LG G5 Philippines Price and Release Date Guesstimate, Specs, Modular Features, Accessories
LG Mobile's freshly unveiled 2016 flagship smartphone has got to be the most interesting Android handset I've ever seen to date. Everyone's been talking about innovations presented at MWC -- but this right here is the real deal.
As some of you know, LG G3 was one of my daily smartphones back in 2014. That amazing flagship - replete with top-notch imaging capabilities and now holding a place in the TechPinas Gadget Vault - served me well during its run. However, I didn't upgrade to its follow-up - the LG G4 - because I thought the 2015 refresh looked and worked too much like its predecessor.
But when I saw LG reps demo the key features of the 2016 refresh including its unique Modular Type Design at MWC in Barcelona, Spain, I was instantly smitten! I was sold! You see, this top-of-the-line release has a bottom tip that you can pull out and replace with modules that can greatly enhance the user experience. That's a first!
Update as of April 28, 2015: LG G5 has just been officially launched in the Philippines. It's official SRP is Php 34,990 and it will be out in a number of colors, namely, Gray, Titan, Gold, and Pink.
Modules and Imaging Capabilities
As of today, there are only two plug-and-play modules available for the LG G5. But LG Mobile promised that more will be coming soon.
There's the LG CAM Plus, which is a versatile camera module that you can attach to the G5 through the battery slot to deliver a comfortable grip and convenient control of a standalone camera!
This one also has physical buttons for power, shutter, record, zoom, and LED indicator. Likewise, it offers intuitive autofocus and exposure lock, features usually found on point-and-shoot digital cameras. When attached to the LG G5, it even provides an additional 1,200 mAh battery capacity to the rather small 2,800 mAh pack that ships with the phone for extended uptime and longer shooting times with friends and family.
This accessory allows you to make the most of LG G5's exceptional camera.
Reinforcing LG's longstanding reputation as one of the global leaders in smartphone cameras, the LG G5 has two snappers on the rear: One with a standard 78-degree lens and another with a 135-degree wide angle lens, which is - incredibly - the widest available in any smartphone. The 135-degree lens on the LG's new flagship offers a viewing angle that is around 1.7 times wider than those of existing smartphone cameras and 15 degrees wider than our eye’s field of view. The wide angle lens makes it possible for users to capture more landscape, taller buildings or larger group shots without having to position oneself farther from the subject.
The LG G5 also features a collection of cool photo effects including Pop-out Picture, Film Effect and Auto Shot. Pop-out Picture combines photos taken by the standard and wide angle lens to create a picture-in-a-frame effect. Film Effect offers a choice of nine different film emulators while Auto Shot automatically captures the perfect selfie shot when a face is recognized.
The other module that will available for the LG G5 upon its global launch is the LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY. This is an innovative portable Hi-Fi DAC audio player that was developed in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen PLAY to meet the needs of those who seek to enjoy premium sounds that have traditionally only been available through high-end audio devices.
LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY stands out for its simple yet elegant Scandinavian design as well as top-notch sound technology. On top of the 32-bit Hi-Fi DAC upsampling technology first introduced on the LG V10, LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY also supports 32-bit 384KHz high-definition audio playback. This module can be used either as a plug-in with the LG G5 or as a separate Hi-Fi DAC by connecting to any smartphone or PC.
Design and Specs
LG G5's modular features are obviously what make it a stand-out in the high-end price echelon. However, its technical specifications and the craftsmanship that went into putting it together also put it in a league of its own.
Let's talk about the phone's design. The G5 flaunts a scratch-resistant 3D Arc Glass face that protects its 5.3-inch Quad HD IPS display as well as the 8 MegaPixel front cam for selfies and creates a gentle curve on top of the smooth unibody aluminum shell that was crafted with advanced microdizing process. The insulative antenna is quite invisibly integrated into the body without disrupting the seamless look of the real metal unibody. LG designers took the design concept one step further by adding a Shiny Cut CNC-prepared edge for added contrast and a more comfortable grip.
