The LG G7 ThinQ, released in May 2018, was LG’s flagship smartphone aimed at competing with premium devices like the Samsung Galaxy S9, OnePlus 6, and Huawei P20 Pro. Marketed under LG’s “ThinQ” branding, it emphasized AI integration, a bright display, and superior audio capabilities. While it delivered a solid performance, it struggled to stand out in a crowded market due to its lack of groundbreaking features and middling battery life. This review provides a detailed analysis of its hardware, software, performance, and how it compares to contemporaries in its price range.
Hardware SpecificationsDesign and Build
- Dimensions: 153.2 x 71.9 x 7.9 mm
- Weight: 162 grams
- Build: Glass front and back (Corning Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
- Durability: IP68 water and dust resistance, MIL-STD-810G compliant (drop and shock resistance)
- Colors: New Platinum Grey, New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue, Raspberry Rose
The LG G7 ThinQ features a premium, albeit conventional, design with a glass-metal sandwich construction. Its slim profile and rounded edges make it comfortable to hold, though the glass back is prone to fingerprints. The inclusion of IP68 and military-grade durability ensures robustness, surviving drops and water submersion. A dedicated Google Assistant button on the side, non-remappable, is a notable addition, though some users found it limiting.Display
- Type: 6.1-inch IPS LCD, FullVision, 19.5:9 aspect ratio
- Resolution: 3120 x 1440 (QHD+), 564 ppi
- Brightness: Up to 1,000 nits (Super Bright Display)
- Features: HDR10 support, notch design (customizable via software), 100% DCI-P3 color gamut
The G7’s display is a standout, boasting exceptional brightness for outdoor visibility, rivaling AMOLED displays like the Samsung Galaxy S9’s. The LCD panel delivers sharp visuals and accurate colors, though it lacks the deep blacks of OLED. The notch, a trend in 2018, can be hidden via software, addressing user preferences. However, some noted that the “Super Bright” mode, limited to three minutes, felt restrictive.
Processor and Performance
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (10 nm, Octa-core: 4×2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4×1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)
- GPU: Adreno 630
- RAM: 4 GB (G7 ThinQ) or 6 GB (G7+ ThinQ)
- Storage: 64 GB (G7 ThinQ) or 128 GB (G7+ ThinQ), expandable via microSD (up to 2 TB)
Powered by the Snapdragon 845, the G7 ThinQ delivers flagship-level performance, handling multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps like Tekken and Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery with ease. Its performance is comparable to other 2018 flagships, though the 4 GB RAM variant may feel slightly limited for heavy multitasking compared to competitors with higher RAM.
Camera
- Rear Camera: Dual setup
- 16 MP (f/1.6, 30mm wide, 1/3.1”, 1.0µm, OIS, PDAF, laser AF)
- 16 MP (f/1.9, 16mm ultra-wide, 1/3.1”, no AF)
- Features: LED flash, HDR, panorama, AI Cam (scene recognition for 19 categories)
- Front Camera: 8 MP (f/1.9, 26mm wide)
- Video: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
The G7’s camera system emphasizes versatility with its wide and ultra-wide lenses, a hallmark of LG’s flagships. The AI Cam, powered by EyeEm’s image recognition, adjusts settings for scenes like food or landscapes but can be slow and inconsistent, especially in low light. While the camera produces balanced exposures and vibrant colors, it lags behind competitors like the Huawei P20 Pro in dynamic range and low-light performance. The front camera is adequate for selfies, offering improved sharpness over previous LG models.
Battery
- Capacity: 3,000 mAh
- Charging: Fast charging (18W, Quick Westbrook:USB-C), wireless charging
- Battery Life: Average, requires charging by evening under heavy use
The battery life is a weak point, often failing to last a full day under heavy use. Competitors like the Galaxy S9 and OnePlus 6 offer better endurance due to larger batteries. Fast charging and wireless charging are convenient, but the 3,000 mAh capacity feels underpowered for a flagship.Audio
- Speakers: Single Boombox speaker (uses phone body as resonance chamber), DTS:X 3D Surround Sound
- Headphone Jack: 3.5mm with Hi-Fi Quad DAC
The G7 ThinQ excels in audio, with the Boombox speaker delivering loud, bass-heavy sound, enhanced when placed on a surface. The Hi-Fi Quad DAC provides exceptional wired audio quality, appealing to audiophiles. This is a key differentiator compared to competitors lacking a headphone jack or advanced DAC.
Connectivity
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, MIMO
- Bluetooth: 5.0 with aptX HD
- Cellular: LTE Cat. 18 (up to 1.2 Gb/s download, 75 Mb/s upload)
- Other: NFC, FM radio, Wi-Fi Direct, GPS (A-GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo)
The G7 ThinQ offers robust connectivity, though its LTE upload speeds are limited compared to the modem’s potential. The inclusion of a headphone jack and FM radio adds value for some users.
Software Specifications
- Operating System: Android 8.0 Oreo (upgradable to Android 9 Pie, Android 10 for some variants)
- User Interface: LG UX
- Features:
- Google Assistant button (single press for Assistant, double press for Google Lens)
- AI Cam with scene recognition
- Customizable launcher (optional app drawer, theme engine)
- Floating bar (replaces secondary screen functionality)
- Always-on display, Knock Code, face recognition
LG’s software has improved, with less bloatware and a cleaner interface compared to earlier models. The UI is customizable, supporting themes, wallpapers, and icon packs. The AI Cam integrates with the camera to optimize settings, but its performance is inconsistent. The Google Assistant button is convenient but non-remappable, which frustrated some users. Software updates were prompt for some variants, but unlocked models, especially Sprint versions, faced update issues, remaining stuck on older firmware.
