The LG G6, released in 2017, represented a high-end flagship experience with its premium build and powerful Snapdragon 821 processor. The LG Q60, launched several years later, targets the budget-conscious market. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, helping you determine if the G6’s aging flagship features still hold value or if the Q60’s affordability makes it the smarter choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users in 2024, the LG G6 remains the superior choice. While older, its Snapdragon 821 chipset delivers significantly better performance than the Q60’s Helio P22, making it more capable for demanding tasks and future-proofing. The G6’s 72-hour endurance rating also provides a more reliable battery experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 38 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, February. Released 2019, May | 2017, February 26. Released 2017, April 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 161.3 x 77 x 8.7 mm (6.35 x 3.03 x 0.34 in) | 148.9 x 71.9 x 7.9 mm (5.86 x 2.83 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 163 g (5.75 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1440 x 2880 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~564 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~78.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 84.1 cm2 (~78.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, HDR10, Dolby Vision |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core (2x2.35 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 530 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), LG UX 7 | Android 7.0 (Nougat), upgradable to Android 9.0 (Pie), LG UX 8 UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 30mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF, 3-axis OIS
13 MP, f/2.4, 12mm (ultrawide), no AF |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, HDR, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, 18mm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 32-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio (market dependent) |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, QC3, 50% in 30 min
Wireless (USA) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3300 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | New Moroccan Blue, Aurora Black | Astro Black, Ice Platinum, Terra Gold, Marine Blue, Mystic White, Raspberry Rose, Moroccan Blue, Lavender Violet |
| Models | LMX525EAW, LMX525BAW, LM-X525 | H870, H870DS, H873, H870S, LGM-G600L, H872, H871, LS993, US997, vs988, VS988, LGM-G600K, LGM-G600S, AS993, LGUS997, H870AR, H872PR, H871S, H870I |
| Price | About 230 EUR | About 240 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.65 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.23 W/kg (head) 0.15 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -94.4dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 72h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 2053 (nominal), 3.556 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 66dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 74dB |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 158785 (v7)
GeekBench: 4175 (v4.4)
GFXBench: 8.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LG Q60
- Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 821)
- Better camera quality (likely)
- Faster charging (18W QC3)
- Wireless charging (USA version)
- Older device with potentially limited software updates
- May be harder to find in new condition
LG G6
- More affordable price point
- Potentially better battery life under light usage
- Easier to find new
- Significantly slower processor (Helio P22)
- Inferior camera quality
- Slower charging speeds
- Lacks premium features like wireless charging
Display Comparison
Both the LG G6 and Q60 share a similar contrast ratio of 2053:1 (nominal) and 3.556:1 (sunlight), suggesting comparable visibility in bright conditions. However, the G6’s original price point likely afforded a higher quality panel with potentially better color accuracy. The Q60’s display technology is not specified, but given its market segment, it likely utilizes a less advanced IPS LCD compared to the G6. The G6’s display, while not OLED, was lauded for its brightness and color reproduction at the time of release.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but details are sparse. The LG G6, as a flagship, likely featured a more sophisticated camera system with a larger sensor and better image processing. While specific sensor sizes aren’t provided, the G6’s camera was known for its wide-angle lens and strong image quality in various lighting conditions. The Q60’s camera, designed for a budget device, likely prioritizes affordability over advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS). The absence of detailed camera specs for the Q60 suggests a less capable imaging experience.
Performance
The performance gap between these devices is substantial. The LG G6’s Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821, a 14nm processor with a quad-core Kryo architecture (2x2.35 GHz & 2x1.6 GHz), significantly outperforms the LG Q60’s MediaTek MT6762 Helio P22 (12nm). The Snapdragon 821’s Kryo cores offer superior single-core and multi-core performance, making the G6 much more responsive for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. The Helio P22’s Cortex-A53 cores, while efficient, are geared towards basic functionality. The G6’s Adreno 510 GPU also provides a far superior graphics experience.
Battery Life
The LG G6 boasts an endurance rating of 72 hours, indicating excellent battery life. While the Q60’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the Helio P22’s efficiency might offer comparable longevity under light usage. However, the G6’s 18W Quick Charge 3.0 support (50% in 30 minutes) provides a significant advantage in terms of charging speed. The Q60 likely lacks fast charging capabilities, resulting in longer recharge times. The G6’s wireless charging support (USA version) is another feature absent from the Q60.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Q60 if you prioritize extreme affordability and need a basic smartphone for essential tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. You’re willing to accept slower performance and a less refined camera experience. Buy the LG G6 if you value performance, a better camera, and a more premium user experience, even if it means paying a bit more and accepting an older device with potentially limited software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the LG G6 still a good phone to buy in 2024, considering its age?
Despite being released in 2017, the LG G6 remains a viable option for users who prioritize performance and a good camera experience on a budget. Its Snapdragon 821 processor still holds up well for everyday tasks and even some gaming. However, software updates are likely limited, and battery health may be degraded in used models.
❓ How does the Helio P22 in the LG Q60 handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio P22 is not designed for demanding games like PUBG Mobile. While you might be able to run the game at the lowest settings, expect significant frame rate drops and lag. The G6’s Snapdragon 821 offers a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ Does the LG Q60 support VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling?
Support for VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling on the LG Q60 varies by carrier and region. It's crucial to check with your mobile provider to ensure compatibility before purchasing, as these features are essential for modern network connectivity.
