LG G8 ThinQ vs LG V40 ThinQ: Which Flagship Reigns Supreme?

Released within a year of each other, the LG G8 ThinQ and V40 ThinQ represent LG’s flagship efforts in 2018 and 2019 respectively. While both devices share the ‘ThinQ’ branding and a focus on multimedia, they diverge significantly in processing power, display technology, and battery endurance. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone offers the best value in today’s market.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the LG G8 ThinQ emerges as the superior choice. The Snapdragon 855 offers a noticeable performance uplift over the V40’s Snapdragon 845, coupled with faster charging and slightly better battery life. While the V40 boasts a higher nominal contrast ratio, the G8’s brighter display provides a better viewing experience in direct sunlight.

PHONES
Phone Names LG G8 ThinQ LG V40 ThinQ
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - V405QA7
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - USA1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 - V405QA7
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat19 1600/150 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 13, 20, 28, 46, 48, 66 - VerisonCDMA2000 1xEV-DO - V405QA7
Launch
Announced2019, February 24. Released 2019, April 112018, October 03. Released 2018, October 16
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions151.9 x 71.8 x 8.4 mm (5.98 x 2.83 x 0.33 in)158.8 x 75.7 x 7.6 mm (6.25 x 2.98 x 0.30 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight167 g (5.89 oz)169 g (5.96 oz)
 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 conditionsIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) MIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~564 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~537 ppi density)
Size6.1 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLED, HDR10P-OLED, HDR10
 Always-on displayAlways-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)
GPUAdreno 640Adreno 630
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot) - single-SIM modelmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM modelmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual or Triple12 MP, f/1.5, 27mm (standard), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/1.9, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, no AF or 12 MP, f/1.5, 27mm (standard), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 16 MP, f/1.9, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, no AF 12 MP, 52mm (telephoto), f/2.4, 1.0µm, 2x optical zoom, dual pixel PDAF, OIS-
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple-12 MP, 27mm (standard), f/1.5, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, 3-axis OIS 12 MP, 52mm (telephoto), f/2.4, 1.0µm, 2x optical zoom, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, 16mm (ultrawide), f/1.9, 1/3.1", 1.0µm, no AF
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@240fps, HDR10, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec.4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., HDR video, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual-8 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (standard), 1/3.2", 1.4µm 5 MP, 21mm (wide), f/2.2, 1.4µm
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single8 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.22µm, AF TOF 3D, f/1.4, (depth/biometrics sensor)-
Video1080p@60fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
 32-bit/192kHz audio32-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/48kHz audio recording Tuned with Meridian Audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioFM radio (market/region dependent)FM radio (market/region dependent)
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNAWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
SensorsFace ID, Hand ID, fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging21W wired, PD, QC3 9W wireless18W wired, PD2.0, QC3, 50% in 36 min 10W wireless (Qi)
TypeLi-Po 3500 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 3300 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsPlatinum Gray, New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue, Carmine RedNew Platinum Gray, Carmine Red, New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue
ModelsLMG820QM7, LM-G820UMB, LMG820UM0, LMG820UM1, LMG820UM2, LM-G820N, LM-G820, LM-G820QMV405, LM-V405, LM-V409N
PriceAbout 350 EURAbout 330 EUR
Tests
Audio quality Noise -94.1dB / Crosstalk -87.6dB Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -94.1dB
Battery life Endurance rating 79h Endurance rating 64h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: infinite Contrast ratio: 161500:1 (nominal), 4.256 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker Voice 68dB / Noise 74dB / Ring 92dB Voice 68dB / Noise 74dB / Ring 77dB
Performance AnTuTu: 331537 (v7), 362730 (v8) GeekBench: 10735 (v4.4), 2700 (v5.1) GFXBench: 20fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 254304 (v7) GeekBench: 8568 (v4.4) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

LG G8 ThinQ

  • Superior performance with Snapdragon 855
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility
  • Faster wired charging (21W)
  • Better battery endurance (79h)

  • Slower wireless charging (9W)
  • Contrast ratio not explicitly specified

LG V40 ThinQ

  • Higher nominal contrast ratio (161500:1)
  • Slightly faster wireless charging (10W)
  • Potentially lower price point (depending on market)
  • Versatile triple camera system