Performance and User Experience
The LG G7 ThinQ performs admirably for everyday tasks, gaming, and multimedia. The Snapdragon 845 ensures smooth operation, and the bright display enhances viewing experiences. The audio capabilities, both through the Boombox speaker and Quad DAC, are exceptional, making it a favorite for media enthusiasts. However, the battery life and AI camera fall short of expectations, and the design, while sleek, lacks the bold innovation of LG’s past flagships like the G5. The notch, while customizable, feels like a trend-following move rather than a unique feature.
Comparison with Other Smartphones in the Same Range
The LG G7 ThinQ, priced at $750-$790 in the US, competed with other 2018 flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S9, OnePlus 6, and Huawei P20 Pro. Below is a comparison table based on key specifications and features:
| Feature | LG G7 ThinQ | Samsung Galaxy S9 | OnePlus 6 | Huawei P20 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (USD, 2018) | $750-$790 | $720-$800 | $529-$579 | $900-$950 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 845 | Snapdragon 845 (Exynos 9810 in some regions) | Snapdragon 845 | Kirin 970 |
| RAM/Storage | 4GB/64GB, 6GB/128GB, microSD (up to 2TB) | 4GB/64GB, microSD (up to 400GB) | 6GB/64GB, 8GB/128GB, no microSD | 6GB/128GB, no microSD |
| Display | 6.1” IPS LCD, 3120×1440, 1,000 nits, HDR10 | 5.8” Super AMOLED, 2960×1440, ~1,000 nits, HDR10 | 6.28” Optic AMOLED, 2280×1080, ~600 nits | 6.1” OLED, 2240×1080, ~600 nits, HDR10 |
| Rear Camera | 16MP (f/1.6, wide) + 16MP (f/1.9, ultra-wide) | 12MP (f/1.5-2.4, wide, OIS) | 16MP (f/1.7, wide) + 20MP (f/1.7, secondary) | 40MP (f/1.8, wide) + 20MP (f/1.6, mono) + 8MP (f/2.4, tele) |
| Front Camera | 8MP (f/1.9) | 8MP (f/1.7) | 16MP (f/2.0) | 24MP (f/2.0) |
| Battery | 3,000 mAh, 18W fast charging, wireless charging | 3,000 mAh, 15W fast charging, wireless charging | 3,300 mAh, 20W fast charging, no wireless | 4,000 mAh, 22.5W fast charging, no wireless |
| Audio | Boombox speaker, Hi-Fi Quad DAC, 3.5mm jack | Stereo speakers, 3.5mm jack | Single speaker, no 3.5mm jack | Single speaker, no 3.5mm jack |
| Durability | IP68, MIL-STD-810G | IP68 | IP68 (unofficial) | IP67 |
| Software | Android 8.0, LG UX, upgradable to Android 10 | Android 8.0, Samsung Experience, upgradable to Android 10 | Android 8.1, OxygenOS, upgradable to Android 11 | Android 8.1, EMUI, upgradable to Android 10 |
| Unique Features | AI Cam, Google Assistant button, super bright display | Variable aperture camera, Bixby button | Dash Charge, budget-friendly price | Triple camera system, superior low-light photography |
| Drawbacks | Average battery life, slow AI Cam | Slightly higher price, less RAM | No microSD, no wireless charging | No 3.5mm jack, no wireless charging |
Analysis
- Performance: All four phones use high-end processors, but the Snapdragon 845 in the G7 ThinQ, Galaxy S9, and OnePlus 6 offers a slight edge over the Kirin 970 in GPU performance.
- Display: The G7’s LCD is brighter than most, but the Galaxy S9’s AMOLED and P20 Pro’s OLED provide better contrast and deeper blacks. The OnePlus 6’s display, while sharp, has a lower resolution.
- Camera: The Huawei P20 Pro leads with its triple-camera system and superior low-light performance. The G7’s ultra-wide lens is unique but struggles in low light. The Galaxy S9’s variable aperture excels in versatility, while the OnePlus 6 offers solid but less innovative cameras.
- Battery: The P20 Pro’s 4,000 mAh battery significantly outlasts the G7 and S9’s 3,000 mAh. The OnePlus 6’s 3,300 mAh and fast Dash Charge provide a better balance.
- Audio: The G7 ThinQ stands out with its Boombox speaker and Quad DAC, unmatched by competitors, especially for wired audio.
- Value: The OnePlus 6 is the most affordable, offering near-flagship performance. The G7 and S9 are comparably priced, but the P20 Pro’s higher price is justified by its camera and battery.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional display brightness (1,000 nits) for outdoor visibility
- Superior audio quality with Boombox speaker and Hi-Fi Quad DAC
- Versatile dual-camera system with ultra-wide lens
- Robust build with IP68 and MIL-STD-810G certification
- Expandable storage up to 2 TB
Cons
- Average battery life (3,000 mAh)
- AI Cam is slow and inconsistent
- Non-remappable Google Assistant button
- Lacks standout design innovation
- Camera performance lags in low light compared to competitors
Verdict
The LG G7 ThinQ is a well-rounded flagship with notable strengths in its display, audio, and build quality. Its 6.1-inch Super Bright Display is ideal for outdoor use, and the audio features cater to enthusiasts. However, its battery life and camera performance fall short of competitors like the Huawei P20 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S9. Priced at $750-$790, it struggles to justify its cost against the more affordable OnePlus 6 or the more innovative P20 Pro. It’s a solid choice for users prioritizing audio and display quality, but those seeking better battery life or cutting-edge camera tech may look elsewhere.Recommendation: If you value a bright display, audiophile-grade sound, and a durable build, the G7 ThinQ is a strong contender. However, for better value or superior camera performance, consider the OnePlus 6 or Huawei P20 Pro, respectively.