The LG Q9 and G7 ThinQ represent different points in LG’s flagship strategy. The Q9, powered by the Snapdragon 821, aimed for a more accessible price point, while the G7 ThinQ, with the Snapdragon 845, was LG’s full-fledged 2018 flagship. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value today.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG G7 ThinQ is the superior choice. The Snapdragon 845 provides a significant performance uplift over the 821 in the Q9, translating to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming experiences. While both offer similar battery endurance and charging speeds, the G7’s more powerful chipset justifies the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38 | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 42, 46 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat11 600/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps or Cat15 800/150 Mbps (region dependant) |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - G710EMW, G710EAW1,2,3,4,5,7,8,12,13,17,20,25,29,30,38,41,46,66 - G710AWM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, January. Released 2019, July | 2018, May 02. Released 2018, June 01 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 153.2 x 71.9 x 7.9 mm (6.03 x 2.83 x 0.31 in) | 153.2 x 71.9 x 7.9 mm (6.03 x 2.83 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 159 g (5.61 oz) | 162 g (5.71 oz) |
| | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | 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 |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~564 ppi density) | 1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~564 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, HDR10 | IPS LCD, HDR10 |
| | Always-on display | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo) | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 530 | Adreno 630 |
| OS | Android 8.1 (Oreo) | Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) - single-SIM modelmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM model |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.0 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, f/1.6, 30mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS
16 MP, f/1.9, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/3.1", no AF |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Laser AF, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), PDAF | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@240fps, HDR, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec. |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide) | 8 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 32-bit/192kHz audio | 32-bit/192kHz audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | 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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, QC3 | 18W wired, QC3
Wireless (USA) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carmine Red, New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue | New Platinum Gray, New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue, Raspberry Rose |
| Models | LM-Q925S, LM-Q925L, LM-Q925K | LM-G710, LM-G710N, LM-G710VM, G710, SM-G710, LM-G710V |
| Price | About 400 EUR | About 370 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.47 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -94.0dB / Crosstalk -93.0dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 77h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 2044:1 (nominal), 3.978 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-24.5 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 259393 (v7), 297116 (v8)
GeekBench: 8865 (v4.4), 2047 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LG Q9
- More affordable price point
- Competent performance for everyday tasks
- Similar battery endurance to the G7 ThinQ
- Significantly slower processor than the G7 ThinQ
- Less capable GPU for gaming
- Likely inferior camera performance
LG G7 ThinQ
- Faster Snapdragon 845 processor
- More powerful GPU for gaming and demanding apps
- Likely superior camera system
- Wireless charging (USA)
- Higher price point
- Potentially more expensive to repair
- Similar battery life to the Q9 despite the more powerful processor
Display Comparison
Both the LG Q9 and G7 ThinQ share a contrast ratio of 2044:1 (nominal) and 3.978 (sunlight), suggesting similar outdoor visibility. However, detailed panel specifications like peak brightness (in nits) and color gamut coverage are missing. Given the G7 ThinQ was positioned as a premium device, it likely benefited from slightly better color calibration and potentially a higher peak brightness, though this is speculative without further data. Both devices likely utilized IPS LCD panels, common for LG at the time.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. However, the G7 ThinQ, as the flagship, likely featured a more advanced camera system with a larger sensor and improved image processing algorithms. While sensor size and aperture data are unavailable, the G7’s positioning suggests superior low-light performance and dynamic range. The Q9’s camera would have been competent, but likely lacked the refinement and features of the G7’s offering. The inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is also more probable on the G7.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG G7 ThinQ’s Snapdragon 845, built on a 10nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the LG Q9’s Snapdragon 821 (14nm). The 845 features an octa-core CPU (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) compared to the Q9’s quad-core (2x2.15 GHz Kryo & 2x1.6 GHz Kryo). This translates to approximately 25-30% faster CPU performance and a significantly more powerful Adreno 630 GPU in the G7, enabling smoother graphics and higher frame rates in games. The 10nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
Interestingly, both the LG Q9 and G7 ThinQ achieve an endurance rating of 77 hours, despite the G7’s more powerful processor. This suggests efficient power management on both devices. Both support 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 3.0, and the G7 ThinQ adds wireless charging (USA only). The G7’s more efficient chipset, despite its higher performance, likely offsets the increased power draw, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. 0-100% charging times would be similar, around 90-120 minutes.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Q9 if you prioritize affordability and a relatively smooth Android experience for everyday tasks. It’s a good option for users who don’t heavily game or require the absolute fastest performance. Buy the LG G7 ThinQ if you demand a more responsive and future-proof device, especially if you enjoy mobile gaming, photography, or frequently use demanding applications. The Snapdragon 845 offers a tangible performance advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the LG Q9 struggle with modern, graphically intensive games?
Yes, the Snapdragon 821 in the LG Q9 will likely struggle with demanding titles at high settings. While it can handle less intensive games, you'll likely need to lower graphics settings and frame rates for a smooth experience. The Snapdragon 845 in the G7 ThinQ offers a significantly better gaming experience.
❓ Does the LG G7 ThinQ's wireless charging work with all Qi chargers?
The LG G7 ThinQ supports Qi wireless charging, but only the USA variant included this feature. It should be compatible with most standard Qi-certified wireless chargers, but charging speeds may vary depending on the charger's output.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Snapdragon 821 and 845 noticeable in everyday use?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and email, the difference may not be immediately apparent. However, when multitasking, opening demanding apps, or switching between them, the Snapdragon 845 in the G7 ThinQ will feel noticeably faster and more responsive.
