LG X4 smartphone announced in South Korea

LG has launched a new budget Android smartphone in South Korea, the LG X4. The phone is priced at 297,000 South Korean won ($275).

LG X4

The X4 has a 5.3-inch display with a resolution of 1280x720. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor with 2GB of RAM and 16GB storage with microSD support. On the back is an 8MP camera and on the front is a 5MP camera. Other features include a fingerprint sensor with LG Pay support, LTE connectivity, Wi-Fi 802.11n, 3000mAh battery and Android 7.1.2 Nougat.

The phone will be available in a choice of Black or Gold color options on SKT, KT and LGU+ networks.

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LG V30S ThinQ and V30S+ ThinkQ now official: V30 with more memory and new colors

The all new LG V30s is here, but you can safely let go of your seats. Just like the rumors predicted, it is nothing more than a memory upgrade over the current model. Plus, a new AI platform added on top. So, while technically LG announced two new devices, the V30S ThinQ and V30S+ ThinkQ, the "S" and "S+" parts, simply stand for 6GB RAM, plus 128GB storage and 6GB RAM, plus 256GB storage, respectively.

That's about the only hardware change announced today. That and a pair of new colors, as clearly evident by their names: New Maroccan Blue and New Platinum Gray. Those will be the only two launch options for the V30S and V30S+. The older paint jobs will not be available. Although, given LG's track record so far, we don't exactly expect this binary color pallete to last long.

  
LG V30S ThinkQ

As for the ThinQ part, it is LG's new AI - because it’s 2018 and not having AI clearly means you have given up. Joking aside, the platform is reminiscent of Samsung's Bixby, mainly for its ambitious scope to span all throughout the V30S UI, as well as connect smart appliances and accelerate and aid in all things IoT.

To break ThinkQ down a bit, first off there is AI CAM - a layer of artificial intelligence on top of the camera viewfinder that is designed to recognize the subject of the shot and adjust the camera settings accordingly. Currently, it can sort things into 8 categories: Portrait (Person), Animal, City/Building, Flower, Sunrise, Sunset, Food and Landscape. Nifty, even if not really that innovative.

Then there is QLens, which can attempt to recognize specific objects for the purposes of shopping, price and image searching online. It can also read QR codes - a lot less impressive, but still very practical. Last, but not least, ThinkQ can communicate with all your existing and future IoT, smart appliances, like washing machines and dryers.

  
LG ThinQ UI

LG is also attempting to keep ThinkQ and its AI efforts as open and accessible as possible. Google Assistant integration fits in pretty well with that ideology. You should be able to ask ThinkQ to take photos and search for things, or pull up IoT device info straight through Google's AI voice or text.

Any current V30 users will be happy to learn that the ThinkQ platform will be coming to their devices as well. LG is also promising a new "Bright Mode", which should improve the low-light performance of the V30 camera and is already present on the V30S pair.

You can expect the new V30 flavors some time next month, but pricing is still unknown. Some markets will see the regular V30 disappear in favor of the V30S and V30S+, while others can expect all of them to sell simultaneously. At least for some time, that is.

LG's next flagship arrives in June with Snapdragon 845, 6.1" screen, stereo speakers

Since the G6 was unwrapped at MWC last year, you might expect LG to unveil the G7 at the end of this month in Barcelona, but you'd be wrong. The Korean company has recently decided to overhaul its launch strategy, so all we're getting at MWC 2018 is apparently an AI-infused iteration of theV30.

LG's true next flagship smartphone is set to arrive in June, according to a new report fromVentureBeat's Evan Blass, a.k.a. @evleaks. This device will not be called G7, which means we may bid farewell to the G series. Right now it's known only by its codename: Judy.

LG V30, Judy's predecessor

It will pack the Snapdragon 845 chipset of course, a prerequisite for any top of the line handset in 2018. This will be paired with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of built-in storage, though a "Plus" or "S" model may launch with more - say, a 6/128GB combo.

