LG
LG G7 ThinQ
Aprox. 179€ - see price -
See specificationsWhile most manufacturers of high-end smartphones conform to the same photographic configuration, LG once again plays the card of originality. Rather than decking out the G7 ThinQ with a focal length suitable for portraiture, the South Korean manufacturer is trying to perfect the shooting system launched in 2016 with the LG G5, and thus combines an original ultra wide-angle module with a more classic wide- angle. Although the G7 does not benefit from any significant photographic innovation compared to its predecessors, it now benefits from an automatic scene recognition mode and a higher definition sensor for its second photo module.
Our review
Photo modules
Under the rear face of the LG G7 are therefore hiding two sensors of the same definition and the same size (16 Mpx / 1 / 3.1 ”/ 1 µm photosites): one coupled with an aperture optic at f / 1.6 and having a field angle of 71 ° (equivalent to a focal length of 30 mm in 24x36), and the other to a lens with an aperture of f / 1.9 and an angle 107 ° field of view (16mm equivalent in 24x36). The latter is therefore somewhat reduced compared to the previous ultra-wide angle modules of the firm - which therefore takes the opportunity to promise lower distortions. The most classic wide-angle module still benefits from an optical stabilization system while the front APN is equipped with an 8 Mpx sensor and offers a field of view of 80 ° (equivalent 26 mm in 24x36) and an aperture of f / 1.9.
As for the LG V30S ThinQ, we find the promises of LG concerning a successful marriage between photographic performance and artificial intelligence. Aiming in particular to free the user from the heavy task of adapting his shooting parameters according to the subject photographed, the AI integrated into the G7 ThinQ is based on the recognition of 19 different scenes (portrait, food, landscape, flower, snow, etc .). Note also the integration of a Super Bright Camera mode which allows, when there is insufficient light, to use the pixel binning technique - that is to say the combination of several pixels in order to increase the sensitivity of the sensor to the detriment of the definition of the images obtained.
A focal length corresponds to an angle of field - or angle of vision - covered by the camera equipped with the lens. The larger the focal length, the smaller the angle of view: we speak of a long focal length. Conversely, the shorter the focal length, the wider the field angle: we speak of wide-angle.
Captured from the same point of view, the images below show the difference between the angles of field respectively obtained with one and the other of the two back photo modules of the LG G7 ThinQ. The two focal lengths which equip them (equivalent to 30 mm and 16 mm in 24x36) are particularly suitable for landscape and architectural photography. Regarding the use of 16mm f / 1.9, it is however advisable to beware of the deformations inherent in the use of such a short focal length.
Although having largely participated in the democratization of photography, the advent of digital has made the choice of a camera and lenses more complex ...
Getting started
Taking largely the lines of its predecessor, the LG G7 ThinQ does not shine by its originality, but displays an elegant design and impeccable manufacturing quality. Similar to the vast majority of high-end terminals in 2018, the back of the G7 is made of glass - and will therefore easily collect any fingerprints. Despite a diagonal screen similar to the last Huawei smartphone (6.1 ”), its dimensions of 153.2 x 71.9 x 7.9 mm and its weight of 162 g make it a device less imposing than the P20 Pro.
As on the LG G5 and G6, the fingerprint reader of the G7 ThinQ finds its place on the back of the smartphone. It also keeps a jack port (in addition to a USB-C port), a micro-SD card reader as well as IP68 certification ensuring its resistance to dust, water splashes and immersion of 30 min maximum up to 1.50 m deep. A button dedicated to Google Assistant appears on the left edge of the terminal.
The G7's IPS screen has a diagonal of 6.1 ”(≈15.5 cm) and displays a resolution of 3,120 x 1,440 px. The laboratory measurements unfortunately prove to be somewhat disappointing: after selecting the Cinema color profile (the most faithful of the five available), the G7 ThinQ suffers from too high a color temperature and a Delta E (7600 K and 5.8) and of only correct contrast (1600: 1 approximately). Only the maximum brightness and the minimum brightness are satisfactory since at 900 and 4.6 cd: m² respectively.
The LG G7 has a shortcut common to many smartphones: when the smartphone is in standby, two presses of the lower volume key (located on the left edge) allow direct access to the shooting app. Once this app is open, the volume buttons are set to take a picture each time you press it.
Now there are several generations of high-end terminals that LG offers a shooting app relatively provided in parameters. Although it turns out to be minimalist in its aesthetics - which is not to displease us -, the photo shooting interface thus offers the user to take control of the white balance, the mode of focusing (automatic or manual), exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity and exposure time. In addition to a histogram, a pictogram allowing to automatically reset the settings according to the ambient light appears on the screen.
Also well thought out, a menu gives access to other parameters. It is for example possible to activate the HDR functionality (in automatic mode only) or to capture photos in RAW (DNG) format in addition to JPEG format (in manual mode only).
