LG has finally launched the G5 in India, several months after it was first unveiled at the Mobile World Congress (MWC 2016) back in February. As of now, the G5 is available exclusively via Flipkart where it is priced horribly at Rs. 52,990. That comes to around $785 for the unlocked version of the G5.
However, it’s not known if other retailers – online or otherwise – too will be offering the LG flagship anytime soon. The handset has already been on pre-order for a week now, with the Cam Plus module on offer for free for the early buyers.
That, in turn, brings to focus what can undoubtedly be called one of the biggest USP of the G5, its modular design approach. Being referred to as ‘Friends’ of G5, these essentially are ‘add-ons’ which can be fitted onto the handset by replacing the entire bottom end of the mobile, thereby providing it with a specialised makeover of sorts.
For instance, the Cam Plus module comes with its own physical buttons and switches such as a shutter button, zoom control dial, LED indicator and so on, all designed to transform the G5 into sort of a digital camera. What’s more, the Cam Plus Module also comes with its own 1,200mAh power source, which means indulgence in any extended photographic missions won’t come at the cost of the mobile’s native power source.
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- Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network
- Unique modular body
- Dual rear cameras with wide angle lens
- 5.3" IPS quantum qHD display
- Auto shot and always-on display
The Cam Plus module though does not come with any lens if its own, depending instead on the mobile’s own lens arrangement which again is quite elaborate on its own. That includes a dual 16- and 8-megapixel dual lens rear cam with laser autofocus. Both the cameras can be operated in unison or individually. The 8-megapixel camera also features 135-degree wide angle lens which again makes it ideal for panoramic shots. There is also an 8-megapixel selfie camera at the front.
Coming back to the add-on modules or friends of G5, there is also the Hi-Fi Plus module that allows for an enhanced sound output quality. Built in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen, the module includes 32-bit DAC and amplifier combo setup and is also compatible with external speakers.
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- Unlocked for GSM Carriers such as: T-Mobile and AT&T | Will NOT work with CDMA carriers: Sprint and Verizon
- 6.5" HD+ FullVision, Narrow Notch Display
- Easy-to-use Rear Triple Camera System
- 13MP PDAF Standard Angle Rear Camera | 5MP Super Wide 115° Rear Camera | 2MP Depth Camera
See Also: OnePlus 3 – specs, price, launch, and availability discussed
There is also the LG 360 VR headset unit that provides viewers with a more intimate viewing pleasure, which LG said is akin to watching a 130-inch display from 2 meters. Another convenient aspect with the LG VR headset is that it does not require slotting the entire mobile into the headset, which unnecessarily adds to the weight of the head unit. Instead, it connects to the G5 via USB-C port, with the mobile providing for all the processing power needed.
LG G5 is powered by the quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 SoC coupled with 4GB RAM and 32GB of ROM, the latter being further expandable up to 2TB via microSD support.
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- 5.3 inches QHD,1440 x 2560 pixels (~554 ppi pixel density), Fingerprint Sensor, Qualcomm quick charge 3.0 and USB Type-C (0-50% in 20 min)
- 32GB (up to 22.4 GB usable), 4GB RAM, microSD, up to 256 GB (dedicated slot) ,CPU Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820
- Dual 16MP (29mm, f/1.8) + 8MP (12mm, f/2.4), laser autofocus, OIS (3-axis), LED flash, 8MP Front Camera, Android OS, v6.0.1
- 4G LTE band 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(1700/2100), 5(850), 7(2600), 12(700), 20(800) - H830
- Please note that this phone is locked to T-Mobile and cannot be unlocked for other carriers.
Up front, it’s a 5.3-inch 1440 x 2560 pixels QHD display to look at. The G5 also features always-on display technology, which means the most relevant notifications are always there to be seen. It runs Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow right out of the gates and comes with a 2800mAh battery.
Overall, it’s a nice all round package that the G5 comes across. It has all the bells and whistles of a flagship phone and also costs less than Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. For comparison’s sake, the S7 and S7 Edge has priced Rs. 48,900 and Rs. 56,900 respectively. But then, the G5 comes with Friends that none of its competitors can boast of.
Quick Recap
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- 6.8" FHD+ FullVision Display
- Built-In Stylus Pen
- Triple Camera System
- 4,000 mAh Battery
- 3 GB RAM / 64 GB ROM / expandable microSD
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- CONDITION: Renewed phone which means they may have signs of previous use.
- PACKAGING: Phone comes in a brown generic box, with a data cable, charging adapter and sim pin tool. No other accessories are included
- CARRIER: The phone is locked to T-Mobile only. Enjoy nations fast 5G capability from T-Mobile
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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