LG G8X ThinQ vs. LG V50S ThinQ 5G: A Detailed Comparison

Released within a similar timeframe, the LG G8X ThinQ and LG V50S ThinQ 5G represent LG’s flagship efforts before exiting the smartphone market. While both devices leverage the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, they cater to slightly different priorities. The G8X emphasizes display quality and endurance, while the V50S focuses on 5G connectivity and a more traditional flagship experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which offers the best value today.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user, the LG G8X ThinQ emerges as the stronger choice. Its significantly better endurance rating (111h) and brighter display (603 nits) provide a more consistently enjoyable experience, offsetting the V50S’s 5G capability which is less relevant in many markets today.

PHONES
Phone Names LG G8X ThinQ LG V50S ThinQ 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 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, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 40, 41
5G bands-41 NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 1960/75 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat19 1600/75 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - USACDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2019, September 06. Released 2019, November 012019, October. Released 2019, October
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)159.3 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.27 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight192 g (6.77 oz)192 g (6.77 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* *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)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, HDR10OLED, 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 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM modelmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM model
Internal128GB 6GB RAM256GB 8GB 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), 1.0µm12 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (standard), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 9mm (ultrawide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone 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@30/60/240fps, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm32 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/192kHz audio recording Tuned by Meridian Audio32-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/192kHz audio recording Tuned by Meridian Audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
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, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), 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 4000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsNew Aurora BlackAurora Black
ModelsLMG850EMW, LM-G850, 901LG, LM-G850NLM-V510N
PriceAbout 560 EURAbout 1100 EUR
SAR1.12 W/kg (body)     -
SAR EU0.90 W/kg (head)     -
Tests
Audio quality Noise -93.2dB / Crosstalk -93.4dB-
Battery life Endurance rating 111h -
Camera Photo / Video-
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)-
Loudspeaker -24.9 LUFS (Very good) -
Performance AnTuTu: 339726 (v7), 411980 (v8) GeekBench: 11251 (v4.4), 2870 (v5.1) GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)-

LG G8X ThinQ

  • Exceptional battery life (111h endurance)
  • Brighter display (603 nits) for outdoor visibility
  • More affordable price point

  • Camera specifications are unknown
  • Lacks dedicated 5G support

LG V50S ThinQ 5G

  • Integrated 5G connectivity
  • Potentially more advanced camera system
  • Traditional flagship design

  • Likely shorter battery life
  • Potentially higher price
  • 5G functionality may be limited by network availability

Display Comparison

The LG G8X ThinQ boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured 603 nits, compared to the V50S which lacks published brightness data but is expected to be lower based on market positioning. This brightness advantage translates to better visibility outdoors. Both displays share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting deep blacks, but the G8X’s higher peak brightness provides a more dynamic visual experience. While both likely utilize OLED technology, the G8X’s brightness is a clear differentiator for users who frequently consume content in bright environments.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature a 'Photo / Video' camera system, but detailed sensor information is missing. Without specifics on sensor size, aperture, or optical image stabilization (OIS), a definitive camera comparison is impossible. However, given the V50S’s positioning as a flagship, it likely features a more sophisticated camera system with potentially larger sensors and more advanced image processing. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely inconsequential, offering limited practical benefit. Image processing style will likely differ, with LG historically favoring vibrant, saturated colors.

Performance

Both the LG G8X ThinQ and the LG V50S ThinQ 5G are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485, and 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485). This means CPU performance will be virtually identical in day-to-day tasks and most gaming scenarios. The absence of RAM specifications in the provided data makes a direct comparison impossible, but both likely feature 6GB or 8GB of RAM. Thermal management will likely be similar, as both utilize the same chipset and similar form factors. The V50S’s 5G modem *could* introduce slightly higher thermal load during 5G usage, but this is unlikely to be significant.

Battery Life

The LG G8X ThinQ shines in battery endurance, achieving a measured 111-hour rating. The V50S’s battery life is not specified, but given its 5G modem and potentially larger display, it’s reasonable to assume it falls short of the G8X. Both devices support 21W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge 3 (QC3), as well as 9W wireless charging. The G8X’s superior endurance means users will likely rely less on wired charging, making its battery life a significant advantage for those who prioritize minimizing charging frequency.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG G8X ThinQ if you prioritize all-day battery life, a vibrant and bright display for media consumption, and a more affordable price point. Buy the LG V50S ThinQ 5G if you absolutely require 5G connectivity and prefer a more conventional flagship design, understanding that battery life will be a compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the LG G8X ThinQ's battery life hold up with heavy usage, like gaming or video streaming?
The LG G8X ThinQ's 111-hour endurance rating suggests excellent battery life even with demanding tasks. While heavy gaming will naturally drain the battery faster, the G8X's capacity and efficient Snapdragon 855 chipset should provide several hours of sustained use, significantly more than the V50S is likely to offer.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the LG V50S ThinQ 5G still relevant in 2024?
The relevance of the V50S's 5G connectivity depends heavily on your location and carrier. While 5G networks have expanded, coverage is still not universal. Furthermore, newer 5G standards (like mmWave) are not supported by the Snapdragon 855's modem. If you live in an area with robust 5G coverage and actively utilize 5G data, the V50S may be beneficial; otherwise, the G8X's superior battery life and display are more valuable.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 855 in these phones perform with modern apps and games?
The Snapdragon 855 remains a capable chipset for most modern apps and games, though it's not the latest and greatest. You can expect smooth performance in the majority of titles at medium to high settings. However, extremely demanding games may require reduced graphics settings to maintain consistent frame rates. Both phones will offer a similar gaming experience due to the identical chipset.