LG G5 review

PROS

• Lovely screen
• Great wide-angle camera
• USB-C fast charging

CONS

• Dodgy build quality
• Software is on the ugly side
• Expensive modules

KEY FEATURES

• 5.3-inch IPS QHD screen
• Snapdragon 820 processor & 4GB RAM
• 32GB onboard storage and microSD slot
• 2,800mAh battery
• USB Type-C v3.0 port
• Fingerprint sensor
• 16-megapixel rear camera & 8-megapixel front camera
• Additional 8-megapixel wide-angle rear camera
• LG UX 5.0 on Android Marshmallow
• Manufacturer: LG
• Review Price: £529.00

WHAT IS THE LG G5?

There was lot of hype surrounding LG’s quirky modular G5, but it didn’t last all that long. The visions of this Project Ara like device with a wide selection of add-ons that you switch at will hasn’t really happened, leaving us with a good phone that fails to stand out.

LG also probably didn’t count on other brand’s upping their game. The Samsung Galaxy S7 is fantastic, as is the HTC 10, and there’s even budget offerings like theOnePlus 3.

The lack of interesting modules has really hurt the LG G5, and it’s no longer the only modular phone on the market. Moto has the Moto Z and it’s already got a better selection of add-ons. There’s also the LG V20 coming soon, and it’ll be the first phone to run Android Nougat.

LG G5 – DESIGN AND MODULES

Metal body, removable battery, modular system, rear fingerprint sensor, sloped top, 159g

In pictures the LG G5 looks curvy and sleek, but pick up the smartphone and it feels oddly hollow.

LG played up its switch from the plastic body of the LG G4 to a metal one on the G5. However, in the hand the G5 really doesn’t feel like any other metal phone I’ve come across. the handset has an odd finish that feels much more like plastic than the advertised “microdized” metal. I do like the slightly sloping top, though, but it's the only feature that sets it apart.

Related: LG G5 vs Samsung Galaxy S7

The G5's design is very clean too, with only a single volume clicker and SIM-tray present on either side. The volume control suffers from having a very shallow push, but it's usable nonetheless. While LG has ditched the volume keys on the rear, the lock switch remains in the slightly unorthodox position just below the camera sensors.

In my opinion it's far better to have all the buttons in the same spot, be it on the back or sides of a phone. Positioned as they are, I’m forced to move my hands around the G5 more than normal just to reach everything.

Related: LG G5 vs LG G4

The standby switch now also houses a fingerprint scanner – something I consider a must for any 2016 flagship. V10 aside, for which there's been no UK launch, this is the first phone from LG to use a fingerprint scanner.

I'm pleased to report that it does a superb job – it’s fast and accurate. In addition, you don’t even have to press down to unlock the phone; simply glide your digit across and it’ll bypass the lockscreen completely.

As with all back-mounted scanners I’ve tried, it can sometimes go off randomly in my pocket. On more than a few occasions I’d pull it out of my pocket to be met with a message reporting "too many incorrect attempts, fingerprint blocked". But I guess this is a side-effect of it being so sensitive. The scanner itself is also quite small, which might be issue if you have large fingers.

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The LG G5’s modular system is its stand-out feature. Now, it isn’t quite at Google Project Ara levels of customisability – so you won’t be switching out the RAM or CPU – but it’s clever and unique nevertheless.

It works like this. Along the side of the handset there sits an almost indistinguishable button set just almost flush to the body. Press this in with the tip of your nail and the bottom chin of the phone will pop out; pull it off and out comes the battery.

The battery comes apart from the bottom unit – which can feel like you’re breaking the device – and then you can attach it to other modules, or "Friends" as LG calls them. At launch, there are two modules available and neither are going to be a draw in themselves to sell the phone.

The camera grip adds a touch more battery, a separate shutter button for both photos and video, and a jog dial for zoom. The second module is a DAC powered by some B&O tech. The DAC gives you 32-bit audio and an extra headphone jack.

Related: 5 modules for the LG G5 we'd love to see

I find myself wishing that LG had started off with slightly more enticing accessories. The DAC is a nice idea – I’m all for ways to improve smartphone audio – but the camera grip doesn’t actually make the camera any better; it just makes the shooting process "easier". I also don’t like the fact it encourages people to use digital zoom – photo tech that universally produces terrible photos on all the smartphones I’ve tested, including the G5.

These two modules are also much pricier than I'd anticipated. The B&O DAC costs £150, while the camera grip will set you back £79. Problems will also likely arise when you’re ready to upgrade to the LG G6 – will the new device support the same modules? I'm not convinced.

