LG V20 (4GB + 64GB) Review | 197 Data compared

The LG V20 is presented as an atypical phablet that distinguishes itself through specialized hardware, specifically catering to audiophiles and content creators. Its standout physical features include a removable battery, a durable metal build with military-grade certification, and a unique secondary 2.1-inch display for notifications and app shortcuts. Under the hood, it utilizes a Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of RAM, providing fast and reliable performance that handles multitasking and gaming with ease. The device’s primary strengths lie in its superior audio capabilities and versatile camera system. It features a 32-bit Quad DAC for high-fidelity sound and three microphones capable of recording "studio quality" 24-bit audio. For photography, the V20 employs a dual rear camera setup with a 16-megapixel standard lens and an 8-megapixel wide-angle lens (135 degrees), offering unique perspectives that many competitors lack. It was also the first non-Google phone to ship with Android 7.0 Nougat. However, the V20 has several notable drawbacks, including a lack of waterproofing and wireless charging. The 3200 mAh battery is described as "on the low side of average," struggling to last through...

In its 2016 review, MobileSyrup described the LG V20 as a device of "inconsistent greatness," highlighting its premium metal design, vibrant 5.7-inch display, and a secondary "ticker" screen. The phone's primary strengths included an industry-leading Quad Hi-Fi DAC for audio, a versatile dual-camera system with a wide-angle lens, and the inclusion of Android 7.0 Nougat. Conversely, the review noted that the device lacked water resistance and wireless charging, possessed only average battery life, and featured a heavy software skin.

The TechRadar review describes the LG V20 as a feature-packed smartphone for enthusiasts, highlighting its aluminum, MIL-STD-810G compliant design with a removable battery and 3.5mm headphone jack. Key advantages include a functional secondary display, high-fidelity audio via a Quad DAC, and advanced manual camera controls. However, the device is criticized for mediocre battery life, a lack of water resistance, and camera performance that falls short of competitors like the iPhone 7 Plus.

Ben Sin’s review calls LG's best phone at the time, highlighting its premium, all-metal construction that successfully retains a removable battery. Pros include a significantly improved, -inch secondary screen for notifications, -bit Quad DAC for superior audio, and a fast, non-clickable rear fingerprint sensor. Forbes +2The camera system is a highlight, -degree wide-angle lens, while the Nougat offers efficient performance and improved battery, mAh cell. However, the device lacks the rugged, unique design of its predecessor,. Forbes +3Cons include a less intuitive fingerprint sensor placement compared to competitors and a tough value proposition against cheaper, capable Chinese alternatives despite its competitive $ price point. Forbes +1

The Wired review positions the LG V20 as a durable, "power user" device featuring a functional, industrial design with a rare removable battery, expandable storage, and a convenient, persistent Second Screen for notifications. Performance is lauded for its advanced manual video controls, a versatile wide-angle camera lens, and exceptional audio fidelity, although the experience is hampered by a cluttered software interface and complex camera software. Despite a stunning 5.7-inch Quad HD display, the phone is marred by inconsistent battery life and features that may be overly complex for the average consumer.

The LG V20 is a feature-rich, durable phablet designed for enthusiasts, featuring a sturdy metal construction, a removable battery, and expandable storage. Key highlights include a 5.7-inch Quad HD display with a useful secondary screen, exceptional audio quality via its Hi-Fi Quad DAC, and advanced dual-camera capabilities with extensive manual controls. Despite these strengths, the device suffers from below-average battery life, a lack of water resistance, and a heavy software skin with significant bloatware.

The LG V20 is positioned by CNET as a niche device for audiophiles and content creators, featuring a high-fidelity 32-bit Quad DAC for superior audio, a removable battery, and a microSD slot. It boasts a 5.7-inch Quad HD display with a secondary "ticker" screen, while the Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of RAM ensure reliable performance. A major highlight is the dual rear camera system (16MP and 8MP wide-angle) that offers extensive manual controls, particularly for video. However, the review notes significant drawbacks, including underwhelming camera quality compared to rivals, with muddy low-light photos and washed-out colors. The 3,200mAh battery delivers merely mediocre life, and the phone lacks modern water resistance, making it less durable than competitors. Ultimately, CNET recommends the V20 for users prioritizing specialized audio and battery features, rather than general performance.