LG G4 and Galaxy S5: What We Know So Far

This year LG has an impressive new smartphone that it plans to announce next week, and it looks like the best ever from the Korean manufacturer. Of course we’re talking about the new LG G4 they’ve been teasing for weeks, and here we’ll go over everything we know so far and how it compares to last year’s Samsung Galaxy S5 for those considering an upgrade.

With the LG G4 launch event set to be announced on April 28 approaching, here we want to take a look at how LG’s latest phone stacks up with the Galaxy S5, based on what we know so far, leaks, rumors and some. details LG has confirmed about the LG G4 before its release.

The Galaxy S6 and HTC One M9 are both readily available and two excellent smartphones, but the LG G4 is shaping up to be a great alternative. It will have a lot to offer and will have to compete with both of these devices, all of which will be released in a month if not more. Read on for more details on the LG G4 and how it compares to its competitors.

For the past two months, all the attention has been on Samsung’s Galaxy S6 and HTC’s new One M9, and the G4 is quietly gaining strength and is finally ready to be unveiled. LG is quietly lurking in the background, building a pretty impressive phone that should potentially steal some of Samsung’s sales even if it arrives in about two months. The launch is set for April 28th, and we’ve heard that a version will be released in May, and this could be a great phone worth upgrading from the Galaxy S5 or any other older device.

When it comes to which smartphone is actually “better” between the Samsung Galaxy S5 or the LG G4, there are a lot of things that come into play. user preference, software or hardware needs and of course the size of the device are things for each user to decide. Not to mention that one is a year newer than the other. While we don’t have all the answers and don’t know what every user needs or wants, below are as many as five key features or differences that separate the two and can help consumers make the right choice.

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Many consumers choose a smartphone based on screen size and price. An example where this is a leading factor is when Apple finally moved the iPhone to a larger 4.7 inch screen with the iPhone 6. This year LG kept the screen the same size as last year, but reportedly much better.

The Samsung Galaxy S5 has a 5.1 inch 1920 x 1080p HD display. It was the best display of any phone I’ve used up to the Galaxy S6. That said, LG hopes to make the most of it (and the Galaxy S6) with the G4. Last year the G3 had a 2560 x 1440 Quad HD display, which on paper was better than the S5, but it was pale, had poor viewing angles and wasn’t the best. But that will change in 2015.

According to an LG press release, this new 5.5-inch Quad-HD display for the G4 has made a “quantum leap” in color gamut and brightness. They call it a “Quantum HD display”. The new LG G4 display will be brighter, with extremely rich and striking colors. Moreover, it is more efficient and easier on battery life. Provide enhanced touch functionality and sensitivity while being thinner.

It features new, advanced In-Cell Touch technology that allows it to respond to touches even when there is water on it. Finally, it is expected to display more accurate colors than last year’s QHD panel on the G3, offering a 120% color gamut, a 50% contrast increase, and a 30% brightness increase. It may not be as good as the Galaxy S6, but it will certainly offer a better experience than last year’s Galaxy S5.

Samsung’s Galaxy S5 is slightly smaller, doesn’t have a high-resolution display and doesn’t have the same thin bezels. If you want more screen and a clear picture, the LG G4 2015 has got to be a better phone here.

Design

Samsung and LG are on the same boat when it comes to design and materials used in smartphones. Both have been making plastic smartphones for years that “look” like aluminum but aren’t. The ring around the Galaxy S5 is actually plastic but looks like chrome, and the brushed aluminum design on the LG G3 was nice but still plastic. This year they both went a different route. The Galaxy S6 is metal and glass and the LG G4 will have genuine leather as an option, though still plastic.

They’re pretty much on par in terms of design and build quality, with Samsung perhaps slightly superior when it comes to overall durability and build quality. However, we cannot yet say which is better, because we did not get our hands on the all-new genuine leather LG G4.

This is the new leather-clad LG G4

However, there are a few big differences between these two phones. One, the LG G4, has all the buttons in the package, and second, Samsung’s Galaxy S5 is IP67 dust and water resistant. Something LG cannot claim.

