LG G6 smartphone: Taking on the Samsung Galaxy S8

After the tepid response to last year's modular G5 device, South Korean giant LG has now unveiled a premium segment G6 smartphone that is water resistant and comes with a new display format, exceptional screen-to-body ratio, a wide-angle camera and more.

Priced at Rs 51,990, LG G6 has to compete with Apple iPhone 7, OnePlus 3T, Google Pixel and the newly-launched Samsung Galaxy S8, a real tough fight in the premium space. G6 is slim and the screen takes up approximately 80 per cent of the phone face. The metal frame that wraps around the perimeter of the phone imparts solidity and style with a soft matte finish.

G6 features a 5.7-inch QHD+ (2,880 x 1,440 resolution) FullVision display and an 18:9 screen aspect ratio, a first ever in any smartphone. Even with the large screen, the G6 fits comfortably in one hand, giving you a big screen experience without the inconvenience of a big phone.

The 163-gram device has 64GB storage (expandable with a hybrid SIM slot) and a 3,300 mAh battery. Like the G5, the G6 also comes with dual rear cameras, one standard 13MP and another 13MP camera with 125-degree wide angle lens.

Unlike the Apple iPhone 7 Plus, there is no "bokeh" effect but you can switch between the standard and the wide angle lens to capture more content in each frame.

Targeting Instagram users, LG has added a separate app called "Square Camera" that divides the 18:9 display into two identical perfect squares. With this, users can shoot images in 1:1 format, a popular format on social media apps such as Instagram and review them in the adjacent window.

Users can also create GIFs by combining between two and 100 photos from the gallery. The G6 can go just about anywhere without worry, thanks to its IP68 water and dust resistance that makes it safe to be immersed in up to 1.5 meters of water for as long as 30 minutes.

Apart from Google Pixel phones, G6 is the only other device that comes with Google Assistant built-in which works seamlessly and intuitively with LG apps, giving answers fast and managing everyday tasks.

G6 features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processing platform which is the same chipset in last year's OnePlus 3T and Google Pixel devices. Compared to the 821 processor, Qualcomm's latest 835 chipset is faster and quicker at recharging mobile batteries.

If you are looking for something new, LG's latest flagship smartphone with an exceptional screen-to-body ratio and an extra wide-angle camera will provide you something unheard of till date. ‘The Selfie Expert’ OPPO F3 – First sale begins across India today

By Anuj Sharma