LG G8X ThinQ vs. LG G8 ThinQ: A Deep Dive into Battery, Display, and Performance

The LG G8 and G8X ThinQ represent LG's 2019 flagship efforts, both powered by the Snapdragon 855. While sharing a chipset, they diverge significantly in battery performance and display characteristics. This comparison dissects these differences, helping you determine which model best suits your needs, especially considering the G8X's later release and focus on extended usability.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing longevity, the LG G8X ThinQ is the clear winner. Its 111-hour endurance rating dwarfs the G8's 79 hours. However, if a brighter display is paramount, and battery life is less of a concern, the G8 ThinQ remains a viable option.

PHONES
Phone Names LG G8X ThinQ LG G8 ThinQ
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 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, 48, 66, 71 - USA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 1960/75 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat19 1600/150 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - USA2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 13, 20, 28, 46, 48, 66 - Verison
Launch
Announced2019, September 06. Released 2019, November 012019, February 24. Released 2019, April 11
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions159.3 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.27 x 2.98 x 0.33 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
Weight192 g (6.77 oz)167 g (5.89 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) 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* 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 (~403 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~564 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 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 (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 640Adreno 640
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM modelmicroSDXC (dedicated slot) - single-SIM modelmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM model
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual12 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 9mm (ultrawide), 1.0µm-
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
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single3.15 MP, AF-
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@240fps, HDR10, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec.
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm8 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.22µm, AF TOF 3D, f/1.4, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Video4K@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
 32-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/192kHz audio recording Tuned by Meridian Audio32-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio (market/region dependent)
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1, OTG
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
BrowserHTML, Adobe Flash-
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFace ID, Hand ID, fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging21W wired, PD, QC3 9W wireless21W wired, PD, QC3 9W wireless
Talk timeUp to 12 h (multimedia)-
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 3500 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsNew Aurora BlackPlatinum Gray, New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue, Carmine Red
ModelsLMG850EMW, LM-G850, 901LG, LM-G850NLMG820QM7, LM-G820UMB, LMG820UM0, LMG820UM1, LMG820UM2, LM-G820N, LM-G820, LM-G820QM
PriceAbout 560 EURAbout 350 EUR
SAR1.12 W/kg (body)     -
SAR EU0.90 W/kg (head)     -
Tests
Audio quality Noise -93.2dB / Crosstalk -93.4dB Noise -94.1dB / Crosstalk -87.6dB
Battery life Endurance rating 111h Endurance rating 79h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: infinite
Loudspeaker -24.9 LUFS (Very good) Voice 68dB / Noise 74dB / Ring 92dB
Performance AnTuTu: 339726 (v7), 411980 (v8) GeekBench: 11251 (v4.4), 2870 (v5.1) GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 331537 (v7), 362730 (v8) GeekBench: 10735 (v4.4), 2700 (v5.1) GFXBench: 20fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

LG G8X ThinQ

  • Significantly longer battery life (111h endurance)
  • Potentially better sustained performance due to battery capacity
  • Same flagship-level processing power as the G8

  • Slightly dimmer display compared to the G8
  • Camera specs are identical to the G8, offering no photographic advantage

LG G8 ThinQ

  • Brighter display for improved outdoor visibility (655 nits)
  • Same flagship-level processing power as the G8X
  • Potentially lower price point due to being an older model

  • Significantly shorter battery life (79h endurance)
  • Less forgiving for heavy users or extended periods away from a charger

Display Comparison

The LG G8 ThinQ boasts a brighter display, peaking at 655 nits, compared to the G8X's 603 nits. This 8.4% difference translates to better visibility under direct sunlight. Both displays share an 'infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels. However, the data doesn't reveal panel technology differences (e.g., OLED vs LCD) or refresh rates, which would further refine the comparison. The G8's higher peak brightness is a tangible benefit for outdoor users.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature a 'Photo / Video' camera system, but the provided data lacks specifics regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing algorithms. Without this information, a meaningful camera comparison is impossible. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is likely a marketing feature with limited real-world impact. Image quality will likely be similar, relying heavily on LG's software processing.

Performance

Both the LG G8X and G8 ThinQ are equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration identical in clock speeds. This means raw processing power is virtually identical. The absence of information regarding RAM speed (LPDDR4X is likely) and thermal management solutions makes it difficult to predict sustained performance differences. However, the G8X's larger battery *could* indirectly contribute to better sustained performance by allowing for more aggressive CPU throttling management without impacting usability.

Battery Life

The most significant difference lies in battery endurance. The LG G8X ThinQ achieves an impressive 111-hour endurance rating, a substantial 40% improvement over the G8 ThinQ's 79 hours. Both support 21W wired charging (PD, QC3) and 9W wireless charging. This means the G8X's advantage isn't in charging speed, but in how long it can operate on a single charge. The G8X's larger battery capacity (not specified in the data, but implied by the endurance rating) is the key factor here.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG G8X ThinQ if you need all-day battery life and frequently use your phone for media consumption or demanding tasks. Its superior endurance makes it ideal for travelers or users away from power outlets. Buy the LG G8 ThinQ if you prioritize a brighter screen for outdoor visibility and are comfortable with more frequent charging, or if you find a significantly better deal on the older model.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 855 in either phone exhibit noticeable throttling during prolonged gaming sessions?
While both phones use the Snapdragon 855, the G8X's larger battery capacity *could* allow for more aggressive thermal throttling without impacting user experience as severely. However, without detailed thermal testing data, it's impossible to definitively say which phone handles sustained loads better. Both will likely experience some throttling under extreme conditions.
❓ Is the difference in display brightness between the G8X and G8 noticeable in everyday use?
The 52-nit difference in peak brightness is most noticeable outdoors in direct sunlight. Indoors, or in shaded environments, the difference will be less apparent. Users who frequently use their phones outdoors will benefit more from the G8's brighter display.
❓ Given the battery life difference, how much longer can I realistically expect the G8X to last on a single charge compared to the G8?
The 40% endurance rating translates to roughly 32 additional hours of typical usage. However, actual battery life varies significantly based on usage patterns (screen-on time, app usage, network conditions). Heavy users will see a more substantial difference than light users.