LG is encouraging third parties to make their own Friends, so hopefully they’ll be a few more to choose from in the coming months. However, if the LG G5 fails to sell in large enough numbers then maybe there won't be much incentive to build a costly module.

The modular system also hampers the build quality of the device. Both parts of the phone don’t quite fit flush together; there’s an ever-so-slight gap between the two. It’s minimal, but wide enough that I can see light filtering through.

LG G5 – SCREEN

5.3-inch, IPS LCD, quad-HD display with always-on mode

LG’s past few flagship devices have benefited from impressive displays.

While they can't be described as perfect, they’ve always adopted new tech and utilised it well. LG was one of the first manufacturers to really bring quad-HD, 2,560 x 1,440 panels to the mainstream, for example, and since the G3 it has gone from strength to strength.

I’m happy to say that the display on the LG G5 is the best yet – even though on the surface it appears that not a whole lot has changed.

LG hasn't made the switch to a 4K display; it remains quad-HD. Although in my opinion this isn't a bad thing – quad-HD is the highest resolution a phone needs to be unless it will be used for VR. The display on the G5 remains a IPS LCD panel too, rather than the AMOLED panels favoured by Samsung and Google.

The biggest change here is that the screen is actually marginally smaller than before – 5.3-inches as opposed to 5.5-inches. But the number of pixels remain the same; they're simply crammed into a smaller surface area.

The display is ridiculously sharp, far more true-to-life and softer than the Galaxy S7 display. This isn't necessarily a positive, though – it’s all down to personal taste, with some preferring accurate colours over vibrancy. Viewing angles are on point.

LG has also improved the brightness of the screen, not that the G4 suffered much in this area. At its highest, it's at 900 nits, but there will be few instances in which it will need to be set so high. Around 50% is right, or you can opt for auto-brightness.

I'm not a fan of auto-brightness on Android devices, and it's no different here. It’s too obvious, results in a stuttering motion and is rarely accurate in its judgements.

Related: Android N hands-on

The G5 display's black level – an area in which many IPS displays struggle – is solid. While not as deep as those on the Samsung Galaxy S7, blacks on the LG G5 are suitably inky and deep, and mean the display has a great contrast ratio.

Just like the Samsung Galaxy S7, the LG G5 has an "always-on" display mode, so the time and your notifications remain visible even when the phone is locked.

LG’s implementation is much better than that of Samsung in just about every way. It uses less battery, about 12% a day (8am to midnight) as opposed to the Galaxy S7’s 15%. The LG G5’s always-on screen also displays all your notifications, including those from WhatsApp and Gmail. This makes it far more useful than the S7, which pushes alerts from only a limited selection of apps.

The display on the G5 is less customisable, however, and since it isn’t AMOLED, it lights up every pixel rather than just the clock. This means it’s far more noticeable, and more distracting, in low light.

Best smartwatch 2016

Best smartwatch 2016: Apple, Pebble, Samsung, Sony, Tag and more

We help you pick the perfect companion for your wrist

Picking the best smartwatch for you is now a good problem to have, given the breadth of choice on offer. With Samsung and Apple innovating and a strong field of Android Wear watches from big designers like Fossil, Nixon and Casio, there's never been a better time to buy.

There are plenty of new models in the pipeline too. The Apple Watch 2 will land sometime in 2016 and the likes of Nixon's The Mission and Michael Kors Access are on their way.

We've completely overhauled our best smartwatch guide to try and help those looking to make the right decision.

Stop press!

Before you make your decision, bear in mind that two new Pebbles have just landed on Kickstarter. Read our first look Pebble Time 2 review and first impressions of the Pebble 2 before you buy.

Best smartwatch

Samsung Gear S2

As easy to live with as a Pebble, as slick as an Apple Watch and with a tactile, rotating bezel as its secret weapon, the S2 is the kind of smartwatch you'd kick yourself for leaving at home. You'll have to pay extra for the cellular version to make the most of the GPS features but even the standard version feels like a leap forward.

The battery life is better than most rivals; we've used Android Wear watches day to day and Samsung's smartwatch beats these hands down. The lack of apps is a niggle, but we don't think it impacts the overall experience enough to recommend rivals over this device.

The full verdict: Our Samsung Gear S2 review

From $299.99, samsung.com | Amazon

Best for iOS

Apple Watch

Whether you find the Apple Watch the leading example of fashion blended with tech or a boxy abomination is really down to personal taste. But for our money, it's one of the best looking smartwatches made to date (especially when paired with a quality Apple Watch strap) and, coming in two sizes, is one of the most unisex as well.