At its heart, Dual nanoSIM Dual Standby LG G5 runs its LG-UX-flavored Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system with a Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 chipset incorporating Adreno 530 graphics, has 4GB of RAM for seamless and super-smooth multitasking, and comes with 32GB of ROM that you can augment using the dedicated microSD card slot supporting up to 200GB. The raw power of these innards be enough to put LG G5 more or less on the same level as the freshly announced Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge in terms of gaming and overall performance.
Compared to the previous generation top-level Snapdragon processor, Qualcomm Technologies’ most advanced CPU architecture found on the Snapgradon 820 offers double the speed and power savings. The embedded Adreno 530 graphics demonstrate up to 40 percent faster graphics performance and up to 40 percent more power efficiency compared to the previous generation. LG G5's also supports 4K capture and playback at four times more than the resolution of 1080p or Full HD, enabling users to watch and capture their daily moments in stunning detail and clarity. The processor is also optimized for VR, generating quality pixels and life-like colors to deliver the ultimate VR experience to G5 users. The Snapdragon 820 processor likewise has an integrated X12 LTE modem that supports Category 12 download speeds of up to 600 Mbps and LTE Category 13 uplink speeds of up to 150 Mbps.
Meet LG G5's Friends
Along with the formal unveiling of the LG G5, the Korean company is introducing a paradigm-shifting smartphone ecosystem — the LG Playground, which aims to strengthen the ties with its partners and introduce various devices and supporting programs to help users fully maximize their LG smartphone experience .
As part of the ecosystem, LG is introducing a wide range of companion devices - called 'LG Friends' - that will provide a new mobile experience far beyond traditional smartphone boundaries. Each item will be sold separately when LG G5 hits store shelves around the world sometime in Q2 2016.
The LG 360 VR is a goggle that can be connected to the LG G5 though a dedicated cable and works exclusively with this flagship smartphone to simulate a 130-inch TV viewed from two meters away. Flaunting a stylish foldable design and unlike similar devices that require a smartphone to be inserted in the device, the LG 360 VR weighs only 118g (4.16 ounces) and is just one-third as heavy as competing VR goggles while delivering a resolution of 639 ppi. The device supports 360-degree images and videos captured with LG 360 CAM as well as all Google Cardboard content.
The LG 360 CAM is a compact 360-degree angle camera equipped with two 13 MegaPixel 200-degree wide angle cameras, 1,200 mAh battery pack and 4GB internal memory, which can be supplemented by a microSD card. The LG 360 CAM can be easily connected to the LG G5 allowing users to create 360-degree content and provides 2K video and 5.1 surround channel recording on three microphones to help users effortlessly create high-quality 360-degree contents. Thanks to the partnership with Google, images taken with the 360 CAM can easily be uploaded to Google Street View and YouTube360, adding the fun of sharing creative contents with friends and followers online. The images will also be available for viewing on the LG 360 VR or other smartphones or devices that are capable of 360-degree content.
The LG Rolling Bot is a cool companion device that rolls like a ball while capturing images and videos with its integrated 8 MegaPixel camera. Not just a toy, the LG Rolling Bot can be used as a monitoring system for the home, as a pet care companion as well as a remote controller for compatible home appliances. With an IP camera that can be accessed via Wi-Fi, users can remotely monitor what's happening at their homes through live streaming.
LG TONE Platinum (model HBS-1100), the latest in the LG TONE Series, is a Bluetooth headset that has earned the Harman Kardon Platinum grade for its top-notch sound quality. With a Balanced Armature design for minimum distortion, LG Tone Platinum delivers exceptionally sharp and clean sound. What’s more, it is the world’s first Bluetooth headset equipped with aptX HDcodec, delivering lossless 24-bit audio for sound that is quite simply unrivaled in a wireless device.
H3 by B&O PLAY is a set of high-end earphones that's compatible with the high-quality sound of the LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY. Designed for audiophiles or just about anyone who considers audio performance a top-priority in a mobile device, H3 by B&O PLAY works with all high-end Android smartphones that are out in the market.
With the LG Smart Controller, users to easily control certain drone models. Paired with LG G5, you can use it to check the video stream from the drone and control the unmanned aircraft with the LG Smart Controller joystick.