  • Less powerful Snapdragon 845
  • Lower peak display brightness
  • Shorter battery endurance (64h)
  • Slower wired charging (18W)

Display Comparison

The LG G8 ThinQ’s display achieves a peak brightness of 655 nits, a significant advantage over the V40’s 4.256 nits in sunlight readability. While the V40 touts a nominal contrast ratio of 161500:1, a figure the G8 doesn’t directly match (reported as infinite), real-world viewing often prioritizes brightness and color accuracy. Both displays offer a similar overall experience in controlled lighting, but the G8’s higher peak brightness makes it more versatile for outdoor use. The lack of specific panel technology details for either phone makes it difficult to assess color gamut coverage or viewing angles beyond subjective observation.

Camera Comparison

Both the LG G8 and V40 ThinQ feature versatile camera systems capable of capturing both photo and video. However, detailed sensor specifications are absent from the provided data. The V40’s triple-camera setup was a standout feature at its launch, but without knowing the sensor sizes and apertures, a direct comparison is difficult. The image processing style between the two devices is likely different, with LG historically favoring vibrant colors. The absence of information regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device prevents a definitive assessment of low-light performance. It's safe to assume both phones offer a competent camera experience, but the G8’s newer image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 855 likely provides an advantage in dynamic range and noise reduction.

Performance

The LG G8 ThinQ’s Snapdragon 855 (7nm) represents a generational leap over the V40’s Snapdragon 845 (10nm). The 855’s more efficient manufacturing process and architectural improvements translate to better performance and thermal management. The G8’s CPU configuration – octa-core with a 2.84 GHz Kryo 485 prime core – provides a performance edge over the V40’s 2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold cores. This difference is particularly noticeable in sustained workloads, where the 855 is less prone to throttling. While both phones are capable of handling everyday tasks, the G8 offers a smoother experience with demanding games and applications.

Battery Life

The LG G8 ThinQ boasts an endurance rating of 79 hours, exceeding the V40’s 64 hours. This improvement is attributable to both the more efficient Snapdragon 855 and potentially a slightly optimized battery management system. The G8 also supports 21W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge 3 (QC3), allowing for faster charging compared to the V40’s 18W wired charging with PD2.0 and QC3. While both phones offer wireless charging, the G8’s 9W output is slower than the V40’s 10W. However, the G8’s faster wired charging mitigates this difference, offering a quicker path to a full charge.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG G8 ThinQ if you prioritize performance for demanding applications like gaming or video editing, and value faster charging speeds. Its brighter display is also ideal for outdoor use. Buy the LG V40 ThinQ if you are seeking a device with a potentially superior contrast ratio for media consumption in darker environments, and are willing to trade some processing power and charging speed for a potentially lower price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 855 in the G8 ThinQ handle demanding games like PUBG or Fortnite at high settings?
Yes, the Snapdragon 855 is more than capable of handling demanding games like PUBG and Fortnite at high settings. Its improved GPU and thermal management minimize throttling, ensuring a smoother and more consistent gaming experience compared to the Snapdragon 845 in the V40.
❓ Does the LG G8 ThinQ support 8K video recording, and if so, what are the limitations?
While the Snapdragon 855 supports 8K video recording, the LG G8 ThinQ’s camera specifications don’t explicitly confirm this feature. Even if supported, 8K recording is likely limited by storage space and may require significant post-processing due to the large file sizes.
❓ Is the difference in contrast ratio between the V40 and G8 noticeable in everyday use?
The difference in nominal contrast ratio is most noticeable in dark environments when viewing content with deep blacks. However, the G8’s significantly brighter display often provides a more pleasing viewing experience overall, especially in brighter conditions, effectively mitigating the contrast ratio difference for many users.
❓ How does the LG G8 ThinQ’s Air Motion feature impact battery life?
LG’s Air Motion feature, while innovative, can contribute to increased battery consumption. Constantly using hand gestures to control the phone requires the sensors to remain active, drawing power. Users concerned about battery life may choose to disable this feature.