The build quality is superb, and the footprint of both the 38mm and 42mm watch is much smaller than you'd expect. Despite its flaws (poor sports features and the lack of GPS), the Apple Watch was one of the first wearables that was actually a pleasure to wear. The Apple Watch 2 is set to arrive soon though…

Wareable rating: Apple Watch review

From $349, apple.com | Amazon

Best for outdoors

Casio Smart Outdoor WSD-F10

Until Nixon's The Mission comes along this autumn, Casio should be your first pick if you want an outdoorsy smartwatch. Okay it doesn't have GPS – and that's a problem – but it (somewhat) makes up for it with a host of sensors, modes for hiking, biking and fishing, two displays and the fact that it's dustproof and waterproof to 50m.

Just be warned this is a bit of a beast on slender wrists, though it does only weigh 92g with the bulky rubber strap.

Read our full Casio Smart Outdoor review to see how we got on with it.

$500, shopcasio.com

Best if money's no object

Tag Heuer Connected

It doesn't take long before you realise this Intel powered Tag smartwatch is the best built, and highest quality, Android Wear device to date. From afar it genuinely looks like a regular Tag Heuer watch – it's only when you get up close that you notice it's quite a bulky beast. Now available in rose gold, its watch faces are another delightful addition and after two years, you can trade it in for a mechanical Tag watch.

Tested: Tag Heuer Connected review

$1,500, tagheuerconnected.com

Best Android Wear option

Sony SmartWatch 3

An old choice but a good choice, the Sony SmartWatch 3 has built-in GPS connectivity, which means you can leave your smartphone at home when you go for a run. (The Moto 360 Sport has matched it on that front now.)

The sports styling makes it perfect for a weekend jog, and while the screen is a little dull compared to some of its rivals, the latest Android Wear update means it can pair with wireless headphones for beats on the go. The Steel edition adds a touch of class to the smartwatch that we at Wareable (well,almost all of us) agree offers the most bang for your smartwatch buck.

Must-read: Sony SmartWatch 3 review

From $138.40, sony.com | Amazon

Best for budget 

Asus ZenWatch 2

The focus of the ZenWatch 2 is choice, and Asus is approaching the evolving smartwatch market in a mature way. The second gen ZenWatch comes in two sizes – essentially male and female models. There's also a wealth of strap options including rubber, steel, leather and even a Swarovski covered one. This makes it a nice first step for potential Android Wear buyers.

While little has changed on the hardware front for the ZenWatch 2, the Taiwanese company has installed a Wi-Fi chip to make use of the new features in Android Wear, and fast charging tech means you can juice up 50% of the battery in around 30 minutes.

Check out our full ZenWatch 2 review.

From $149.99, asus.com | Amazon

Best for techies

Pebble Time

Everything that made the original brilliant is still on board: that affordable price, an impressive seven-day battery life and both iPhone and Android compatibility. There are also some serious upgrades to both the software and hardware, the most notable of which are the new colour e-paper screen and the revamped Timeline OS. Plus with the Pebble Time 2 on its way, this watch has dropped in price.

Wareable verdict: Pebble Time review

$99.99, pebble.com | Amazon

Best for battery life

Vector Watch

When it comes to smartwatch battery life, it doesn't come much longer than the Vector watch. With around 30 days from a single charge, the Vector will out-last most business trips and holidays, meaning you don't have to pack a separate charger for your travels. It's a competent smartwatch with notifications, fitness tracking and a clever way of visualising your day through rings placed around the watch face. Of course, 30 days of battery doesn't come without sacrifice, and the low-power screen does ruin the aesthetic. We'd also advise looking beyond the basic models for a far more pleasing finish.

Read the full verdict: Vector Luna review

Prices from $205.99, vectorwatch.com | Amazon

Most customisable

Moto 360 2

The Moto 360 2 comes in two sizes – 42mm and 46mm (with two different sized displays: 1.37 or 1.56-inch) – in fact, it's three sizes if you count the different band sizes on offer. Using Moto Maker, you can choose between hundreds of different combinations of straps, bezels, finishes and colours.

Put the new Moto 360 next to the first-gen Motorola watch and you can really see the subtle differences that turn this design into a watch rather than last year's circle on a strap.

Take a look at our Moto 360 review here.

From $299.99, motorola.com | Amazon

Best for sports

Garmin Vivoactive HR

This second gen Garmin smartwatch has the same 24/7 activity tracking and support for smartphone alerts as its predecessor, the Vivoactive. What it adds is Garmin's own Elevate heart rate tracking technology which monitors your HR continuously and gives accurate indications of calorie burn through the day and night. And it's better looking.

