The LG V30: A Balanced Android Flagship Smartphone?
The LG V30 is a well-rounded Android flagship smartphone that offers a great balance of features, performance, and design. The phone has a 5.5-inch QHD+ display with a 18.5:9 aspect ratio, which provides an immersive viewing experience. The device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. This combination delivers smooth performance and efficient multitasking.
One of the standout features of the LG V30 is its audio capabilities. The phone has a dedicated attack on the high five mode, which is said to make a difference in listening to music through headphones. The device also supports high-quality audio with an attack that is suitable for over 5000-ohm headphones. Energy says that it can support headphones up to 600 ohms, and I was able to notice a significant improvement when listening to music with my own high-quality headphones.
The LG V30 also features a built-in audio recording app, which delivers excellent sound quality. This makes the phone an excellent option for content creators and individuals who require high-quality audio recordings. In addition to its audio capabilities, the phone also has a 12-megapixel primary camera, a 13-megapixel front-facing camera, and a 6.2-megapixel front camera with f/1.8 aperture.
The LG V30 has a sleek and premium design, featuring a metal frame and a glass back. The phone's dimensions are 159 x 75.9 x 7.3mm, making it easy to hold and carry around. The device weighs approximately 162 grams, which is relatively light for a flagship smartphone. The phone also features IP68 certification, which ensures that it can withstand exposure to water and dust.
In terms of connectivity, the LG V30 supports various modes, including Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and USB-C. The device also has a headphone jack, which is a rare feature in modern smartphones. However, this may not be a significant issue for those who use high-quality headphones.
The LG V30's performance was impressive, with smooth and seamless multitasking. I noticed that the phone's battery life was adequate, although it could have been better. The device comes with a 3200mAh battery, which should provide sufficient power for a full day of moderate usage.
One area where the LG V30 fell short was in its front-facing camera. Compared to other flagship smartphones like the Pixel XL or the Samsung Note 8, the phone's selfie camera was relatively underwhelming. The device's front camera has a lower resolution and less advanced features compared to its counterparts.
Another notable aspect of the LG V30 is its lack of certain features that were present in previous generations. For example, the phone does not have portrait mode, which was a significant feature in earlier flagships. Instead, the device offers a wide-angle mode, which may be useful for capturing more expansive scenes.
The speaker on the LG V30 was also somewhat underwhelming. The device's single speaker delivered average sound quality and lacked the bass that some people might expect from a flagship smartphone. This may be a significant issue for those who listen to music frequently or enjoy watching videos.
In terms of user interface, the LG V30 featured a default UI that I found to be somewhat clunky and frustrating to use. The phone's software required digging deep into various layers to access certain features, which made it feel less intuitive than some other flagships. However, the device does support third-party launchers, such as the Microsoft Launcher.
Overall, the LG V30 is a solid Android flagship smartphone that offers a great balance of features and performance. While it may not be perfect – with its lackluster front-facing camera and underwhelming speaker – the device's strengths make it an excellent choice for those looking for a premium Android experience at an affordable price point.
Considering the price point in India, which is around rupees 45,000, I feel that the LG V30 is one of the best balanced Android flagship smartphones currently available. It offers a great combination of features, performance, and design, making it a solid choice for those looking to upgrade their smartphone without breaking the bank.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. The phone's marketing in India has been somewhat lacking, which may impact its overall appeal. Additionally, the device was launched relatively late in the market, which could make it less desirable compared to newer flagships.
Ultimately, whether or not you will appreciate the LG V30 depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you value a solid Android experience with a focus on audio capabilities, camera quality, and design, then this phone may be an excellent choice for you.