It’s probably fair to say that, as far as smartphones go, LG have spent the last couple of years somewhat in the shadow of their long-time rivals Samsung.
There's certainly been nothing wrong with LG’s recent flagship handsets, but Samsung appear to have the edge when it comes to marketing. LG have tried to differentiate themselves with innovations like rear-mounted buttons but at this year’s Mobile World Congress they’ve unveiled something that’s as unexpected as it is revolutionary.
So, what’s so exciting?
At first glance the LG G5 seems fairly unassuming, although they’ve moved to an all-metal body, which certainly ups the premium feel. LG also seem to have abandoned their short-lived trademark of placing the power and volume buttons on the back – so far, things are pretty standard.
The subtle curve of the G4 has also fallen by the wayside, so at this point you’re probably thinking the G5 is actually a step backwards. This would be a mistake.
Double vision
The G4's camera featured an innovative laser-focusing system – however, the G5 goes one better by not just giving you a laser, but a second camera as well!
Now, we did see two sensors on HTC’s One M8, but they worked in tandem to improve focusing –while the G5 actually has two separate cameras. In addition to the primary 16-megapixel camera there’s a second 8-megapixel one.
So, why two cameras? Well, the secondary camera has a 135-degree wide-angle lens, which makes it ideal for taking landscape shots, or if you simply have a lot to fit into the frame. It’s easy to switch between them, and there are also some modes that will use both cameras to create some clever effects
Battery backtracking
The Samsung have won praise for reintroducing the much-missed MicroSD card slot to the Galaxy S7, and the G5 likewise supports expandable storage.
However LG have gone one better than Samsung by giving the G5 a removable battery – something rarely seen on flagship handsets. Now, this can sometimes result in a phone that feels less sturdy, but rather than giving the G5 a removable back, the battery slots in from the bottom.
This is a really innovative way to implement an oft-requested feature, without having to compromise the build or design of the phone. Finally, the removable lower section that allows you to swap the battery also opens up a whole world of possibilities – and this hasn’t escaped LG’s attention...
Friends – The One With All The Accessories
By far the most exciting feature of the LG G5 are the innovative accessories that are available, which LG are lovingly referring to as 'friends'.
This not only includes separate accessories, but also interchangeable modules that you can slot into the phone. We’ve seen modular phones before, but only as concepts like Google’s Project Ara. However, the G5 is the first modular phone to go into full production – and it's a flagship to boot, which is a bold move indeed.
Now, the stock G5 is already a great phone, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 Octa-core processor under the hood and a 5.3” Quad HD screen which, at 554 pixels-per-inch is only a shade behind the all-new S7’s display.
However, the optional modules allow you to customise your phone to really maximise its performance in certain areas – but what, exactly, is on offer in LG’s friend zone?
LG Cam Plus
If you’re a keen photographer, then you’ll surely be tempted by the enhanced camera functionality afforded by this module. It will increase your battery up to a whopping 4000 mAh – as well as making the phone easier to handle thanks to the increased mass and grip. You also get a manual shutter button and focus wheel, which will feel far more natural to a seasoned snapper.
LG Hi-Fi Plus
Developed in conjunction with Bang & Olufsen, this module offers improved audio performance thanks to the addition of a digital-to-analogue converter and amplifier. In addition to improving the sound through headphones, it also supports USB audio.
LG Smart Controller
This one allows you to control a compatible drone with an analogue joystick whilst your phone streams a video feed, acting as a viewfinder.
LG 360 Cam
A VR camera that uses twin 13-megapixel sensors to capture a full 360-degree environment. This one would come in really handy if you also have the…
LG 360 VR
Which is, as you’ve probably guessed, a VR headset. Samsung have focused heavily on VR this year – so it’s no surprise that LG have moved to keep up.
LG Rolling Bot
The breakout star of The Force Awakens was undoubtedly BB-8, the scene-stealing spherical droid – and thanks to LG you can sort of have your own.
Admittedly you can actually already have your own BB-8 – but LG’s version has a few tricks up his sleeve. In addition to trundling around and looking cute, it also has an integrated camera for recording video or stills, and a laser pointer.
Basically, it’s an autonomous cat toy – and with the inclusion of a microphone and speaker, you could even have a conversation with Tiddles!
Agent's Verdict
The G5 is a really exciting move from LG. Indeed, we could be looking at the future of mobile design.
Conversely, it’s also possible that the whole modular thing will never be more than a passing fad – but the important thing is that LG have stuck their neck out and given it a go.
Even without the modules, the G5 is still an outstanding phone and can easily hold its own against the S7 – but if it’s innovation you’re looking for, then LG’s new flagship really does deliver.
That wraps things up for our first look at LG's exciting new flagship. Does their new phone have what it takes to be your friend? Let us know what you reckon in the comments below! And for more great articles straight to your inbox each month, why not get your name down below for the Geek Squad newsletter?