LG G8S ThinQ vs. LG G8 ThinQ: Which Flagship Reigns Supreme?
| Phones Images | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG G8S ThinQ represents the better value. While both phones share the same Snapdragon 855 processor, the G8S’s slightly more efficient design and availability at a lower price point make it the more compelling choice. However, the G8’s faster 21W charging is a notable advantage for those prioritizing speed.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | LG G8S ThinQ | LG G8 ThinQ |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - USA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat19 1600/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat19 1600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| - | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 13, 20, 28, 46, 48, 66 - Verison | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019, February 24. Released 2019, July 02 | 2019, February 24. Released 2019, April 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 155.3 x 76.6 x 8 mm (6.11 x 3.02 x 0.31 in) | 151.9 x 71.8 x 8.4 mm (5.98 x 2.83 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 181 g (6.38 oz) | 167 g (5.89 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 | 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 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2248 pixels (~401 ppi density) | 1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~564 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.21 inches, 97.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | G-OLED, HDR10 | P-OLED, HDR10 |
| Always-on display | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) - single-SIM modelmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM model | microSDXC (dedicated slot) - single-SIM modelmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM model |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual or Triple | - | 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 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 |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 12 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1.4µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.6, 49mm (telephoto), 1.0µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 13 MP, f/2.4, 14mm (ultrawide), 1.0µm | - |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 1080p@240fps, HDR, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec. | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@240fps, HDR10, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF TOF 3D, f/1.4, (depth sensor) | 8 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.22µm, AF TOF 3D, f/1.4, (depth/biometrics sensor) |
| Video | 1080p@60fps | 1080p@60fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| 32-bit/192kHz audio | 32-bit/192kHz audio | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Face ID, Hand ID, fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3 Wireless | 21W wired, PD, QC3 9W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 3550 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Mirror Black, Mirror Teal, Mirror White, Carmine Red, New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue | Platinum Gray, New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue, Carmine Red |
| Models | LMG810, LM-G810, LMG810EAW | LMG820QM7, LM-G820UMB, LMG820UM0, LMG820UM1, LMG820UM2, LM-G820N, LM-G820, LM-G820QM |
| Price | About 480 EUR | About 350 EUR |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -94.1dB / Crosstalk -87.6dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 79h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: infinite |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 68dB / Noise 74dB / Ring 92dB |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 331537 (v7), 362730 (v8) GeekBench: 10735 (v4.4), 2700 (v5.1) GFXBench: 20fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LG G8S ThinQ
- Potentially better value due to lower price.
- Likely similar performance to the G8 due to the same chipset.
- May offer slightly improved power efficiency.
- Slower 18W charging compared to the G8’s 21W.
- Wireless charging wattage not specified.
LG G8 ThinQ
- Faster 21W wired charging with PD and QC3.
- Higher peak display brightness (655 nits).
- Infinite contrast ratio on the display.
- Generally more expensive than the G8S.
- Battery endurance is the same as the G8S despite faster charging.
Display Comparison
Both the LG G8 and G8S feature similar display technology, though specific panel details beyond the G8’s measured 655 nits peak brightness aren’t provided. The G8 boasts an infinite contrast ratio, suggesting a high-quality OLED panel. Without further data on color accuracy or refresh rate, the G8’s higher peak brightness is the only quantifiable difference, potentially offering better visibility in direct sunlight. The lack of LTPO technology in either model means variable refresh rates aren’t present, impacting power efficiency compared to newer displays.
Camera Comparison
Both the G8 and G8S are advertised as having capable photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is absent. Without knowing sensor sizes, apertures, or image processing algorithms, a direct comparison is impossible. The presence of a 'Photo / Video' designation suggests similar feature sets, but the G8S’s potential for slightly better power efficiency could translate to more consistent camera performance during extended use. The lack of detail regarding the 2MP macro camera on either device suggests it’s a secondary feature unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Performance
Both devices are equipped with the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration identical in clock speeds. This means raw processing power will be virtually indistinguishable between the two. The performance will be limited by thermal throttling, and without specific thermal design details, it’s difficult to predict which phone manages heat better. However, the G8S’s slightly later release may indicate minor optimizations in power management. RAM specifications are not provided, but both likely utilize LPDDR4X, common for 2019 flagships.
Battery Life
The LG G8 ThinQ boasts an endurance rating of 79 hours, indicating solid battery life. However, the G8S’s battery capacity is not specified. The G8 supports 21W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge 3 (QC3), while the G8S is limited to 18W with QC3. This means the G8 can charge significantly faster, potentially reaching 50% charge in less time. The G8 also supports 9W wireless charging, while the G8S’s wireless charging capabilities are simply listed as ‘Wireless’ without a specified wattage. The G8’s faster charging is a clear advantage for users who frequently need to quickly replenish their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG G8S ThinQ if you prioritize value and all-day battery life without sacrificing performance. It’s ideal for users who frequently use their phones for media consumption, social media, and everyday tasks. Buy the LG G8 ThinQ if you absolutely need the fastest possible charging speeds and are willing to pay a premium for it. This phone is best suited for power users who frequently find themselves needing to top up their battery quickly.