The G6’s 5.7-inch display has an unusual aspect ratio of 18:9. Because it extends so completely across the front of the handset, the vertical height of the screen ends up being exactly twice the horizontal width. The effective resolution of the panel works out at 2,880×1,440 pixels.
According to LG, this aspect ratio offers a more immersive experience when watching videos and playing games, compared with the limited landscape height of traditional 16:9 phones. LG has partnered with several game developers to optimise their titles for the FullVision display and will include a gaming bundle worth $200 with every purchase of the device.
The phone uses an aluminium chassis with glass accents. The body is wrapped in a metal frame for a premium feel. The back of the handset is completely flat as LG has managed to do away with the camera bump adorning most modern smartphones. The bottom and sides of the display have no clearly discernible bezels.
At the top, LG has repositioned the phone’s sensor cluster to minimise the bezel’s width. The resulting design is eye-catching and allows the large display to fit into a small chassis footprint. However, the lack of bezels could have repercussions if the phone is dropped or knocked, giving the glass less protection from cracks and shattering.
Hardware-wise, the G6 uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 821 processor. It’s supported by 4GB of RAM and up to 64GB of expandable storage. There’s an extensive array of accessory options including Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, USB Type-C, Qualcomm Quick Charge and a high-resolution 32-bit audio DAC.
The primary camera is a dual-lens 13-megapixel unit which can capture wide angle images of up to 125-degrees. There’s also a special “Square Camera Mode” which is designed for taking 1:1 ratio images for social media sites like Instagram.
According to LG, the G6 is a “back-to-basics” approach to premium smartphones, offering an extensive spec sheet consisting of features people actually want and use. The company appears to have realised its mistake with last year’s modular G5.
While an innovative concept, the G5’s snap-in add-ons proved to be as clunky as every previous modular smartphone attempt. Sales were less than stellar and LG all-but-replaced the G5 with the V20 last summer. The company is optimistic that the G6 reflects what buyers want, emphasising convenience and reliability above features that quickly get old after they’re announced.
“The LG G6 offers users new visual and manual experiences, as it marries an expanded screen with the convenience of one-handed use,” said Juno Cho, president of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “LG will continue to lead smartphone innovation with a focus on convenience and reliability in order to exceed consumer expectations.”
The LG G6 will go on sale in Korea on March 10. It will be available internationally shortly after but specific details haven’t been announced. Pricing will be around $800, making it one of the most expensive flagships to launch this year. LG will be attempting to steal sales from rival Samsung, expected to launch its S8 in the next couple of months.