Currently only available in the LG G5, Friends Manager is the hub application that allows the handset to connect with LG Friends with minimal fuss and effort. LG Friends Manager automatically detects nearby LG Friends gadgets and connects quickly and easily in three simple steps, eliminating the hassle of pairing devices.
Price and Availability
According to Mr. Juno Cho - President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company, "The new LG G5 will encourage owners to rediscover the true joy of a mobile life. The G5 and LG Friends are the result of many experts inside LG asking themselves if it was still possible to be innovative and unique in the smartphone space. I think once customers spend a little time with the LG G5, their answer will be a resounding yes."
Yes. So far, I'm really impressed. I'm greatly looking forward to playing with this release and hopefully, having it in my personal gadget collection. Personally, I think it's a landmark smartphone model as it comes with so many innovations.
As of writing, LG Mobile Philippines has yet to announce the official price and release date of the amazing LG G5. Right now, though, I'm guessing that will be launched locally come April 2016 with an SRP in the range of Php 30,000 to Php 31,000. Here's to hoping that LG would include at least one module in the retail package for free. I'm really eyeing the Cam Plus with the extended battery pack.
As some of you know, LG G3 was one of my daily smartphones back in 2014. That amazing flagship - replete with top-notch imaging capabilities and now holding a place in the TechPinas Gadget Vault - served me well during its run. However, I didn't upgrade to its follow-up - the LG G4 - because I thought the 2015 refresh looked and worked too much like its predecessor.
But when I saw LG reps demo the key features of the 2016 refresh including its unique Modular Type Design at MWC in Barcelona, Spain, I was instantly smitten! I was sold! You see, this top-of-the-line release has a bottom tip that you can pull out and replace with modules that can greatly enhance the user experience. That's a first!
Update as of April 28, 2015: LG G5 has just been officially launched in the Philippines. It's official SRP is Php 34,990 and it will be out in a number of colors, namely, Gray, Titan, Gold, and Pink.
Modules and Imaging Capabilities
As of today, there are only two plug-and-play modules available for the LG G5. But LG Mobile promised that more will be coming soon.
There's the LG CAM Plus, which is a versatile camera module that you can attach to the G5 through the battery slot to deliver a comfortable grip and convenient control of a standalone camera!
This one also has physical buttons for power, shutter, record, zoom, and LED indicator. Likewise, it offers intuitive autofocus and exposure lock, features usually found on point-and-shoot digital cameras. When attached to the LG G5, it even provides an additional 1,200 mAh battery capacity to the rather small 2,800 mAh pack that ships with the phone for extended uptime and longer shooting times with friends and family.
This accessory allows you to make the most of LG G5's exceptional camera.
Reinforcing LG's longstanding reputation as one of the global leaders in smartphone cameras, the LG G5 has two snappers on the rear: One with a standard 78-degree lens and another with a 135-degree wide angle lens, which is - incredibly - the widest available in any smartphone. The 135-degree lens on the LG's new flagship offers a viewing angle that is around 1.7 times wider than those of existing smartphone cameras and 15 degrees wider than our eye’s field of view. The wide angle lens makes it possible for users to capture more landscape, taller buildings or larger group shots without having to position oneself farther from the subject.
The LG G5 also features a collection of cool photo effects including Pop-out Picture, Film Effect and Auto Shot. Pop-out Picture combines photos taken by the standard and wide angle lens to create a picture-in-a-frame effect. Film Effect offers a choice of nine different film emulators while Auto Shot automatically captures the perfect selfie shot when a face is recognized.
The other module that will available for the LG G5 upon its global launch is the LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY. This is an innovative portable Hi-Fi DAC audio player that was developed in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen PLAY to meet the needs of those who seek to enjoy premium sounds that have traditionally only been available through high-end audio devices.
LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY stands out for its simple yet elegant Scandinavian design as well as top-notch sound technology. On top of the 32-bit Hi-Fi DAC upsampling technology first introduced on the LG V10, LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY also supports 32-bit 384KHz high-definition audio playback. This module can be used either as a plug-in with the LG G5 or as a separate Hi-Fi DAC by connecting to any smartphone or PC.
Design and Specs
LG G5's modular features are obviously what make it a stand-out in the high-end price echelon. However, its technical specifications and the craftsmanship that went into putting it together also put it in a league of its own.
