LG G5 (4GB + 32GB) Review | 197 Data compared

The IT Pro review describes the LG G5 as a bold, modular smartphone featuring a "Magic Slot" that allows for a removable 2,800mAh battery and specialized accessory attachments. Key advantages include top-tier performance from the Snapdragon 820 processor and a versatile dual-camera setup, featuring a 135-degree wide-angle lens for expansive shots. However, the, design feels unpolished with visible gaps, and the "micro-dicing" paint makes the metal chassis feel plastic-like, while the initial modular accessories, such as the 360-degree camera, are criticized for being "half-baked".

Ars Technica's review describes the LG G5 as a fundamentally flawed device where a promising modular concept was undermined by poor manufacturing, resembling a "rushed engineering prototype" despite high-end 2016 specifications like a Snapdragon 820 and 4GB of RAM. Critical "cons" included uneven, gap-prone modular construction, sharp, uncomfortable edges, a thick, cheap-feeling paint over the metal, and the disabling of Android’s adoptable storage feature. While the removable battery and versatile dual-camera system were notable pros, the overall, shoddy build quality led to a conclusion that superior rivals existed, making the device hard to recommend.

The Tom's Guide review of the LG G5, published in April 2016, highlights the device as an ambitious but flawed attempt to revolutionize the smartphone market through its unique modular "Magic Slot" design. While praising the phone's innovative approach, high-end performance, and versatile dual-camera system, the review notes the overall implementation feels rushed and unpolished. Tom' Key pros highlighted include the capable dual-camera setup with an 8-megapixel wide-angle lens, the powerful Snapdragon 820 processor with 4GB of RAM, and the practical inclusion of a removable battery and an always-on display. Conversely, the primary cons focused on short battery life—averaging only 7 hours and 57 minutes—along with a less-than-premium design and a lack of useful modular "Friends" at launch. Tom' Ultimately, the reviewer concluded that the G5's modular concept did not live up to its potential, often forcing users to compromise on design and battery efficiency. Tom's Guide

The LG G5 features a unique modular design allowing for a replaceable battery and optional accessories, powered by a fast Snapdragon 820 processor. While the dual-camera system with a wide-angle lens is highlighted as a pro, the overall modular concept is viewed as an unfinished, niche feature. Key cons include a less-premium build quality compared to competitors and the sacrifice of water resistance to accommodate the modular functionality.

Consumer Reports found the LG G5 to be durable and perform well in core functions, earning an "excellent" rating for durability after 50 drop tests. The phone's 16MP rear camera and 8MP selfie camera delivered high-quality, color-accurate stills, while the Snapdragon 820 processor offered smooth daily performance. A key advantage is the modular design allowing easy battery swaps, better ergonomics with a side volume rocker, and versatile shooting with dual rear cameras. However, the review noted cons, including modules that are difficult to remove despite being easy to insert. The 5.3-inch display was criticized for being too dim for outdoor use and lacking the crispness of top screens. Other issues included a jumpy transition when zooming between cameras and the removal of the standard Android app drawer.

HotHardware's review describes the LG G5 as an ambitious but ultimately unrefined "premium prototype" with a standout modular design allowing for swappable batteries and accessories, though the execution is criticized as cumbersome. The phone features a Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a bright 5.3-inch IPS Quantum display but suffers from disappointing battery life and lacks the polish of competitors. Key pros include its performance, display visibility, dual-lens camera (despite some wide-angle lens issues), removable battery, and microSD slot, while cons encompass the clunky modularity, poor battery life, perceived build quality issues, and the LCD display's limitations.

According to Reviewed's analysis, the LG G5 is a powerful smartphone featuring a dual-camera system with a wide-angle lens and a rare removable battery in a metal body. However, the review criticizes its poorly executed modular "Friends" ecosystem, which requires shutting down the phone to swap components and has an inelegant physical fit. While the phone performs well, its primary camera lacks speed and low-light capability compared to rivals, and the display can be too dim outdoors.

PCMag describes the LG G5 as a bold, experimental flagship featuring a modular design with a "Magic Slot" for a removable battery or accessories. While praising the innovative risk and performance, the review highlights drawbacks including unpolished modularity, mediocre battery life, and heavily skinned software. Despite a versatile dual-lens camera, the G5 ultimately falls short of competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S7 as a polished, "one-stop solution".

The LG G5 is described as an experimental flagship featuring stunning sloped glass and a flawless fingerprint sensor, but its modular system is criticized as an unrefined "modular mess". While the dual-camera system, including an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and the durable metal unibody with a removable battery are considered strengths, significant drawbacks include disappointing build quality with visible gaps and average or poor battery life compared to competitors. Software issues, such as the initial removal of the app drawer, also detracted from the user experience for Android purists.

The LG G5, as reviewed by CNET, is characterized as a bold, modular smartphone featuring a removable battery, expandable storage, and a versatile dual-camera system with a 135-degree wide-angle lens. Performance is driven by a Snapdragon 820 processor, delivering fast operation and competitive 12.5-hour video playback in tests. However, the phone's "Friends" modular accessories are criticized for being cumbersome to swap, requiring a device restart, and having limited, uncompelling options. Additionally, the software design lacks an app drawer, and the Always-on display is less refined than competitor offerings. CNETUltimately, CNET concludes the G5 falls short of its potential compared to the Samsung Galaxy S7 due to a lack of water resistance and inferior battery/processing performance. While recommended for users prioritizing a removable battery, most consumers are advised to look toward the Samsung S7 or Google Nexus 6P. CNET

According to The Verge review, the LG G5 is a radical reinvention prioritizing innovation with a modular design. Pros include a fast Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB RAM, a flexible dual-camera system, and a 5.3-inch Quad HD "always-on" display. However, the review notes significant cons such as "half-baked" modular "Friend" accessories, an "unrefined" "fake metal" feel to the aluminum body, sharp edges, and accidental screen shut-offs from the power button/fingerprint sensor. The Verge concludes that the LG G5 is a bold experiment that offers power-user strengths like a removable battery and expandable storage but lacks the polish and cohesive design of competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S7.