LG's G series has consistently delivered innovative smartphones. Today, we're pitting two popular models against each other: the LG G3 Dual-LTE, a pioneer with its Quad HD display, and the LG G6, known for its stunning design and improved camera. Which one holds up best in a modern comparison?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The LG G6 is the clear winner. While the G3 boasts a beautiful display, the G6’s Snapdragon 821, improved camera, faster charging, and longer battery life make it a more compelling choice for today's users. The G3 remains a decent option for budget-conscious buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - D856 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 - SIM 1 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 7, 38, 39, 40, 41 - D858HK | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, October. Released 2014, November | 2017, February 26. Released 2017, April 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9 mm (5.76 x 2.94 x 0.35 in) | 148.9 x 71.9 x 7.9 mm (5.86 x 2.83 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 149 g (5.26 oz) | 163 g (5.75 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~534 ppi density) | 1440 x 2880 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~564 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 (~76.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 84.1 cm2 (~78.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | True HD-IPS + LCD | IPS LCD, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 | Quad-core (2x2.35 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8975AC Snapdragon 801 (28 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 330 | Adreno 530 |
| OS | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 5.0.2 (Lollipop) or v6.0 (Marshmallow) | Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), LG UX 8 UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.0 | UFS 2.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 30mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF, 3-axis OIS
13 MP, f/2.4, 12mm (ultrawide), no AF |
| Features | Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, 1/3.0", PDAF, OIS | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, HDR, stereo sound rec. | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, HDR, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2.1 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 18mm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 32-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | FM radio (market dependent) |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort), OTG | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wireless (Qi) (optional) | 18W wired, QC3, 50% in 30 min
Wireless (USA) |
| Stand-by | Up to 530 h (2G) / Up to 638 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 22 h (2G) / Up to 20 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 3300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Metallic Black, Silk White | Astro Black, Ice Platinum, Terra Gold, Marine Blue, Mystic White, Raspberry Rose, Moroccan Blue, Lavender Violet |
| Models | D858HK, D856 | H870, H870DS, H873, H870S, LGM-G600L, H872, H871, LS993, US997, vs988, VS988, LGM-G600K, LGM-G600S, AS993, LGUS997, H870AR, H872PR, H871S, H870I |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.65 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.46 W/kg (head) 0.38 W/kg (body) | 0.23 W/kg (head) 0.15 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -94.4dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 72h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 2053 (nominal), 3.556 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 66dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 74dB |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 158785 (v7)
GeekBench: 4175 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 8.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -94.4dB |
| Battery (old) | - | Endurance rating 72h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: 2053 (nominal), 3.556 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 66dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 74dB |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 158785 (v7)
GeekBench: 4175 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 8.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LG G3 Dual-LTE
- Stunning Quad HD display
- Wireless charging (optional)
- Compact size (for its time)
- Relatively affordable (used)
- Older chipset
- Shorter battery life
- Outdated software
- Camera not as competitive today
LG G6
- Excellent camera system
- Fast Snapdragon 821 processor
- Long battery life
- Modern design
- Fast charging (QC3)
- Can be difficult to find new
- Some users found the design less appealing than previous G series phones
Display Comparison
Both phones feature excellent displays, but the G6's slightly more modern panel and improved sunlight readability give it a slight edge. The G3's Quad HD resolution was groundbreaking at the time, but the G6's wider aspect ratio and overall refinement are noticeable.
Camera Comparison
The LG G6's camera system is a substantial upgrade over the G3. It offers improved image quality, better low-light performance, and additional features like wide-angle lens. While the G3's camera was good for its time, the G6's is simply superior.
Performance
The LG G6's Snapdragon 821 chipset is significantly faster and more efficient than the G3's Snapdragon 801. This translates to smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and better overall responsiveness. The G6's Kryo cores offer a more balanced performance profile.
Battery Life
The LG G6's endurance rating of 72 hours is a significant advantage over the G3. The G6 also supports faster charging (QC3) and wireless charging (optional), further enhancing its battery usability.
Buying Guide
The LG G3 Dual-LTE is ideal for users on a tight budget who prioritize a high-resolution display and don't need the latest features. The LG G6 is perfect for those seeking a premium experience with a great camera, solid performance, and a modern design.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the LG G3 still worth buying?
The LG G3 can be a decent budget option if you prioritize a high-resolution display and don't need the latest features. However, be aware of its age and limited software support.
❓ What is the main difference between the LG G3 and G6?
The LG G6 offers a significant upgrade in performance, camera quality, battery life, and design compared to the LG G3. The G6's Snapdragon 821 is notably faster, and its camera system is much more capable.
