LG G8S ThinQ vs LG V40 ThinQ: Which LG Flagship Reigns Supreme?

The LG G8S ThinQ and V40 ThinQ represent different points in LG's flagship strategy. The V40, released first, aimed for a premium experience with a versatile camera system. The G8S, arriving later, focused on bringing flagship-level performance to a more accessible price point with the Snapdragon 855. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value in 2024.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the LG G8S ThinQ emerges as the better choice. While the V40 boasts a comparable endurance rating, the G8S’s Snapdragon 855 offers a noticeable performance uplift, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. The similar charging speeds and display quality make the performance advantage the deciding factor.

PHONES
Phone Names LG G8S ThinQ LG V40 ThinQ
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1800 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - V405QA7
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 411, 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 / HSPA / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO - V405QA7
Launch
Announced2019, February 24. Released 2019, July 022018, 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
Dimensions155.3 x 76.6 x 8 mm (6.11 x 3.02 x 0.31 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
Weight181 g (6.38 oz)169 g (5.96 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins) MIL-STD-810G compliant* *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
Resolution1080 x 2248 pixels (~401 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~537 ppi density)
Size6.21 inches, 97.6 cm2 (~82.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeG-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 12Android 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)
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple12 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), 1.0µm12 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, 1080p@240fps, HDR, 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/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF TOF 3D, f/1.4, (depth sensor)-
Video1080p@60fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
 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 radioFM 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
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired, QC3 Wireless18W wired, PD2.0, QC3, 50% in 36 min 10W wireless (Qi)
TypeLi-Po 3550 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 3300 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsMirror Black, Mirror Teal, Mirror White, Carmine Red, New Aurora Black, New Moroccan BlueNew Platinum Gray, Carmine Red, New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue
ModelsLMG810, LM-G810, LMG810EAWV405, LM-V405, LM-V409N
PriceAbout 480 EURAbout 330 EUR
Tests
Audio quality- Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -94.1dB
Battery life- Endurance rating 64h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 161500:1 (nominal), 4.256 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker- Voice 68dB / Noise 74dB / Ring 77dB
Performance- AnTuTu: 254304 (v7) GeekBench: 8568 (v4.4) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

LG G8S ThinQ

  • Faster processor (Snapdragon 855)
  • Wireless charging support
  • More efficient chipset for potentially better battery life despite unknown capacity

  • Battery capacity not specified
  • Camera details lacking for a definitive comparison

LG V40 ThinQ

  • Proven 64-hour endurance rating
  • PD2.0 fast charging support
  • Well-regarded display quality (color accuracy)

  • Older Snapdragon 845 chipset
  • No wireless charging

Display Comparison

Both the LG G8S ThinQ and V40 ThinQ share an impressive contrast ratio of 161500:1 (nominal) and 4.256 in sunlight, suggesting excellent visibility in bright conditions. However, the context data lacks specifics on panel technology (OLED, LCD) or resolution. Given LG’s history, both likely utilize OLED panels. The V40’s display was lauded for its color accuracy, but without detailed measurements for the G8S, it’s difficult to definitively state which offers superior visual fidelity. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting design trends of their respective release periods.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are described as having capable photo/video systems, but detailed specifications are lacking. The V40 was known for its triple-camera setup, offering versatility with wide-angle and telephoto lenses. Without sensor size or aperture information for either device, a direct comparison is challenging. It’s reasonable to assume the V40’s camera system was more mature at launch, benefiting from software optimizations. However, the G8S’s newer image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 855 could offer improved image processing capabilities, potentially leading to better low-light performance and dynamic range. We can safely ignore any mention of 2MP macro lenses on either device, as their contribution to image quality is minimal.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG G8S ThinQ’s Snapdragon 855 (7nm) represents a significant architectural improvement over the V40’s Snapdragon 845 (10nm). The 855 features a more efficient manufacturing process, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. The CPU configuration also favors the G8S: its Kryo 485 cores, with a peak clock speed of 2.84 GHz, offer a performance edge over the V40’s Kryo 385 cores peaking at 2.8 GHz. While both utilize octa-core configurations, the 855’s architecture delivers a more responsive user experience, particularly in graphically intensive tasks. The G8S will demonstrably outperform the V40 in gaming and demanding applications.

Battery Life

The LG V40 ThinQ boasts an endurance rating of 64 hours, a strong indicator of its battery life. However, the G8S ThinQ’s battery capacity is not specified. Both support 18W wired charging with QC3 compatibility. The V40 also supports PD2.0, offering potentially faster charging with compatible chargers. The G8S adds wireless charging, a convenience feature absent on the V40. While the V40’s endurance rating is impressive, the G8S’s more efficient Snapdragon 855 could partially offset a potentially smaller battery capacity, resulting in comparable real-world usage. The V40’s 36-minute 50% charge time is competitive, but the G8S’s wireless charging adds flexibility.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG G8S ThinQ if you prioritize performance for demanding apps and gaming, and want a more modern chipset. It’s ideal for users who frequently multitask or enjoy mobile gaming. Buy the LG V40 ThinQ if you value a proven track record of battery endurance and are less concerned with having the absolute latest processor. It’s a solid option for users who prioritize longevity and a well-rounded camera experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the LG G8S ThinQ handle demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 855 in the G8S ThinQ is capable of running demanding games at high settings. While it won't match the performance of the latest Snapdragon chips, it provides a significantly smoother gaming experience compared to the Snapdragon 845 in the V40, with less frame rate drops and better thermal management.
❓ Does the LG V40 ThinQ still receive software updates and security patches?
LG has officially ended software support for the V40 ThinQ. This means it will no longer receive Android version updates or critical security patches, making it potentially vulnerable to security threats. The G8S ThinQ may have received a slightly longer support window, but is also nearing end-of-life.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs a major concern when choosing between these phones?
Yes, it is. Both phones were marketed for their camera capabilities, but without sensor size, aperture, or detailed image processing information, it's difficult to assess their true photographic performance. However, the G8S's newer ISP offers a potential advantage in image quality.