LG G5 Takes Modular Smartphones Mainstream

Previous G-series owners may be somewhat shocked to learn that LG has eliminated the G5’s app drawer in favor of a more iPhone-like, single-layer UI. There’s no doubt that many of you have been reading about the LG G5’s specs, which leaked in the last couple of weeks.

Prices and release dates have yet to be announced, though the LG phone is expected in the United States in April. The 2,800mAh battery is also a part of this package, and it is removable, you can take it out by removing LG G5’s “chin” from the bottom of the device, which is a new concept.

As for the specifications, the LG G5 sports a 5.3-inch QHD display (1440×2560 pixels) featuring always-on display technology. Back in 2009 there was the Modu, while ZTE showed off a concept “Eco-Mobius” modular phone in 2014.

The phone has two rear cameras.

On a standard G5, what falls out is a 2,800 mAh battery. “We knew if it was just a matter of more megapixels in a display, it wouldn’t matter much”. Also of note, it adds 1,200 mAh of power to the phone.

Last but certainly not least, the LG G5 won’t be alone when it’s released later this year.

Under the hood of the LG G5 you’ll find Qualcomm’s latest and greatest Snapdragon 820 processor paired with 4GB RAM, and on the imaging front you’ll find the a16MP 135-degree wide angle lens on its rear, alongside an 8MP camera on the front. The always-on display will allow users to check time, notifications and battery status among other pieces of information. But there’s also a second 8-megapixel camera with a wide-angle lens on the back. The Cam Plus Module would also offer auto focus, exposure lock and will come fitted with the power, shutter, record, and zoom buttons.

A photographic tour of LG’s latest high-end smartphones, and its array of new “friends” accessories.

The Hi-Fi plus module, as you’ve probably guessed, bumps up the audio processing on the G5 to 24-bit quality, thanks to the help of the Bang and Olfusen tuned DAC (digital to analog converter). This accessory line-up includes the Snapdragon-powered LG 360 VR headset, a Sphero-like device called the Rolling Bot that comes with a built-in camera, a handheld 360-degree camera, and the LG Smart Controller for flying drones. These so-called “Friends” consist of plug-in and external modules that can be controlled from the phone or independently.

Instead with the LG G5, the company believes, it is time to reinvent the smartphone with a modular design. It’s also available in the following colours: Silver, Titan (grey), Pink, and Gold.