Google Pixel 5 vs LG V60 ThinQ 5G UW: A Detailed Performance and Value Comparison

The Google Pixel 5 and LG V60 ThinQ 5G UW represent distinct approaches to the 5G smartphone market. The Pixel 5, released in late 2020, prioritized a refined software experience and efficient performance at a more accessible price point. The LG V60, also a 2020 flagship, aimed for raw power with the Snapdragon 865, but has seen significant price drops since its initial launch, making a direct comparison relevant for budget-conscious buyers.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing software experience and consistent performance, the Google Pixel 5 is the better choice. While the LG V60 boasts a more powerful Snapdragon 865, the Pixel 5’s optimized software and excellent battery life offer a smoother, more reliable daily experience, especially given the current price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names Google Pixel 5 LG V60 ThinQ 5G UW
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 66, 712, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 28, 46, 48, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 258, 260, 261 Sub6/mmWave - GD1YQ260, 261 mmWave
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat22, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 28, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78 Sub6 - GTT9QCDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2020, September 302020, February 26. Released 2020, April 02
StatusAvailable. Released 2020, October 15Discontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions144.7 x 70.4 x 8 mm (5.70 x 2.77 x 0.31 in)169.3 x 77.6 x 8.9 mm (6.67 x 3.06 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + eSIMNano-SIM (pre-installed)
Weight151 g (5.33 oz)218 g (7.69 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min)IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) MIL-STD-810G compliant* Method 516.6, Procedure IV "Transit Drop" *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 6Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~432 ppi density)1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density)
Size6.0 inches, 87.6 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+P-OLED, HDR10+
 Always-on displayAlways-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)
GPUAdreno 620Adreno 650
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14Android 10, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotNomicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM model
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual12.2 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/2.2, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm64 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (standard), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/1.9, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, f/1.4, (depth)
FeaturesLED flash, Pixel Shift, Auto-HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps; gyro-EIS8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p, HDR10+, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm10 MP, f/1.9, 30mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.22µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack NoYes
35mm jackNoYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 -32-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/192kHz audio recording
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoFM radio (USA model only)
USBUSB Type-C 3.1USB Type-C 3.1, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired, PD2.0 12W wireless 5W reverse wiredWired, PD2.0, QC4 Wireless
TypeLi-Po 4080 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsJust Black, Sorta SageClassy Blue, Classy White
ModelsGD1YQ, GTT9Q, G5NZ6LM-V600VML, LMV600VML
Price€ 181.31 / $ 272.44 / £ 136.00About 870 EUR
SAR-0.85 W/kg (head)     1.12 W/kg (body)
Pricing
128GB 8GB RAM$ 194.84-
RENEWED$ 253.00-
Tests
Battery life Endurance rating 95h -
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)-

Google Pixel 5

  • Exceptional camera software and image quality
  • Clean and bloatware-free Android experience
  • Excellent battery life (95h endurance)

  • Less powerful processor compared to the LG V60
  • Limited charging speed (18W)

LG V60 ThinQ 5G UW

  • More powerful Snapdragon 865 processor
  • Faster charging support (QC4)
  • Potentially larger display size

  • Less refined software experience
  • Potentially shorter software update lifespan
  • Higher power consumption

Display Comparison

The LG V60 doesn't list its peak brightness, but given its flagship status, it likely matches or exceeds the Pixel 5’s measured 699 nits. However, the Pixel 5’s display benefits from Google’s color calibration, ensuring accurate and pleasing visuals. Both devices feature an 'infinite' contrast ratio, typical of OLED panels. The V60’s larger screen size (not specified in the data, but known from market specs) will appeal to media consumers, while the Pixel 5’s more compact form factor is preferable for one-handed use.

Camera Comparison

While both phones are capable, the Pixel 5’s strength lies in its computational photography. The data doesn’t provide sensor details, but Pixel phones are renowned for their image processing algorithms, delivering excellent dynamic range and detail. The LG V60, with its Snapdragon 865 ISP, can handle more complex image processing, but relies more on hardware than software optimization. Without sensor size information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the Pixel 5’s software advantage is a significant factor.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Pixel 5 utilizes the Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G, while the LG V60 packs the more potent SM8250 Snapdragon 865. The 865’s Cortex-A77 cores (2.84 GHz) offer a significant performance advantage over the 765G’s Kryo 475 cores (2.4 GHz). This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the V60. However, the 7nm+ process of the 865 doesn’t guarantee sustained performance; thermal throttling could become a factor under heavy load. The Pixel 5’s 765G, while less powerful, is more efficient, potentially leading to better sustained performance in less demanding scenarios. The 8GB of RAM in both devices is sufficient for most users.

Battery Life

The Pixel 5 boasts an endurance rating of 95 hours, indicating excellent battery life. While the LG V60’s battery capacity isn’t specified, its more powerful processor will likely consume more power. The Pixel 5’s 18W wired charging with PD2.0 is adequate, while the LG V60 supports both PD2.0 and QC4, potentially offering faster charging speeds. The Pixel 5 also includes 12W wireless and 5W reverse wired charging, features not explicitly mentioned for the V60.

Buying Guide

Buy the Google Pixel 5 if you need a phone with a clean, bloatware-free Android experience, exceptional camera software, and long-term software support. It’s ideal for users who value simplicity and reliability over raw horsepower. Buy the LG V60 ThinQ 5G UW if you prioritize maximum processing power for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, and are comfortable with a less refined software experience and potentially shorter software update lifespan.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 865 in the LG V60 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 865 is a powerful chip, but it's known to generate significant heat under sustained load. While the LG V60 has cooling mechanisms, thermal throttling is a possibility, potentially reducing performance during long gaming sessions. The Pixel 5’s Snapdragon 765G is less prone to overheating.
❓ How does the software update commitment differ between the Pixel 5 and the LG V60?
Google provides guaranteed software updates for Pixel devices for a longer period than LG typically offers for its smartphones. The Pixel 5 will receive Android version and security updates for several years, ensuring a more secure and up-to-date experience compared to the LG V60.
❓ Does the LG V60 support the faster mmWave 5G networks?
The 'UW' in LG V60 ThinQ 5G UW indicates support for mmWave 5G, offering potentially faster speeds in areas with mmWave coverage. The Pixel 5 supports sub-6GHz 5G, which has wider coverage but generally slower speeds.