The LG Q8 is a waterproof, more compact version of the V20

The Q8 packs most of the marquee features of the V20 into a smaller, waterproof chassis, but the design changes seen in the G6 and Q6 didn't make the cut. (Source: LG)

LG has put most of the features of its last-year flagship, the V20, into a smaller, waterproof chassis. Unfortunately, a removable battery was lost in the process.

Douglas Black, Published 07/21/2017

Android ARM

The LG V30 might be set for a reveal any day now, but that hasn't stopped the Korean electronics giant from releasing a new phone that essentially repackages last year's V20 into a more compact, waterproof chassis. The LG Q8 is part of LG's new mid-range Q series (of which the Q6 was unveiled a week ago) and occupies the slightly higher position over the Q6 that its namesake suggests.

The LG Q8 takes the 5.7-inch V20's Snapdragon 820 SoC, 4GB ram, wide angle camera, DAC, and secondary ticker display and snugly fits them into a slightly smaller 5.2-inch chassis. Not only is the Q8 more pocketable, but it's IP67 water resistance means that it can be submerged in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. Unfortunately, one feature that didn't make the cut was a removable battery — something that distinguished the V20 beyond its secondary display gimmick. The Q8 also lacks the 2:1 display ratio that the G6 and Q6 feature, which would have been a big plus for users who try to get a bit of work done on their smartphones.

The Q8 is said to ship in July, though the end of the month is fast approaching.