Smartphones are already our productivity and entertainment devices on the go, but some still want a bit more. That may be what LG had in mind when it designed the new LG V10. Larger than the LG G4 flagship and also more protected, this surprise smartphone from LG seems to be geared towards people, particularly creative ones, who need to be productive on the go. With a now more capable main camera and a multi-talented always-on display, the LG V10 feels designed to bring functionality to your fingertips when and where you need it.
Let’s take a brief review of the hardware specs. The LG V10 shares some things in common with the LG G4 flagship, like the hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, the 2560×1440 QHD resolution, and the 3,000 mAh Quick Charge removable battery. But now all those come in a bigger 5.7-inch package and a more generous serving of RAM at 4 GB. Storage also starts at 64 GB.
The most striking feature of the V10 will probably be its Second Screen, basically a 1040×160 area at the top of the screen that is always on and therefore always ready to give access to information or shortcuts. Mind you, it’s all a single display, but only that area has a special backlight and special controls. Despite the always on part, LG claims that it only eats up 5 percent of your battery for an entire day. That may or may not be substantial, depending on your usage habits. But the slight tax on battery might be worth it, given what it has to offer. When the main QHD screen is turned off, or even in some full screen apps like games or videos, that second screen offers notifications, date and time, weather, etc. When the screen is on, it becomes a multi-tasking haven for shortcuts to apps, music controls, and even camera controls.
The LG V10 is also made for what the OEM labels as city adventurers. In particular, they have mobile photographers in mind. The LG G4’s camera was already impressive when it came to stills, but now LG is making it even more so for video recording. LG’s Electronic Image Stabilization technology or EIS does the same shake-free magic for videos as it does for still photos. Manual controls are also added to video recording, giving photographers even more choices on how they want to record. Beyond that, there are also a few new features available. Like the new quick video sharing that lets you immediately share captured moments on social network, email or Bluetooth. Snap Movie collates 3-second clips taken during the day into a longer video collage.
But when talking about photography, the V10’s highlight will probably be its front facing cameras. Yes, plural. There’s two of them, one with an 80-degree angle lens and another with 120 degrees. These two can work together to create a panoramic selfie/groufie without the need for an obnoxious selfie stick.
The V10 knows other tricks as well. For the first time in the main LG line (aside from the new Nexus 5X), LG is including a fingerprint scanner. Considering LG’s philosophy of not putting any physical controls on the front or side of the device, you shouldn’t be surprised to find it inside the power button on the back. We can only imagine the number of times you might accidentally lock the phone when trying to use the sensor for authentication. In practice, the fingerprint scanner actually works pretty fast and gives you access to your V10 almost immediately. At least, when it’s not lying on its back, blocking access to the scanner. In that case, the Knock Code feature might be more useful.
When it comes to design, the LG V10’s “city adventure” nature shines through again. While the LG G4 focused more on displaying an air of complete luxury, the V10 mixes that with a bit of ruggedness. The Dura Guard stainless steel material on the edges and the Dura Skin on the back cover are all designed for protection. That back cover is basically silicone material for duarability. Two layers of Gorilla Glass 4 on the front emphasizes that point too. Almost ironically, however, the V10 isn’t isn’t water resistant.
The LG V10 ushers in a new device line theme for the Korean manufacturer, especially in terms of size. While the “G” series will retain the 5.5-inch maximum girth, the “V” line will go with 5.7 inches. Price-wise, the V10 will also be higher, competing with the iPhone 6s Plus’. The smartphone launches in Korea this month, with the US to follow in November. Price details have yet to be revealed.
