LG G7 ThinQ review: Beautiful hardware meets camera smarts

Moving to the frame, you’ll notice there’s an extra button on the left side below the volume keys, which can be used to quickly launch Google Assistant. It beats a dedicated Bixby button, but similar to Samsung’s implementation, LG doesn’t let users customize what the button does. However, LG claims it’s open to allowing users to customize the button in the future.

Internally the G7 is pretty standard: Snapdragon 845 processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage, wireless charging, Android 8.0, and a 3,000mAh battery. The device also features a dual-camera setup, with one 16MP sensor with f/1.6 and 71-degree field of view and another 16MP sensor with f/1.9 and 107-degree field of view.

The specs make for a powerful experience that confidently runs apps, games, and more without so much as a hiccup. In other words, performance is excellent, and is one less thing for G7 users to worry about. But we’ve found battery life to be so-so. You can get through a work day with heavy use, but you’ll definitely need a charger by the time you go to bed.

One thing fans won’t have to worry about is sound. The G7 features a quad DAC, which makes for an immersive listening experience when paired with hi-fi headphones. Additionally, the device features loud audio by utilizing a resonance chamber within the G7 to amp up the bass. These features make for a rich audio experience despite the lack of stereo speakers.

Moving on from hardware, I’m ambivalent about the software. On the one hand, it feels paired back compared to previous releases from LG, with menus that are easy to navigate and plenty of customization options. There’s also a minimal amount of bloat. But I don’t find the overall look of the software all that appealing.

I’m a big supporter of “stock” Android, so I tend to gravitate toward OnePlus and Pixel devices, mainly because their software is so clean and minimal. Luckily, launchers exist to hide the look of the G7’s software, making it infinitely better than what you get out of the box.

One aspect I do really like, however, is LG’s Floating Bar concept, which gives users quick access to apps, tools, and music controls. It’s a nice addition that never gets in the way or feels overbearing. And it can easily be turned on or off, which is nice because it’s not something people are being forced to use.

Article source: https://www.technobuffalo.com/reviews/lg-g7-review/