I’m not sure if “Play More” was a great slogan to get people interested in the LG Event that’s just ended, but LG went there, and have finally unveiled the V20.
If you were expecting modular, look away now, like the V10 before it, the V20 is pure Smartphone, and if it follows a trend from the V10, should be a pretty awesome Smartphone with a more than decent Camera, but of course time will tell when it begins the typical review period.
The big deal surrounding the LG V20 is that it will be the first Smartphone to launch running Android 7.0 Nougat, which is a pretty awesome feat as that typically is something reserved to Nexus devices, thought the future of the whole “Nexus” line has never been more shrouded in mystery. You can check our Google I/O coverage for more of what Android 7.0 brings to the table right here.
Overview
Compared to last years V10, the V20 shares a few similarities, such as the dual-display design, though unlike last years V10, a trend which ended in the G5, the Volume buttons are not on the back but a pretty interesting dual Camera set up is, something which should be interesting to check out results from.
For those unsure, the dual-display is much less than you might think, top of the main display is a smaller OLED display panel. This display is not only always on, but allows full customisation, as well as interoperability within the Android OS, such as using the top display for shortcuts as it is also a touchscreen panel too. Most typically though, you’ll likely just be using that display for hardware shortcuts and maybe showing your own custom signature.
As with the previous V10, the V20 focuses on Camera and Audio, and the dual Cameras at the back of the LG V20 comprise of a 16 Megapixel Camera, backed up by an 8 MegaPixel Camera. Sure, the Camera does mirror that from the LG G5, but thanks to greater improved hardware of which supports Qualcomm’s Steady Record Stabilisation, clear photography and great video should be the end result from this thing, a feature likely helped by the device’s own Gyro.
Audio files will definitely love the V20 however thanks to the device featuring a very impressive built in audio DAC, previously only available in devices such as LG’s G5 with a Mod. The built-in 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC uses technology from audio firm ESS, thanks to this, the V20 can eliminate background noise and even record louder audio without any distortion.
Removable back and replaceable battery
One thing which is rather special and unique to the V20, as well as the dual-display though that debuted on last years V10, is that the device has not only a beefy 3,200mAh battery, but the unusual thing is it’s removable.
Unlike the majority of devices which offer not only a removable back, but replaceable battery, the V20 is not a plastic device, but a high quality metallic phone, so we must say this is very impressive to see, especially as all we’ve seen recently are Smartphones seemingly removing features. On the topic of which, yes it does have a headphone jack.
Summary and Specs
Offering a replaceable battery, improved Camera set up from the G5, as well as a high quality audio DAC, not to mention pretty much everything you expect from Android in terms of internal specifications, not to mention launching with Android 7 Nougat out of the box, the V20 is far from the lackluster niche device the V10 from last year was, and we can’t wait to find out more about the device in the coming weeks and months.
Full specs of the V20 are below;
- Android 7.0 Nougat
- Qualcomm SnapDragon 820 with Adreno 530
- 4GB RAM
- 5.7 inch Quad HD Display
- Second front display 160 x 1040
- 64GB Internal Storage
- microSD Card Expansion
- 13MP and 8MP Front Cameras with 4K Video Capture
- 5MP Front Camera
- USB-C
- HAS A HEADPHONE JACK we’re keeping this going
- Fingerprint reader on rear
- 3,200mAh Battery with QuickCharge 3.0
Expected: Soon
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