The Mobile World Congress 2019 is raining 5G and foldable phones, but it is the former camp that keeps getting better and better. In addition to the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S10 5G and Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 5G, we also have the LG V50 ThinQ, the company’s first to feature the next-gen 5G technology.
Unfortunately, 5G is arguably the only exciting thing about the LG V50 ThinQ, especially when the outgoing LG V40 comes into the picture. The former uses the same chassis as the latter, something that should play in favor of pricing since LG basically cut costs by re-using the same development and manufacturing process.
Of course, being a 2019 flagship smartphone, the LG V50 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor that draws its 5G capabilities from the same company’s Snapdragon X50 modem.
According to LG:
Giving consumers the ability to enjoy all 5G has to offer as soon as service becomes available, the groundbreaking LG V50 ThinQ 5G has been carefully crafted to provide an exceptional user experience. LG’s first 5G handset will exceed expectations, allowing users to experience high-quality content at 5G speeds.
Of worth noting in the above statement is as soon as the service becomes available. Apparently, not so many markets are ready for 5G. Heck, even the U.S. isn’t fully ready for this kind of technology despite The President asking for more, which is why LG is careful with the choice of words here.
Here are the rest of the LG V50 ThinQ specs
- 6.4-inch 19.5:9 QHD+ (3120×1440) POLED FullVision display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 processor
- Snapdragon X50 5G modem
- 6GB RAM
- 128GB expandable storage, up to 2TB
- Tri-lens main camera: 16MP (super-wide lens of 107°, f/1.9 aperture) + 12MP (standard lens of 78°, f/1.5 aperture) + 12MP (telephoto lens of 45°, f/2.4 aperture)
- Dual-lens front camera: 8MP (standard lens of 80°, f/1.9 aperture) + 5MP (wide lens of 90°, f/2.2 aperture)
- 4000mAh battery
- Android 9 Pie
- Extras: 5G connectivity, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack, Quad DAC, Stereo Boombox, Quick Charge 3.0, 10W wireless charging, IP68, MIL-STD 810G, face unlock, Rear-mounted FPS, NFC, etc.
As for availability, the LG V50 will be sold in the U.S. through Sprint and Verizon, with the former confirming sales will begin this Spring while customers of the latter carrier will wait until this summer. Unfortunately, there is room for AT&T and T-Mobile.
None of LG or the two carriers have said anything regarding the price, but still, don’t expect anything cheaper than the launch price of the LG V40, which started at $920. The LG V50 ThinQ will be sold in Astro Black, although we are likely to see more paint jobs after the phone goes official later this year.
