Latest technologies, trends on show in Barcelona

The company goes big with each announcement and we can’t think of a single time in the past few years that another smartphone maker has managed to generate anywhere near as much buzz as Samsung at one of these shows. LG’s launch of a VR camera and headset springs from wanting to make its smartphones fun again, and Samsung’s proclivities towards Gear VR may spring from the fact that its 2016 flagships are very closely related to its 2015 offering. It certainly sounds innovative and we’d expect nothing less from LG.

But with all that having been said, there are clearly a handful of features on the new G5 that shine brighter than the rest.

If you follow the world of TVs, you’re aware that Samsung and LG trade punches on the regular.

Huawei is holding a press conference in Barcelona on 21 February, where it is expected to announce a new smartphone. LG G5 packs a number of interesting components; the notable one being the slide-out extension slot for use with other accessories that are also developed by the manufacturer. A Samsung representative told ABC News the “Always On” feature has a negligible effect on battery life. If this is a must-have feature for you, you just found your next smartphone. There’s 4GB of RAM and a 2,800mAh battery.

Of course, you can have a smartphone made from plastic, but Apple taught us right away that the best option is metal of some kind and even though you pay for it, you will not be disappointed.

If you were looking for a theme for Mobile World Congress, then it’s other worldly: MWC 2016 is about virtual reality. The first is the CAM Plus, a special camera accessory created to “deliver a comfortable grip and convenient control of a DSLR”.

It may seem odd to put such a focus on accessories, especially when you’re trying to get people hyped up about a new phone. Also, prices vary widely, from $1,500 for an Oculus Rift and a computers to power it, to quick-and-dirty $25 phone-driven experiences like Google Cardboard. LG is launching two modules initially – the LG Cam Plus and LG Hi-Fi Plus – which will add physical camera controls and high-end audio support.

After the declined sales for years, LG has kept high hopes with G5.

In a smartphone market dominated by relatively similar devices, LG has set itself apart with the G5.

The Facebook CEO, who over the weekend posted a photo of himself running (living up to one of his New Year’s resolutions) later stopped by Samsung’s Unpacked event, where he discussed Facebook’s long-term efforts to help shape the future of virtual reality.