Judy will have an HDR10-capable 6.1-inch 18:9 touchscreen with 800-nit brightness. This will be accomplished thanks to LG's new "MLCD+" display tech, which also happens to consume around 35% less power than a standard IPS LCD. The panel will employ an RGBW subpixel matrix, with the "W" in there standing for white.

The phone will sport a dual rear camera setup of course, with glass optical elements, two 16 MP sensors, and f/1.6 aperture on both lenses. IP68 water and dust resistance is in too, along with a military standard rating for durability. Interestingly, it's said to also have stereo sound (marketed as a "boombox" speaker). Oher features include camera AI and wireless charging.

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LG reportedly pulling out of the Chinese smartphone market

LG Mobile is allegedly set on pulling out of the Chinese smartphone market, reports in local publications state.

The news comes following the release of LG's 2017 financial results last week. Record-breaking revenue of LG Electronics as a whole may sound good, but the mobile division in particular posted a $192M operating loss for Q4, with 'strong competition from Chinese brands' specifically quoted in the press release.

Chinese brands have proven too tough of a competition in their home market, apparently - LG was estimated to have sold just 160,000 units in the country in the entire year 2016 out of an estimated 480 million total shipments. The G6 and V30 smartphones haven't been officially launched in China either. Indeed, it's a bit odd to be greeted by the G5 in the mobile section of the LG China website. Might as well just pull the plug then.

Source (in Chinese) | Via

Alleged LG G7 render suggests even tinier bezels, dual front cameras

LG said it is discontinuing the G series naming, but the new flagship might be named LG G7 after all. The device is expected to go on sale in April and a first alleged render of the phone appeared. According to the image, the top and bottom bezels will be even tinier than the LG G6, while the ones on the side will be non-existent.

The render reveals the front will have massive screen-to-body ratio, higher than the LG G6. The screen will be a FullVision 18:9 display and will have two selfie cameras above. They are seen on the left side of the earpiece, while on the right are placed the proximity sensor and LED indicator.

Two buttons are visible on the left side which will be the volume rocker, while the power button will most likely stay on the back.

If LG really launches the G7 in the second quarter of 2018, it will most likely come with Snapdragon 845 and Quick Charge 4.0. Other rumored specs include iris scanner for locking certain apps.

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Entry-level LG Tribute Dynasty launched with octa-core CPU, 8MP camera

The LG Tribute Dynasty, user manual for which was spotted late last month, has been launched. The device is powered by a Mediatek SoC with octa-core CPU, and sports a 5-inch HD display.

The device comes with 2GB RAM and 16GB internal memory. It features an 8MP main camera and a 5MP front shooter. The handset runs Android 7.1 Nougat and packs in a 2,500mAh battery.

The Tribute Dynasty is now available for purchase in the US through Boost Mobile, which has it listed for $60, already down from the official $100 price tag (you can also save extra 10% if you use code 2018 at checkout). Sprint will also begin carrying it January 12 onwards.

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LG and Samsung also confirm not slowing down old phones

Apple admitted purposely slowing down old iPhones, with plans to keep on doing it. This wasn’t well accepted across the internet and major companies decided to dissociate from such practices. After HTC and Motorola’s announcement yesterday, today LG and Samsung also confirmed not tinkering with the performance of older devices.

LG G5 & Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

Speaking to PhoneArena, an LG representative stated they “never have never will” do such a thing, adding that the company cares what the customers think. The other Korean manufacturer provided a longer answer:

“Product quality has been and will always be Samsung Mobile's top priority.” The spokesperson makes clear that the battery life of Samsung phones goes through multi-layer safety measures which include software algorithms. The CPU performance is not reduced through software updates to keep the battery lifecycle longer.

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LG V30+ announced for India, will be available on December 18

Right on schedule, LG has finally unveiled the V30+smartphone for India today. This is the version of the company's latest flagship smartphone that comes with 128GB of built-in storage, double the space of the 'vanilla' V30.

