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Long teased, the notched LG G7 ThinQ is finally official

The LG G7 ThinQ is now official and will start its roll out this month. (Source: LG)
The LG G7 ThinQ is now official and will start its roll out this month. (Source: LG)
After a lengthy trickle of teasers, both official and unofficial, LG has launched the G7 ThinQ. Yes, it includes a notched display, but it also introduces a number of new technologies not previously seen in a smartphone.

After a stream of official teasers and unofficial leaks, the LG G7 ThinQ is now official, and as expected, joins the ever growing list of devices featuring a large, iPhone X-style, notched display. While it has a “me too” look about it, LG has managed to differentiate the device in other ways, however. This includes its Super Bright 1000 nit LCD display, Hi-Fi quad DAC and it is the first smartphone to incorporate DTS:X audio with 7.1 channel virtual surround sound.

Like a number of smartphone makers who have opted for a notched display, LG is giving users the option to “hide” it using software UI workarounds. Unlike last year’s beautiful G6 that was stuck with Qualcomm’s ageing Snapdragon 821 chipset from 2016, the new G7 gets Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 845 from the outset. As with the G6, it comes in two major variants, a standard 64GB model with 4GB of RAM, and a G7+ model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. 

The G7 centers on a 6.1-inch 19.5:9 FullVision Super Bright Display that has a QHD+ resolution of 3120 x 1440 pixels for a pixel density of 564ppi. Its WRGB pixel array includes a white sub-pixel that helps it achieve up to 1000 nits of brightness for a period of up to 3 minutes, although it can be manually controlled as well. It is supposed to be 30 percent more efficient, allowing LG to keep the battery at 3,000mAh. Its ThinQ AI features are based largely around its camera as with the V30 ThinQ, which also supports new AI features set to debut in an updated version of Google Lens that will arrive at Google I/O.

Speaking of its cameras, the G7 has been upgraded with a new 8MP front facing camera with a f1.9 aperture and 90 degree range while the new rear main 16MP camera retains its Super Wide Angle approach with a f1.9 aperture and 107 degree scope. This is joined by a new 16MP standard angle lens with a f1.7 aperture and a 71 degree field of view. A new Live Photo mode captures frames one second before and after the shutter for “snippets of unexpected moments or expressions that would normally be missed.” Low light photos of the rear cameras are claimed to be four times brighter than typical photos shot in dim light.

In terms of all round audio performance, LG has really ramped things up with the G7 ThinQ. It retains the 3.5mm headphone jack and includes a Hi-Fi quad DAC that work best with high-impedance earphones favored by audiophiles. It is also the first smartphone to integrate DTS:X audio, giving it the ability to deliver virtual 3D sound for all content, simulating 7.1 channel surround with earphones. Its external speakers also take things up a notch with a new Boombox Speaker technology that uses internal space as a resonance chamber to deliver double the bass and much louder audio when placed on a flat surface.

Overall, the LG G7 ThinQ looks to be a strong contender. It is set to roll out in the coming days in South Korea, followed by major markets in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Pricing will be announced locally closer to the time of availability.

The LG G7 ThinQ comes in Platinum Grey, Aurora Black, Moroccan Blue and Raspberry Rose. (Source: LG)
The LG G7 ThinQ comes in Platinum Grey, Aurora Black, Moroccan Blue and Raspberry Rose. (Source: LG)

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2018 05 > Long teased, the notched LG G7 ThinQ is finally official
Sanjiv Sathiah, 2018-05- 3 (Update: 2018-05- 3)