LG has unveiled its latest flagship smartphone at Mobile World Congress, the G6. After the failure of last year's modular G5, LG said it has gone "back to basics" to focus on "the features consumers want", most notably a big screen that fits in one hand.
The G6 features a 5.7-inch screen in QHD+ resolution (1,440 x 2,880p) and is the first smartphone to come with an 18:9 ratio display, according to LG. The company calls this a 'FullVision display', which offers more viewing space and adapts to the phone's large size.
In addition to HDR 10, the G6 is also the first phone to support Dolby Vision technology, a new form of high dynamic range already available on some TVs. LG said Amazon and Netflix are making more content for Dolby Vision, and Amazon is also planning more video in 18:9 so G6 users can benefit from the "cinematic experience". In addition, LG is offering six free games with the G6 to highlight the "more immersive" display.
In addition, the G6 comes loaded already with Google Assistant. LG said it worked closely with Google to make sure the Google Assistant experience is "great right out of the box" and works seamlessly with LG apps. This is the first phone after Google's own Pixel to feature the AI-based assistant software fully integrated.
The G6 further runs Android 7.0, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, 4 GB memory and 32 GB internal storage and comes with a microSD card slot for up to 2 TB of additional storage. It has an aluminium frame and glass back with curved edges, plus added IP68-level resistance to water and dust. The device includes a 3,300 mAh battery, and unlike its predecessor the G5 this cannot be removed. It also comes with quick charging and a fingerprint scanner.
The smartphone features a 13-megapixel dual-lens camera on the rear with 125-degree angle, while the 5-megapixel front camera comes with a 100-degree wide angle. The new Square Camera Mode divides the 18:9 ratio display into two identical squares, so photos just taken are displayed in one square without having to move to the gallery. The LG G6 can also take square photos in 1:1 ratio for apps such as Instagram or Snapchat and create GIFs by combining up to 100 photos from the gallery.
The LG G6 will be available in a choice of three colours - black, white and platinum. It is expected launch first in LG's home market Korea in March and reach other countries such as the US from April.