It's certainly taken its sweet time to get to the subcontinent, considering that it was initially announced in August and released in some markets in September.

Anyway, the wait is almost over. The V30+ will be available on December 18 exclusively from Amazon India for INR 44,990, which at the current exchange rates means $699 or €593. It's very competitive compared to its recommended retail pricing in other markets, so it looks like LG is hoping to move quite a few units in India.

The handset will come bundled with a free wireless charger for the first 2,000 customers, as well as a one-time screen replacement within six months of purchase. So if that sounds good to you, then make sure to be among the first who order one.

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LG G7 might come with an advanced iris scanner

An unearthed patent by LG revealed that the Korean company is preparing an advanced iris scanner that might arrive just in time for the next flagship the LG G7. It will not only unlock the device, but also help you make protect sensitive information.

    
Figures from the LG patent listing

The iris scanner checks the biometric characteristics of the eye and sets up with a light screen and a dark screen, since the iris changes in size, depending on how much light gets to it. Then the sensor will check what are you looking at and if you are the owner of the phone, the sensitive app will be available for opening.

Iris Scanner usually works with infrared light, but LG has developed a camera which can switch from infrared to a regular one. This might mean fewer cameras and sensors on the front, which also will lead to a smaller top bezel.

Via (in Dutch)

LG V30+ arrives at T-Mobile on November 17

In the US, Sprint and US Cellular are already offering the LG V30+, and now T-Mobile is getting ready to join in the action. The magenta carrier has just announced that the V30+ will become available in limited quantities on November 17.

You'll be able to buy one for $130 upfront, then followed by 24 monthly installments of $30. That is, of course, if you use TMo's interest-free Equipment Installment Plan. If you'd rather pay the full sum at once when you purchase the phone, know that you'll have to part with $850.

The V30+ is basically just a vanilla V30 - but with 128GB of built-in storage instead of 64. T-Mobile says it ships with a "premium headset" in the box. The phone will work with the carrier's "super-advanced LTE network", including the 600 MHz band.

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LG V30 comes with a free, yet-unannounced new Daydream View VR headset in the US

Although it's proudly announced the phone's rollout commenced last week, LG still hasn't unveiled when exactly you can expect the V30 to reach the United States. We hope that's going to happen sooner, rather than later, but for now there's no official word.

What a new leaked promo image reveals, however, is that if you wait for the V30 you will be treated to an interesting freebie. Buying the V30 in the US will apparently net you a free Google Daydream VR headset - but not the one launched last year, mind you. We're talking about the new, yet to be unveiled 2017 model which itself got leaked a few days ago.

Confusingly, what's depicted in the image above is the 2016 Daydream View, but famed leakster Evan Blass assures us that LG means the new accessory, not the old one. As you can see, you will also receive a "VR Content Package by Google" which is worth around $45 (since the rumored recommended price for the new headset is $99).

LG seems pretty happy to embrace Google's VR platform, now that it's finally launching a Daydream-capable smartphone in the V30.

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LG V30 will probably cost $749.99 (updated)

Update: The device's European price has now been revealed. A Romanian retailer has the phone listed on its website for LEI 3,999.90, which translates into around $1,035 or €870.

The device is on pre-order currently. The listing doesn't specify an exact date, but does say that deliveries will begin in September.

Original story: LG unveiled the V30 two days ago at IFA in Berlin, but the company has so far provided very few details about its availability and price in the US. Sure, we know that all the big carriers will offer it (and Sprint's even going for the V30+ model with more internal storage), but none of the networks have said anything about a release date other than "in early fall". And no prices have been mentioned at all.

Thankfully though, LG may have already revealed how much the V30 is going to cost stateside. Remember that Twitter contest that the company started yesterday, which sees it giving away three V30 units?

Well, like all such internet-based sweepstakes, it has to have terms and conditions listed. And one of the legally required terms is an approximate retail value of the prizes offered. In this case, each LG V30 is said to be worth $749.99. Since this is information that comes straight from LG (if indirectly) it's a pretty strong indication towards what the actual retail price of the smartphone will end up being.

