LG G4 In 2020! (Still Worth It?) (Review) | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The LG G4 is an outdated smartphone with some excellent features but significant shortcomings and software issues.

Key Insights

• 💪 The LG G4 was launched as a flagship phone with strong hardware, particularly notable for its display quality and camera capabilities.
• 🖤 The lack of effective software updates and support has rendered the LG G4 obsolete against newer competing smartphones.
• 👤 Users may enhance their experience with custom ROMs, but this requires a certain level of technical knowledge, limiting accessibility to average users.
• 🎨 The innovative design of a removable back and battery is a rare feature in modern smartphones, emphasizing LG's unique approach during its production.
• 🤕 Performance issues stem from both aging hardware and software, making the device less viable for daily tasks compared to newer options.
• 👏 The camera was highly praised during its time but is now underwhelming due to the advancement in smartphone photography technology.
• 🎁 The risk of boot looping presents significant concerns for ownership, overshadowing the G4's previously celebrated attributes.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What were the standout features of the LG G4 at launch?

At its launch in 2015, the LG G4 was celebrated for its 5.5-inch IPS display featuring a resolution of 1440p, a removable back allowing for easy battery replacements, and noteworthy camera capabilities, particularly its 16-megapixel camera that allowed for 4K video recording. These features positioned it as a strong contender in the flagship smartphone market of that time.

Q: How does the software support of the LG G4 compare to modern devices?

The LG G4 originally launched with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop and was upgradable to Android 7.0. However, as of 2020, it lacks further software support, resulting in outdated software capabilities compared to contemporary devices. Users are encouraged to explore custom ROM options for updated software, which can enhance its usability beyond the original software limitations, but this requires technical know-how.

Q: What performance issues are associated with the LG G4?

While the LG G4 was competitive at the time of its release with a Snapdragon 808 chipset, by 2020 its performance has declined significantly. It struggles to compete with newer devices, and the bloated software interface can lead to lag and slow performance. Users may find better performance through custom ROMs, yet the stock experience is generally disappointing in comparison to more recent smartphones.

Q: Why is the boot loop issue significant for potential LG G4 buyers?

The boot loop issue is a critical concern for the LG G4 as it was widespread among LG's G-series smartphones, resulting in devices being stuck in a reboot cycle. This issue can render the phone unusable and resulted from both hardware and software failures. Potential buyers should be cautious, as many G4 devices could succumb to this problem, leading to potential loss of access to valuable data.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The LG G4, released in 2015, was a flagship device praised for its curved display, removable battery, and decent camera, but it is now outdated.

• Despite its strong hardware at launch, the G4 struggles with performance and software support in 2020, limiting its usability.

• The phone is known for a rampant boot looping issue that plagued LG's G-series, making it a risky choice for potential buyers today.