LG formalizes the G5, certainly its most innovative flagship (MWC 2016)

LG was among the first manufacturers to speak in the MWC and what it planned to mark the occasion with an innovative G5 and a slew of dedicated accessories. The MWC has started. This is obviously the event we expected more this year. And there are several reasons for this. This is obviously the most important lounge on the theme of mobility but above all two major announcements were expected there: that of the LG G5 and the Samsung Galaxy S7. The first has just taken place. We now know the flagship smartphone of the Korean dolphin for this year 2016. And the least we can say is that it has revised its copy from the G4. Both models have almost nothing in common.

LG goes all-metal with a modular design

The first novelty is obvious. The designers of the Korean group finally took a new direction. The volume buttons have been reduced on the edge, but above all it is definitively finished plastic. The G4 was a first step towards more noble materials with the optional leather hood. The G5 confirms the trend. This time, more and more leather option not either. The raw material is metal, and all versions are fully covered with, for one variable, the colors. Four are available: Silver, Titan, Gold, and Pink. And LG has not been content to do as everyone. The construction is not quite unibody and provides access to the battery (2800 mAh compatible Quick Charge via USB 3.0-C) not from behind but from the bottom. And that's not all. The removable part of the frame can be replaced with optional modules like Cam Plus, a handle with integrated battery that provides better grip for the camera but let's first see on the screen that is found just -Dessus of this "Magic Slot" as called LG.

5.3-inch IPS Screen QHD Quantum

Korean obviously spring Quantum its IPS panel but it measures 5.3 inches here. Another break with previous models which amounted to 5.5 inches. This is good for maneuverability, but not only. The display also boasts finesse in since the definition is obviously QHD (2560 x 1440 pixels), for a density of 550 pixels per inch. Note that this slab is also protected by a 3D Arc Glass. And the good news continues with the technical platform.

Snapdragon 820 and 4GB of RAM

It's not really a surprise since Qualcomm had spilled the beans before the conference. This is the Snapdragon 820 chipset featuring refiner with quad-core CPU and Adreno 530 Kryo for graphics processing, which is found in the heart of the G5. And there is more good company since it can count on 4GB of RAM to support. Coming to Storage, LG remains to 32GB with the option to add a microSD card if necessary. Also noted in passing that the Snapdragon 820 brings a new 4G modem compatible with 12 and 13 classes for theoretical speeds of 600 Mbps and 150 Mbps downhill uphill. The Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC round out the connectivity.

Double camera back

Eh yes. You do not imagine all the same LG to ignore such an important function that the photo. It therefore also brings significant improvements there. The principal is a secondary 8-megapixel sensor associated with an optical ultra-wide angle of 135 ° that can take over when the first is not enough with its optical f / 1.8 covering 78 °. It is important to note that it offers higher resolution: 16 megapixels. We find the usual components around: dual LED flash and auto focus laser. There are, however, also has a new, even if it has nothing to do with the photo. The G5 introduced, as you may have noticed on the video above, a round fingerprint reader found below for unlocking. Finally, note that an 8-megapixel camera is present on the front and turn to another aspect of the multimedia experience.

Signed Audio Equipment B & O Play

This is obviously the audio. LG recently announced a partnership with the consumer division of Bang & Olufsen B & O Play. The G5 is obviously the first to benefit. How? It includes first new technology Hi-Fi more based on a CAD-compatible 32-bit / 348 kHz. B & O Play accessories will also be offered: an enclosure for use as a module with the G5 or wireless with other audio sources and a pair of headphones called H3.

Android 6.0 Marshmallow and Always ON

Regarding the software side, LG has obviously provided at Google. Android 6.0 comes Marshmallow version accompanied by a new version of the LG wrapper which brings some nice features including Always ON aimed to offer a constant view of the time and notifications. Note that the feature was introduced with the V10 has for that a secondary screen. There are none here. Everything happens on the large qHD screen but only a small part and monochrome to save battery. Those are the main features of the G5 which already promises much. Now you may be wondering when and at what price it will be available. LG has unfortunately not yet provided information about the launch. Note, however, that it will be launched with a choice of accessories, in addition to the modules, including a virtual reality helmet, a 360 ° camera or a small robot.