If this pans out, it means the V30 will be much cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Note8, one of its main competitors, which has a full retail price of $930 in most places.

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LG Q8 goes on sale, Q6 to follow next week

LG unveiled the Q8 back in July, and today it announced the start of the sales of the 5.2” smartphone. The first market to get the smaller LG V20 sibling is Korea, where the phone comes in Titan or Pink and costs KRW616,000 ($545).

According to Lee Sang-gyu, head of LG Korea Mobile Group, the LG Q8 is positioned as a more affordable option than the flagship LG G6. He added that the Q-series will “contain the core functionality of a premium product at a reasonable price”.

The LG Q8 has a Snapdragon 820 chipset, a QHD screen and a secondary ticker display like in the LG V20. The RAM is 4 GB, and the Q8 has 32 GB storage. Unlike its bigger and similar-looking sibling, here the battery is sealed and has 3,000 mAh capacity.

The dual camera on the back has one 13 MP regular module and a 135° 8MP one.

LG also announced that the Q6 with 3 GB RAM and 32 GB storage will be launched in Korea on August 29 alongside the Q6+ with 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage.

Source (in Korean)

T-Mobile launches buy one, get one "free-ish" deal for LG flagships

You can potentially save up to $500 with T-Mobile's new summer promotion and end up with a pair of LG flagships. Unfortunately, it's a little bit more complicated that just paying for one and getting another free unit to gracefully share with a significant other. To get the deal, you need to sign up for an Equipment Installment Plan, which is basically a 24 month commitment, that guarantees T-Mobile you won't just grab a pair of LG's and then run off to another carrier (Not without salty penalties, that is).

After you get the contrast, you can opt for an LG G6 ($20 down and $20/month, totaling $500) or an LG V20 ($0 down and $20/month, totaling $480). Then, if you add a second line to said contract, you can get another unit. The cheaper of the two will be "free", or in other words, eligible for a rebate through bill credit over the next 24 months. T-Mobile also warns that it might take up to two billing cycles for the bill credit to start hitting your account.

Still, the math works out in the end and there is even mention of a prepaid MasterCard on T-Mobile's website, so be sure to hit the carrier up and ask for details if you happen to like to deal. Oh, and naturally, it's a limited time offer.

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LG V30 to feature the world’s widest aperture on a phone camera and TouchSense haptics

LG has just shared some camera-related details about its upcoming V30 smartphone. The South Korean company claims the device "will include the world’s largest aperture and clearest lens ever to be featured in a smartphone."

The V30, like its predecessor, has a dual camera setup. However, the company says the main camera module includes an F/1.6 lens (a first for LG), which delivers 25% more light to the sensor compared to an F/1.8 lens.

"The glass Crystal Clear Lens also delivers greater light-collecting ability than a plastic lens as well as better color reproduction," LG says in a press release. "This makes the V30 particularly well suited for photography and videography."

The company also claims the V30 wide angle camera has 30% lower edge distortion compared to the V20's. It was also revealed the rear camera module on the upcoming phone is 30% smaller in size compared its predecessor.

Aside from this, in a separate press release, it was announced that the V30 and other future LG devices will feature Immersion’s TouchSense technology for high-definition haptics. It's claimed that this technology "enables device manufacturers to simulate the connected experiences of the real world."

With haptics, users are able to feel the buttons on a mobile screen. Gamers feel the G-forces applied to a car around an S curve. And movie watchers feel the percussion of an explosion.

The LG V30 is all set to be unveiled on August 31.

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LG's rugged X venture is now out in the US unlocked too

LG announced the rugged X venture in May, and a few days after its unveiling it became available at AT&T. So far that's been your only option for purchasing the X venture in the US, but that's finally changed.

The handset can now also be grabbed from Amazon in unlocked form, with official US warranty, the likes. If you're interested you'll need to pay $297.05 for one - that's the current price but the list price is said to be $349.99, so it may go back up to that level at some point. For reference, AT&T is charging $330 outright for the device.

