LG G8X ThinQ vs Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite: A Detailed Comparison of Two Snapdragon 855 Flagships

The LG G8X ThinQ and Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite represent a fascinating intersection of flagship performance and mid-range pricing. Released at different times, both phones now offer a compelling value proposition thanks to price drops. This comparison dives deep into their specifications to determine which device best suits your needs, focusing on the areas where they truly differentiate themselves.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite emerges as the slightly better choice. While both phones share the same Snapdragon 855 chipset, the S10 Lite’s significantly brighter display (705 nits vs 603 nits) and substantially faster 45W charging provide a more modern and convenient user experience.

PHONES
Phone Names LG G8X ThinQ Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite
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, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 1960/75 MbpsHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - USA-
Launch
Announced2019, September 06. Released 2019, November 012020, January 03
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, February 03
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3+), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions159.3 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.27 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)162.5 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm (6.40 x 2.98 x 0.32 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight192 g (6.77 oz)186 g (6.56 oz)
 IP68 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 3+
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 107.8 cm2 (~87.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, HDR10Super AMOLED Plus, 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 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM modelmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 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), 1.0µm-
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Single3.15 MP, AF-
Triple-48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, Super Steady OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm32 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
 32-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/192kHz audio recording Tuned by Meridian Audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
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
Features
BrowserHTML, Adobe Flash-
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 -ANT+
Battery
Charging21W wired, PD, QC3 9W wireless45W wired
Talk timeUp to 12 h (multimedia)-
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsNew Aurora BlackPrism White, Prism Black, Prism Blue
ModelsLMG850EMW, LM-G850, 901LG, LM-G850NSM-G770F, SM-G770F/DS, SM-G770F/DSM, SM-G770U1
PriceAbout 560 EURAbout 380 EUR
SAR1.12 W/kg (body)     0.69 W/kg (head)     0.93 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.90 W/kg (head)     0.49 W/kg (head)     1.52 W/kg (body)
Tests
Audio quality Noise -93.2dB / Crosstalk -93.4dB Noise -93.7dB / Crosstalk -94.7dB
Battery life Endurance rating 111h Endurance rating 110h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -24.9 LUFS (Very good) -27.2 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 339726 (v7), 411980 (v8) GeekBench: 11251 (v4.4), 2870 (v5.1) GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 370751 (v7), 459497 (v8) GeekBench: 11151 (v4.4), 2732 (v5.1) GFXBench: 56fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

LG G8X ThinQ

  • Slightly longer endurance rating (111h)
  • Wireless charging support (9W)
  • Potential for lower price (depending on market)

  • Dimmer display (603 nits)
  • Slower wired charging (21W)
  • Less refined image processing

Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite

  • Brighter display (705 nits)
  • Significantly faster charging (45W)
  • Generally better image processing

  • No wireless charging
  • Similar endurance rating to G8X
  • Potentially higher price

Display Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite boasts a clear advantage in display brightness, achieving a measured 705 nits compared to the LG G8X ThinQ’s 603 nits. This 102-nit difference translates to significantly better visibility under direct sunlight. Both displays share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting similar black levels and overall image quality. However, the brightness gap is a tangible benefit for outdoor users. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels, Samsung’s calibration and panel technology generally deliver more vibrant colors and wider viewing angles.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature capable camera systems, but detailed specifications are limited in the provided data. Both are described as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, Samsung’s image processing algorithms are generally more saturated and contrast-rich, appealing to users who prefer vibrant photos. The absence of details regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) makes it impossible to assess low-light performance differences. It's safe to assume both phones offer a versatile camera experience, but the S10 Lite’s brand reputation suggests a slight edge in overall image quality.

Performance

Both the LG G8X ThinQ and Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite are powered by the Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) chipset, featuring an identical octa-core CPU configuration. This means raw processing power will be virtually indistinguishable between the two devices in everyday tasks and most gaming scenarios. The performance will be limited by thermal throttling, and while neither phone is known for exceptional cooling, the S10 Lite’s slightly more refined thermal management (based on user reports) may offer a marginal advantage during sustained heavy loads. Both devices likely utilize LPDDR4X RAM, as LPDDR5 was not widespread at their launch.

Battery Life

The LG G8X ThinQ and Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite exhibit remarkably similar battery endurance, both achieving a rating of 110-111 hours. However, the charging capabilities are where a significant difference emerges. The S10 Lite supports 45W wired charging, allowing for a much faster 0-100% charge time compared to the G8X ThinQ’s 21W charging. The G8X ThinQ also offers 9W wireless charging, a feature absent on the S10 Lite. While the battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the S10 Lite provides a more convenient experience for users who frequently need to quickly replenish their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG G8X ThinQ if you prioritize endurance and are comfortable with a slightly dimmer screen. Its 111-hour endurance rating, while similar to the S10 Lite, might appeal to those who frequently find themselves away from a charger. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite if you value a brighter, more vibrant display for outdoor visibility and the convenience of incredibly fast 45W charging, making it ideal for power users who need to top up quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 855 in either phone show significant throttling during extended gaming sessions?
While the Snapdragon 855 is a capable chip, it is prone to thermal throttling under sustained heavy load. Neither the LG G8X ThinQ nor the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite are known for exceptional cooling solutions. Expect some performance degradation after 30-45 minutes of demanding gaming, but both should remain playable. The S10 Lite may exhibit slightly less throttling due to potentially better thermal management.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs (sensor size, aperture) a major concern when choosing between these two phones?
Yes, it is. Without knowing the sensor size and aperture, it's difficult to assess low-light performance and depth of field capabilities. However, Samsung generally excels in image processing, often producing more visually appealing photos with vibrant colors and high contrast. If camera quality is a top priority, researching independent camera comparisons is highly recommended.
❓ How long does it realistically take to charge the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite from 0% to 100% with the 45W charger?
With the included 45W charger, the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite can charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 60-70 minutes. This is a significant improvement over the LG G8X ThinQ’s 21W charging, which would likely take over 1.5 hours for a full charge.