LG G7 ThinQ

LG G7 ThinQ now in Australia

The LG G7 ThinQ is its most advanced smartphone yet. To celebrate is lunch LG is giving a bonus LG ThinQ Meridian tuned Google Assistant speaker valued at $299.

The G7 ThinQ (Australian website here) is not its top flagship model. That is reserved for the lovely V30S ThinQ (which we have not seen in Australia yet). And yes, we are going to get tired of typing ThinQ for everything LG now makes.

LG G7 ThinQ
Bargain – Meridian tuned speakers are awesome

Bruce Leigh, Marketing Manager for Mobile at LG Australia, said, “Year-on-year LG outdoes itself in the smartphone space, rivalling some of the best handsets on the market with form and features. Our focus is always on innovation and what we’re bringing with the G7 ThinQ is a richer, more immersive experience that opens the door to a mobile future led by AI.”

We will be reviewing this soon but here is our first look at a formidable smartphone.

LG G7 ThinQ specifications

Rather than bury you in specs here is what is important.

  • Processor: Qualcomm 845 (cant do better in 2018)
  • Screen: 6.1-inch, 3120 x 1440, 19.5:9 ratio, IPS LCD with 82.6% screen-to-body ratio, Gorilla Glass 5. Supports 100% DCI-P3 cinema colour, Dolby Vision and HDR 10 (1000 nits – very good). OLED is for the V series. And it has a hide-able ‘notch’.
  • RAM/Storage: 4GB/64GB UFS 2.0, with microSD slot for 400GB, USB-C 2.0 (3.1 compatible) OTG 2TB support
  • Rear Camera: 16MP (71°, f/1.6, OIS, laser&PDAF) and 16MP (107°, f/1.9, fixed focus), 2160p@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, HDR, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec. AI cam features.
  • Front camera: 8MP (80°, f/1.9) 1080p
  • 2 x 71.9 x 7.9 mm x 162g
  • Android 8.x (upgrade to 9.x when available) with full Google Assistant, Lens and Walkie Talkie
  • Wi-Fi AC. Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, FM radio, fingerprint sensor
  • 32-bit/192kHz Hi-Fi Quad audio DAC, DTS-X 3D 7.1 sound, 2 x ANC mic with super far-field recognition, BoomBox speaker, 3.5mm jack, handsfree earbuds
  • IP68 (1.5m for 30min) and MIL-STD-810G compliant
  • LTE bands 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,12,13,17,20,28,32,38,39,40,41,46
  • 3000 mAh battery with Qnovo, Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 and Qi wireless charge
  • Colours: Aurora Black, Platim=num Grey, Raspberry Rose, Moroccan Blue (not all available at launch)
  • RRP: $1099 from JB HiFi and Mobileciti

The camera looks good

The AI features now include 19 shooting modes for even more intelligence-optimised shots. Users improve their photos by choosing from three other effect options if the AI one recommended doesn’t suit their tastes.

Live Photo mode records one second before and after the shutter is pressed for snippets of unexpected moments that would normally be missed. Stickers uses face recognition to generate fun 2D and 3D overlays such as sunglasses and headbands that can be viewed directly on the display.

Portrait Mode generates professional looking shots with out-of-focus backgrounds. This bokeh effect can be generated using either the standard or Super Wide-Angle lens, giving shutterbugs even more creative options.

GadgetGuy’s take – we like LG smartphones

My experiences with the G4, G5 and G6 have all be excellent. Good design, camera, screens and a nice clean Android experience. In fact, the G5 was my go-to smartphone due to its then innovative dual lens. It was perfect for travels.

The LG G7 ThinQ specifications are impressive. I can even excuse the IPS LCD screen because of its amazing 1,000 nits brightness. That is amazing.

Hi-Fi sound, a proven dual-lens camera, MIL-STD, IP68, Qi charging, 3.5mm jack  – what is not to like?

Overall it has all the ingredients for a runaway success. LG makes quality smartphones and should be on your shopping list.