The X venture comes with mid-range specs, but it's got IP68 and MIL-STD-810G certifications so you know it will face the elements much better than your average smartphone. It is powered by the Snapdragon 435 chipset, paired with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of expandable storage. You'll be looking at a 5.2" display with Full HD resolution, and a 4,100 mAh battery keeps things chugging along. The handset runs Android 7.0 Nougat.

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Here's the first LG V30 complete render

Hours after LG itself confirmed the V30 will have a plastic OLED display we catch a glimpse of the upcoming flagship in a render.

Given that the wallpaper is an old iPhone one, the image probably doesn't come from an official source, but chances are it's close to the real deal. It's likely built following the curve of the teaser from earlier and the proportions from the G6 for the top.

The render shows a continuation of the design of the LG G6 with slim bezels and rounded screen corners.

 
LG V30

The LG V30 will have a 6-inch OLED display of QHD+ resolution and 18:9 aspect. The source of the press render drew up a comparison between the V30, the G6 and the Samsung Galaxy S8+ in which the V30 is the middle-sized phone.

 
LG G6 • LG V30 • Samsung Galaxy S8+

The V30's official debut is coming August 31, so the wait is almost over.

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LG V30 to go on sale on September 15 in Korea, US gets it on the 28th

The LG V30 is the second most highly anticipated phablet to be announced this fall (it's safe to say that the Note8 wins that title), and it's set for anAugust 31 unveiling at IFA in Berlin - 8 days after its Samsung archrival has gone official.

It has now been revealed that the V30 will go on sale in its home country on September 15. In the US, the V30 will go on pre-order on September 17, while you'll be able to pick one up in a store starting September 28th.

The current V20 will likely lend its dual camera setup to the V30.

The info comes courtesy of an internal LG document obtained by AndroidAuthority, so it's not strictly official. Additionally, it doesn't mention other regions, but the September 28 date is cited as the global rollout date, so that may be all we need.

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LG Q2 2017 financial report: home tech brings money, phones struggle

LG Electronics published the financial results for the second quarter of this year. The revenue went up 4% year over year to $12.89 billion while the operating income was 13.6% higher, $0.59 billion.

Most of that was made by the Home Appliance division – it brought in $0.41 billion of operating income on a revenue of $4.65 billion. That’s a 12% increase in sales, much better than the other three main divisions of LG Electronics.

LG Mobile posted an operating loss of $0.12 billion on a revenue of $2.39 billion, about the same numbers as a year ago. Lower than expected sales of LG flagships coupled with rising component costs were the major hurdle. The company’s mass market phones did well in the North American market, which brought 13% more sales than a year ago.

LG expects a new high-end device to launch “in the weeks ahead” (ahem, LG V30) and along with the newly introduced Q-series that should help profit bounce up in the second half of this year.

The Home Entertainment division took in a solid operating profit of $0.30 billion (on revenue of $3.75 billion) thanks to strong demand for its OLED TVs and Super UHD TVs. The demand is expected to stay strong next quarter. Meanwhile, LG cut down costs, resulting in a “solid” 8.1% operating profit margin.

Then there’s the Vehicle Components divisionwhose sales rose 38% year over year to $0.78 billion thanks to the success of the Chevrolet Bolt in the US. LG expects to see a strong growth in the demand for components as the Bolt (and other smart electric cars) expand across North America and Europe.

This division posted a small loss due to investments in things like Advanced Driver Assistant Systems (ADAS). LG already scored its first partnership with “a leading German automaker” for ADAS camera.

Division	Revenue (billion USD)	Operating income (billion USD)
LG Home Appliance & Air Solution Company	4.65	0.41
LG Home Entertainment Company	3.75	0.30
LG Mobile Communications Company	2.39	-0.18
LG Vehicle Components Company	0.78	-0.02
TOTAL	12.89	0.59

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