LG G8X ThinQ vs LG Q70: A Deep Dive into LG's Mid-Range and Flagship Choices

The LG Q70 and G8X ThinQ represent distinct approaches within LG’s smartphone lineup. The Q70 aimed to deliver a solid experience at a more accessible price point, while the G8X ThinQ positioned itself as a flagship contender with a focus on performance and features. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, helping you determine which best suits your needs and budget.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the LG G8X ThinQ is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 855 chipset provides significantly faster performance, making it ideal for demanding tasks and gaming. While the Q70 offers respectable value, the G8X’s enhanced processing power and faster charging justify the price difference.

PHONES
Phone Names LG Q70 LG G8X ThinQ
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 66 - Verizon1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat11 600/75 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 1960/75 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - USA
Launch
Announced2019, September 28. Released 2019, October2019, September 06. Released 2019, November 01
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass), glass back, aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions162.1 x 76.8 x 8.3 mm (6.38 x 3.02 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
Weight198 g (6.98 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 GlassCorning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1080 x 2310 pixels (~398 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 101.4 cm2 (~81.4% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDOLED, HDR10
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM675 Snapdragon 675 (11 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 612Adreno 640
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, LG UX 9Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM model
Internal64GB 4GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual-12 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 Triple32 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide) Auxiliary lens or 32 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm, PDAF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single-3.15 MP, AF
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single16 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm32 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/192kHz audio32-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/192kHz audio recording Tuned by Meridian Audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioNoFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB 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
Browser-HTML, Adobe Flash
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging15W wired, QC321W wired, PD, QC3 9W wireless
Talk time-Up to 12 h (multimedia)
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsMirror BlackNew Aurora Black
ModelsLM-Q730N, LMQ620WA, LM-Q620WA, LM-Q620VAB, LMQ620VAB, LM-Q730LMG850EMW, LM-G850, 901LG, LM-G850N
PriceAbout 320 EURAbout 560 EUR
SAR-1.12 W/kg (body)    
SAR EU-0.90 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 Q70

  • More affordable price point
  • Reliable performance for everyday tasks
  • Decent battery endurance

  • Significantly slower processor
  • Less vibrant display
  • Slower charging speeds

LG G8X ThinQ

  • Flagship-level Snapdragon 855 performance
  • Brighter and more vibrant display
  • Faster 21W wired and 9W wireless charging

  • Higher price tag
  • May be harder to find new
  • Potentially larger physical size

Display Comparison

The LG G8X ThinQ boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 603 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Q70. This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays are described as having an 'infinite' contrast ratio (likely a marketing term for OLED-like performance), the G8X’s superior brightness is a tangible advantage. The Q70’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a more standard LCD panel, potentially impacting color accuracy and viewing angles.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. The G8X’s flagship status suggests a more advanced camera system with potentially larger sensors and improved image processing. While the Q70 likely offers a capable camera for everyday use, the G8X is expected to deliver superior image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to provide a precise comparison, but the G8X’s overall hardware advantage points to a better camera experience.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets: the LG G8X ThinQ utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7nm), while the Q70 is equipped with the Snapdragon 675 (11nm). The 855’s 7nm process node is more efficient, allowing for higher clock speeds and better thermal management. The G8X’s CPU configuration – a 1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 core alongside 3x2.42 GHz and 4x1.78 GHz cores – provides a substantial performance uplift over the Q70’s 2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 Gold and 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 460 Silver configuration. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience, particularly noticeable in graphically intensive games.

Battery Life

Interestingly, both phones share an endurance rating of 111 hours, despite differing battery capacities (not specified for the Q70). However, the G8X ThinQ offers significantly faster charging at 21W with Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge 3 (QC3), compared to the Q70’s 15W QC3 charging. This means the G8X can replenish its battery much quicker. The G8X also supports 9W wireless charging, a feature absent on the Q70. The faster charging speed is a significant convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG Q70 if you prioritize affordability and a reliable daily driver for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media. It’s a good option for users who don’t require intensive gaming or demanding applications. Buy the LG G8X ThinQ if you value performance, a brighter display, and faster charging. This phone is geared towards users who enjoy mobile gaming, content creation, or simply want a smoother, more responsive experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Snapdragon 675 in the LG Q70 sufficient for playing modern mobile games?
The Snapdragon 675 can handle many mobile games, but you'll likely need to lower graphics settings for demanding titles. The Snapdragon 855 in the G8X provides a much smoother gaming experience at higher settings without significant frame drops.
❓ Does the LG G8X ThinQ's faster charging significantly reduce charging time compared to the Q70?
Yes, the G8X's 21W charging is considerably faster than the Q70's 15W charging. Expect a noticeably quicker top-up time, especially from low battery levels. The addition of wireless charging on the G8X is another convenience the Q70 lacks.
❓ Given the similar endurance ratings, does the LG Q70's battery actually last as long as the G8X ThinQ's?
While both have a 111-hour endurance rating, the G8X's more efficient Snapdragon 855 processor may contribute to slightly better real-world battery life under heavy use. However, for typical daily usage, the difference is likely minimal.