Let's talk about the phone's design. The G5 flaunts a scratch-resistant 3D Arc Glass face that protects its 5.3-inch Quad HD IPS display as well as the 8 MegaPixel front cam for selfies and creates a gentle curve on top of the smooth unibody aluminum shell that was crafted with advanced microdizing process. The insulative antenna is quite invisibly integrated into the body without disrupting the seamless look of the real metal unibody. LG designers took the design concept one step further by adding a Shiny Cut CNC-prepared edge for added contrast and a more comfortable grip.
At its heart, Dual nanoSIM Dual Standby LG G5 runs its LG-UX-flavored Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system with a Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 chipset incorporating Adreno 530 graphics, has 4GB of RAM for seamless and super-smooth multitasking, and comes with 32GB of ROM that you can augment using the dedicated microSD card slot supporting up to 200GB. The raw power of these innards be enough to put LG G5 more or less on the same level as the freshly announced Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge in terms of gaming and overall performance.
Compared to the previous generation top-level Snapdragon processor, Qualcomm Technologies’ most advanced CPU architecture found on the Snapgradon 820 offers double the speed and power savings. The embedded Adreno 530 graphics demonstrate up to 40 percent faster graphics performance and up to 40 percent more power efficiency compared to the previous generation. LG G5's also supports 4K capture and playback at four times more than the resolution of 1080p or Full HD, enabling users to watch and capture their daily moments in stunning detail and clarity. The processor is also optimized for VR, generating quality pixels and life-like colors to deliver the ultimate VR experience to G5 users. The Snapdragon 820 processor likewise has an integrated X12 LTE modem that supports Category 12 download speeds of up to 600 Mbps and LTE Category 13 uplink speeds of up to 150 Mbps.
Meet LG G5's Friends
Along with the formal unveiling of the LG G5, the Korean company is introducing a paradigm-shifting smartphone ecosystem — the LG Playground, which aims to strengthen the ties with its partners and introduce various devices and supporting programs to help users fully maximize their LG smartphone experience .
As part of the ecosystem, LG is introducing a wide range of companion devices - called 'LG Friends' - that will provide a new mobile experience far beyond traditional smartphone boundaries. Each item will be sold separately when LG G5 hits store shelves around the world sometime in Q2 2016.
The LG 360 VR is a goggle that can be connected to the LG G5 though a dedicated cable and works exclusively with this flagship smartphone to simulate a 130-inch TV viewed from two meters away. Flaunting a stylish foldable design and unlike similar devices that require a smartphone to be inserted in the device, the LG 360 VR weighs only 118g (4.16 ounces) and is just one-third as heavy as competing VR goggles while delivering a resolution of 639 ppi. The device supports 360-degree images and videos captured with LG 360 CAM as well as all Google Cardboard content.
The LG 360 CAM is a compact 360-degree angle camera equipped with two 13 MegaPixel 200-degree wide angle cameras, 1,200 mAh battery pack and 4GB internal memory, which can be supplemented by a microSD card. The LG 360 CAM can be easily connected to the LG G5 allowing users to create 360-degree content and provides 2K video and 5.1 surround channel recording on three microphones to help users effortlessly create high-quality 360-degree contents. Thanks to the partnership with Google, images taken with the 360 CAM can easily be uploaded to Google Street View and YouTube360, adding the fun of sharing creative contents with friends and followers online. The images will also be available for viewing on the LG 360 VR or other smartphones or devices that are capable of 360-degree content.
The LG Rolling Bot is a cool companion device that rolls like a ball while capturing images and videos with its integrated 8 MegaPixel camera. Not just a toy, the LG Rolling Bot can be used as a monitoring system for the home, as a pet care companion as well as a remote controller for compatible home appliances. With an IP camera that can be accessed via Wi-Fi, users can remotely monitor what's happening at their homes through live streaming.
LG TONE Platinum (model HBS-1100), the latest in the LG TONE Series, is a Bluetooth headset that has earned the Harman Kardon Platinum grade for its top-notch sound quality. With a Balanced Armature design for minimum distortion, LG Tone Platinum delivers exceptionally sharp and clean sound. What’s more, it is the world’s first Bluetooth headset equipped with aptX HDcodec, delivering lossless 24-bit audio for sound that is quite simply unrivaled in a wireless device.