The manual mode dedicated to video capture is as complete as in the photo. The only real difference: the histogram is replaced here by indications concerning the cadence and the recording rate.
The video mode also has a menu allowing access to more advanced parameters. In addition to the choice of definition and frame rate, it is thus possible to film in HDR10 or to influence the recording rate and the quality of sound capture.
The editing app used by the LG smartphone is Google Photos. it manages both DNG and JPEG files and is relatively rich in functionality (the Luminance and Color tabs can be unrolled to display other tools).
Verdict
Largely inspired by its predecessor, the LG G7 ThinQ brings very few photographic innovations. Armed with an ultra wide-angle photo module (16mm equivalent in 24x36) in addition to a more conventional wide-angle (30mm equivalent), it nevertheless represents a breath of fresh air in a market marked by a tendency towards standardization. Instead of making the choice - rather rational - of a normal focal length suitable for capturing portraits, LG is betting a little crazy to integrate into its terminal a very short focal length with atypical rendering. The resulting shooting experience is enriched and the photos delivered are unique.
As for the G5 and G6, this photo module is nevertheless disappointing in terms of image quality. If its sensor allows a relatively accurate color transcription when the light is bright, the results in low light are less flattering. The originality of the optics also generates a lack of sharpness as well as homogeneity. The images captured using it are thus pleasant to look at on a smartphone, but suffer badly from cropping or viewing on a larger screen.
The G7 ThinQ's 16 Mpx 30 mm f / 1.6 module delivers honest images in broad daylight - less detailed than those of a OnePlus 5, but comparable to those of a Samsung Galaxy S9 +. That said, it is beaten by its competitors in low light situations. It disappoints with the average quality of its screen, but turns out to be a very good student with regard to the practicality of its shooting interface and the various parameters that it offers. The LG G7 is moreover capable in video thanks to a good level of sharpness and an effective autofocus.
Less versatile than a Huawei P20 Pro and less efficient than a Galaxy S9 +, the LG G7 ThinQ is nevertheless recommended by us. It constitutes for us a photographic solution not only original, but also capable in many shooting situations.
Not content with disrupting our photographic habits, smartphones have conquered a significant share of the photo market. If the ...
Conclusion
The only smartphone of the year 2018 to offer an original ultra wide-angle module (16 mm) in addition to a classic wide-angle (30 mm), the LG G7 ThinQ constitutes a singular shooting system. Unfortunately far from being the most precise smartphone of the moment in terms of image quality, it is nevertheless competent in broad daylight and very pleasant to use.
Specifications
Reviews
This phone is not unlocked.
The phone itself is in perfectly good condition, and the price is great for this phone.
This is listed as a factory unlocked phone. The model number inside the phone is listed as G710ULM, which is the unlocked variant. However, my current carrier claimed it was not compatible with their network, and upon checking the IMEI with LG, they were able to confirm that the phone is locked to Sprint. The phone also does not seem to be able to receive updates. Don't buy this.
Not the true unlocked model
The phone is in good condition but the color may not be as described.
The IMEI reveals that the actual model of this phone is LMG710PM, which is the Sprint model.
This prevents the phone from ever getting an update and Google Pay will not authenticate.
The true unlocked model is LMG710ULM and should have a S / N displayed - mine is blank.
Not factory unlocked
While the phone was in mint condition, it is useless to me because it was not factory unlocked as the title suggested. After realizing this is locked to Verizon Wireless, I called them and found out that there was another customer who was still making payments on this device so they couldn't unlock it for me.
Software version is modified...
This product came with the software version modified. So, no updates, no Google pay and no true unlocked model. Bought this phone in hopes that it was the "Designed for Fi" version ... But it's just compatible.
Phone came in excellent cosmetic condition, though.
Excellent price, looks, feels and works like new
Edit 4/2/2020: After trying to set up Google Pay, I discovered that this phone has the SW for the unlocked model flashed onto it, LMG710ULM, but is definitely not the factoy unlocked model. It won't update to Pie and GPay will not work, but other than that the phone is great. I believe the sellers should be a bit more honest about these things, or maybe they don't know about them. I'm still enjoying the phone and will be keeping it.
I was worried about buying a renewed phone but as soon as I opened the box, my worries were put to rest. My LG G7 looked brand new, no signs of wear and tear. I quickly checked to see if it was indeed the factory unlocked model and it was. Definitely satisfied with my purchase from Re-cell.
Great so far
Only had the phone for a day but so far so good. Phone works like new. Only odd things were the repackaging was off and amazon (i assume did the repacking) put in a non-oem charger and 2 cables. Also there was the previous persons sim card. But was as easy as putting my sim in and it was ready to go. (It was a sprint sim and i have at & t so the phone is unlocked)