The company's big comeback still feels like a work in progress.
G5
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Type Smartphone (Android) Camera yes Internal memory 32 GB Screen size 5.3 inches
LG thinks it's time for a change. Rather than build just another thin, fast flagship, the company's latest work lets you augment it with purpose-built, snap-on accessories. Say hello to the G5, a phone with the potential to grow with you.
A lot of chutzpah went into LG's decision, and it's almost like LG had no choice but to be provocative: Recent figures indicate the company is still struggling to crack the upper tiers of the global smartphone market. To paraphrase a bit from the best television show of all time, ambition and overreaching are good. The problem is, LG had to somehow build a smartphone that's both functional and powerful now and easy to improve later. Alas, LG didn't quite clear the high bar it set for itself.
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KeyPros Great performance Dual-camera setup is fun, fascinating Modular design has potential
Cons The first add-on accessories aren't great Fit and finish doesn't impress Middling battery life
Summary
LG's choice to build a modular flagship smartphone is so brave it borders on nutty -- too bad the phone doesn't live up to its potential. It's a powerful smartphone with an inspired approach to photography, but it feels like LG made too many compromises to make the G5 work with its swappable modules. What's worse, neither of the so-called Friend modules we tested are game-changers. This phone's modularity means it might actually get better over time, but for now, it's still very much a work in progress.