H3 by B&O PLAY is a set of high-end earphones that's compatible with the high-quality sound of the LG Hi-Fi Plus with B&O PLAY. Designed for audiophiles or just about anyone who considers audio performance a top-priority in a mobile device, H3 by B&O PLAY works with all high-end Android smartphones that are out in the market.
With the LG Smart Controller, users to easily control certain drone models. Paired with LG G5, you can use it to check the video stream from the drone and control the unmanned aircraft with the LG Smart Controller joystick.
Currently only available in the LG G5, Friends Manager is the hub application that allows the handset to connect with LG Friends with minimal fuss and effort. LG Friends Manager automatically detects nearby LG Friends gadgets and connects quickly and easily in three simple steps, eliminating the hassle of pairing devices.
Price and Availability
According to Mr. Juno Cho - President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company, "The new LG G5 will encourage owners to rediscover the true joy of a mobile life. The G5 and LG Friends are the result of many experts inside LG asking themselves if it was still possible to be innovative and unique in the smartphone space. I think once customers spend a little time with the LG G5, their answer will be a resounding yes."
Yes. So far, I'm really impressed. I'm greatly looking forward to playing with this release and hopefully, having it in my personal gadget collection. Personally, I think it's a landmark smartphone model as it comes with so many innovations.
As of writing, LG Mobile Philippines has yet to announce the official price and release date of the amazing LG G5. Right now, though, I'm guessing that will be launched locally come April 2016 with an SRP in the range of Php 30,000 to Php 31,000. Here's to hoping that LG would include at least one module in the retail package for free. I'm really eyeing the Cam Plus with the extended battery pack.
| Name | LG G5 |
| Type | Slate Form Factor (Full Touchscreen) |
| Price Category | Entry Level |
| Dimensions | 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7 mm |
| Weight | 159 grams |
| Available Colors | Gold, Pink, Silver, Titan |
| Operating System | Android 6.0 Marshmallow with LG UX 5.0 UI |
| Display | 5.3 inches (~70.1% screen-to-body ratio), 1440 x 2560 pixels (~554 ppi pixel density), IPS LCD, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors, Gorilla Glass 4, Always On Display |
| Processor | Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820 chipset, Adreno 530 GPU |
| RAM | 4 GB of RAM |
| Internal Storage | 32GB of ROM, expandable via dedicated microSD card slot supporting up to 200GB. |
| Camera | Main: 16 MegaPixels (f/1.8) + 8 MegaPixels (f/2.4), laser autofocus, OIS, LED flash Front: 8 MegaPixels |
| Video Capture | Main: 2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps, HDR, stereo sound rec. Front: 1080p@30fps |
| Audio and Video Playback | MP4, DviX, XviD, H.264, WMV, MP3, WAV, FLAC, eAAC+, WMA player |
| Ports | microUSB 3.0, Type-C 1.0 reversible connector, USB On-The-Go 3.5 mm audio jack |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Bluetooth v4.2, A2DP, LE, apt-X, 3G HSPA+; LTE |
| GPS | Yes, with GLONASS, A-GPS, and BDS |
| FM Radio | Yes |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Digital Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Color Spectrum |
| Network | 2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, 3G Network HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100, 4G Network LTE 800 / 850 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600 (TBC) |
| SIM Card Type | Dual nanoSIM (most probably the model for the Philippines will have Dual SIM Capability like the LG G4) |
| Battery | Removable 2,800 mAh Li-Ion battery |
| Uptime | TBD |
| Value-Added Features | Modular Design, Dual Camera Module, aptX HD: 24-bit Hi-Fi Wireless Audio, 'Friends' Accessories Support |
| Announcement | MWC ~ February 22, 2016 Philippines: April 28, 2016 |
| Availability | TP Guesstimate: April 2016 Philippines: April 28, 2016 |
| Price | TP Guesstimate: $650 USD or Php 30,000 to Php 31,000 Official SRP in the Philippines: Php 34,990 |
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