The Galaxy S5 can be submerged for hours (they recommend 30 minutes max) and works just fine. We’ve seen this from various online tests and YouTube videos. It’s extremely durable and sturdy, and while the LG G4 can somehow handle wear and tear, the thin bezels around the large screen may not withstand drops as easily as Samsung, and it certainly can’t withstand water crashes like the Samsung Galaxy S5. Not to mention we’re not sure how long real genuine leather will stand the test of time. Being thrown on tables, dropped, thrown into a pocket with keys and more.

Overall the LG G4 is a better looking device from what we’ve seen in LG’s teasers, but everything about the Galaxy S5 design had a purpose. From the fingerprint scanner on the home button to the water-resistant features. The LG G4 should be a stylish phone with a lot to offer over last year’s Galaxy S5, but we’ll have to wait until the 28th to see it all.

Features

While specs aren’t as important as having a device that’s fast, fluid, and will work for years, it’s still something many people consider when buying. Below are the hard numbers for those interested, but all these devices are nearly identical except for a few minor changes and the software will play the biggest role in the performance of each device.

As you can see from the breakdown above, these devices are extremely similar, but it’s worth noting a few key areas. Essentially, the main concerns of buyers should be the waterproof features, the camera, the screen size, or which manufacturer has the best software. And these are in no particular order. Any of these could and could be the deciding factor.

Camera

The Galaxy S5 had a very capable camera, but it’s not as good as the Galaxy S6 and will likely be surpassed by LG’s newest camera. The 16-megapixel camera was pretty good, but not very successful in low light or fast-moving subjects. However, LG claims it has surpassed Samsung, and its 16-megapixel camera has an f1.8 shutter speed even faster than the new Galaxy S6.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZdWPqpVbEk

Most phones are above 2.0 with f-stop, which is the speed of the sensor and how well it captures details and light. LG has the fastest f1.8 lens in the G4. Even LG this week posted a bunch of G4 sample photos This is not representative of real-world use, as it is professional and was shot under the best possible conditions, but it is impressive nonetheless.

The G4 has laser autofocus, and this is the third year they’ve introduced optical image stabilization on the Galaxy S5 while OIS is missing. While Samsung’s aging device still has a very capable camera, we expect the G4 to do the best in all categories and be one of the best camera smartphones in all of 2015.

Price

We won’t talk much about the software as it is a personal preference. Both run Android 5.0 Lollipop, but have an all-encompassing manufacturer skin. So it all depends on what you prefer, and a comparison won’t do much until we’ve both got it.

So, last but certainly not least is the price. Unfortunately, there are no winners here either, and you will have to make a difficult choice. However, the Galaxy S5 is a year older and sold by most carriers, especially now the Galaxy S6 is here. You can find it for $99 on contract and $0.01 or less on Amazon. However, this is more for those looking for an upgrade, not buying one or the other. These buyers are probably looking at the new Galaxy S6.

Most likely the LG G4 will be $199 on a new 2-year contract from all major carriers, and Verizon may offer $99 as it did with the G3 to steal customers from the competition. Then of course almost all options come with payment plans in the United States, most notably T-Mobile.

It’s still a great phone if you already own the Galaxy S5, but it might be a good way to spend $199 and sign a contract for the new G4. It has a lot to offer like a better camera, a bigger screen, better battery life (we hope) and a sleek new genuine leather design. Is it worth the upgrade? It’s up to you to decide.

final thoughts

If you’re looking for a new phone right now, you’re probably trying to decide between the Galaxy S6 and the upcoming LG G4. This is another discussion entirely. However, if you own an LG G3, Galaxy S4 or Galaxy S5, see that the LG G4 is one of the best phones released this year;

Tuesday, April 28, LG will take the stage and announce the new LG G4 and hopefully share a release date. Initial rumors point to a mid-May release date, but no concrete details have been leaked so far. We’ll be looking for a release date and will update as soon as we know more.