There's GPS and dedicated apps for cycling, swimming, running and golf plus support for skiing and paddle boarding too. Connect IQ adds apps while battery life is eight days, 13 hours with GPS. Look out for our full, in-depth review coming soon and check out our Garmin Vivoactive review for the last gen model.

First look: Garmin Vivoactive HR hands on

$249.99, buy.garmin.com | Amazon

Best for running

Moto 360 Sport

At last, an Android Wear device to match the Sony SmartWatch 3's GPS skills – the Moto 360 Sport is actually a better running aid thanks to the Moto Body app already built in.

The Moto 360 Sport boasts an AnyLight LCD display that is naturally adaptable, meaning it should be nicely backlit in dim lighting situations but be easily readable when out running in sunnier conditions.

Read our full Moto 360 Sport review.

$299, motorola.com | Amazon

Best for affordable style

LG Watch Urbane

There's no missing the Urbane, whether it's the silver or gold model you're sporting; that fully round bezel is seriously eye- and light-catching. It's a smartwatch that looks like a traditional timepiece, and unlike the more premium-looking Urbane LTE, with its classic watch shape and extra physical buttons, the regular Urbane looks much more fashionable and feminine.

It's pretty pricey though. If you really want to go all out, the LG Watch Urbane Luxe features a 23-karat gold watchcase and handcrafted alligator leather strap. It's $1,200 mind.

Check out: Full LG Watch Urbane review

$249, lg.com | Amazon

Best for display

Huawei Watch

The stunning AMOLED display on Huawei's Android Wear debutant is a 1.4-inch, 400 x 400, one with a 286ppi count – the highest density on an Android Wear smartwatch so far.

The screen is made all the more impressive thanks to a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. Side by side with the smaller Moto 360 2 – its closest rival in terms of aesthetics – it's obviously a much clearer display. Not only because it offers genuine 360-degree visuals, but because everything just looks sharper.

Have a look at our Huawei Watch review.

From $399, consumer.huawei.com | Amazon

OnePlus 3 review

Introduction

A great act is tough to follow and sometimes delivering two great devices in a row requires that you take a completely different approach with the successor. Now on its third "flagship killer" (with the OnePlus X taking a different path), OnePlus has taken on the tough task to mature from a business standpoint, while still retaining that ambitious "never settle" attitude that brought it where it is today.

Only time will tell if that works out, but it's beyond the point of this review anyway. What we are determined to find out here is whether the OnePlus 3 is worth your hard-earned cash.

On paper, the formula is right - match the specs of rivals and undercut their pricing. However, it is the approach towards the latter that has really changed this time around. Instead of going for an absurdly low price and being unable to sort out production, mandating stuff like the dreaded invite system, OnePlus has gone to reasonable levels this time and dropped the sales tricks.

Overall, the OnePlus 3 is best described as driven by pragmatic choices. There is nothing really unusual, bold or even remotely eccentric from a design standpoint - just a really elegant and thin metal unibody with very few things that may raise questions. The same goes for the specs. They have always been more than robust in OnePlus devices, but typically hand-picked and arranged for optimal performance, rather than just there for the sake of pure numbers.

Key features

• 5.5" Optic AMOLED display of 1080p resolution; 401ppi; Corning Gorilla Glass 4; Metal back
• 64GB model with Snapdragon 820 chipset (2x Kryo at 2.15GHz and 2x Kryo at 1.6GHz cores); Adreno 530 GPU
• 16MP f/2.0 main camera with OIS and phase detection autofocus, single LED flash; 2160p video at 30fps;
• 8MP f/2.0 front-facing camera, 1080p video recording at 30fps
• 4G LTE; Dual-SIM support; Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac; Bluetooth 4.2; NFC; GPS, GLONASS and BDS; Fingerprint reader; USB Type-C connector
• Oxygen OS, based on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
• 3,000mAh non-removable battery
• Fast battery charging: 60% in 30 min (Dash Charge)

Main disadvantages

• No microSD card slot

With a Snapdragon 820 SoC and Adreno 530 GPU, pushing pixels to an extremely power-efficient 1080p, 5.5-inch AMOLED panel, you don't expect any performance bottlenecks. If anything the 6GB of RAM put it ahead of the pack and with a Sony-made 16MP OIS camera imaging department holds plenty of promise too.

   
OnePlus 3 in official photos

All bases seem covered, but a modern smartphone, and particularly a flagship is more than a mechanical sum of its parts. Premium user experience goes beyond the things you can put on a specs sheet and we are yet to see if OnePlus managed to deliver it. Follow along on the next page, as we unbox the 3 and take a closer look at its exterior.