator, and a dial for zoom. While attached, the CAM Plus module provides an additional 1,200 mAh of battery.
The second module is called LG Hi-Fi Plus. When attached, it turns the G5 into a portable Hi-Fi audio player. You’ll get 32-bit Hi-Fi DAC upsampling and 32-bit 384KHz high definition audio playback. The cool thing about this module is it can be used with the G5 or as a standalone DAC for any phone or PC. It’s a great little device for any audiophiles out there. LG did not release pricing for the modules.
LG’s Playground
The LG G5 was obviously the star of LG’s event, but they also had some other gadgets to show off. The G5 modules are not the only “Friends” in LG’s playground. The LG 360 VR, LG 360 Cam, LG Rolling Bot, and LG Tone Platinum are also here to play.
The 360 VR is a VR headset that looks like it’s straight out of Star Trek. Unlike Samsung’s Gear VR, this headset connects to the G5 with the included USB Type-C cable. It simulates a 130-inch TV viewed from 2 meters away. It’s lightweight and easy to carry around.
The 360 Cam is a camera that can take360-degree photos and videos. It’s equipped with two 13MP cameras that have 200-degree viewing angles. It’s small and much easier to carry around than those crazy 360-degree camera rigs you’ve seen.
Next is the Rolling Bot. This Sphero-inspired remote controlled robot is controlled by the G5. It rolls like a ball while recording photos and video. The Rolling Bot can be used as a monitoring system for the home, pet care companion as well as a remote controller for compatible home appliances.
Last is the LG Tone Platinum. The Tone Platinum is a Bluetooth headset that has earned the Harman Kardon? Platinum grade for its superior sound quality. With aBalanced Armature design for minimum distortion, LG Tone PlatinumTM delivers exceptionally sharp and clean sound.
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