The LG Q92 5G and V50 ThinQ 5G represent different approaches to 5G connectivity. The Q92 aimed to bring 5G to a more accessible price point, while the V50 was a flagship offering with premium features. This comparison dissects their key differences, helping you determine which device best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG V50 ThinQ 5G remains the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 855 chipset delivers significantly more processing power, and its 96-hour endurance rating provides exceptional battery life. While the Q92 offers 5G at a lower cost, the V50’s overall performance and longevity justify 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 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - USA |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 - USA |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | 41, 260, 261 NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat18 1200/75 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 24. Released 2020, August 26 | 2019, February 24. Released 2019, April 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 166.5 x 77.3 x 8.5 mm (6.56 x 3.04 x 0.33 in) | 159.2 x 76.1 x 8.3 mm (6.27 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 183 g (6.46 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 | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~538 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | P-OLED, HDR10 |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 620 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 15mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 12 MP, 27mm (wide), f/1.5, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, 3-axis OIS
12 MP, 52mm (telephoto), f/2.4, 1/3.4", 1.0µm, 2x optical zoom, PDAF, OIS
16 MP, 16mm (ultrawide), f/1.9, 1/3.1", 1.0µm, no AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., HDR10 video, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP, 21mm (wide), f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | - | 32-bit/192kHz audio
24-bit/192kHz audio recording
Tuned with Meridian Audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired, PD2.0, QC3, 50% in 36 min
10W wireless (Qi) |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Dark Blue, Red | New Aurora Black |
| Models | LM-Q920N | LM-V500, LM-V500N, LM-V500EM, LM-V500XM, LM-V450PM, LM-V450 |
| Price | About 360 EUR | About 550 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -92.5dB / Crosstalk -92.6dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 96h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 194000:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-25.2 LUFS (Very good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 343758 (v7), 421934 (v8)
GeekBench: 10928 (v4.4), 2672 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 22fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LG Q92 5G
- More affordable price point
- 5G connectivity
- Potentially more efficient chipset
- Significantly lower processing power
- Likely inferior camera performance
- Slower charging speeds
LG V50 ThinQ 5G
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 855
- Excellent battery life (96h endurance)
- Faster charging with PD2.0 and QC3, plus wireless charging
- Higher price
- Potentially larger and heavier build
- May be harder to find new
Display Comparison
The LG V50 ThinQ 5G boasts a display capable of reaching 533 nits of peak brightness, providing excellent visibility outdoors. While the Q92’s brightness isn’t specified, it’s likely lower given its budget positioning. The V50’s impressive 194000:1 contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. Both devices feature OLED panels, but the V50’s superior brightness and contrast contribute to a more immersive viewing experience. The Q92 likely uses a standard 60Hz panel, while the V50’s refresh rate is not specified, but flagship devices of that era often included higher refresh rate options.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but details are limited. The V50, as a flagship, likely features a more sophisticated camera system with larger sensors and better image stabilization (OIS). The Q92, being a budget device, likely utilizes more cost-effective components. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a precise comparison, but the V50’s image processing algorithms and overall camera hardware are expected to be superior, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. The inclusion of a telephoto lens on the V50 is also probable, offering greater versatility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG V50 ThinQ 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7nm), featuring an octa-core CPU with a prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz. This is a significant step up from the Q92’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm), which has a lower peak clock speed of 2.4 GHz. The 855’s Kryo 485 cores offer superior performance per clock cycle. While both are 7nm chips, the 855’s architecture is designed for higher sustained performance, making it better suited for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. The Q92’s 765G is more efficient, but the V50’s raw power is undeniable.
Battery Life
The LG V50 ThinQ 5G shines in battery life, achieving an impressive endurance rating of 96 hours. This is coupled with 18W wired charging (PD2.0, QC3) capable of reaching 50% charge in just 36 minutes, and even 10W wireless charging. The Q92, with only 15W wired charging, will take longer to replenish its battery. While the Q92’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the V50’s exceptional endurance suggests a larger battery combined with efficient power management. The V50’s faster charging speeds and wireless charging capabilities add to its convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Q92 5G if you prioritize affordability and 5G connectivity above all else, and are willing to compromise on processing power and camera quality. It’s ideal for users who primarily browse, stream, and use social media. Buy the LG V50 ThinQ 5G if you demand flagship-level performance for gaming, multitasking, and photography, and value long-lasting battery life. This is the phone for power users and those who want a device that will remain capable for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 765G in the LG Q92 5G struggle with graphically intensive games?
Yes, the Snapdragon 765G is a mid-range chipset and will likely exhibit frame drops and reduced graphical settings in demanding games compared to the Snapdragon 855 in the V50. While playable, the experience won't be as smooth or visually impressive.
❓ Does the LG V50 ThinQ 5G's battery life hold up with heavy 5G usage?
Despite the power draw of 5G, the LG V50 ThinQ 5G’s 96-hour endurance rating suggests excellent battery optimization. While 5G will reduce battery life compared to Wi-Fi, the V50’s large battery and efficient power management should still provide all-day usage for most users.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the LG Q92 5G noticeably slower than the 18W on the V50?
Yes, the 18W charging on the V50, coupled with PD2.0 and QC3 support, will charge the device significantly faster than the Q92’s 15W charging. The V50 can reach 50% charge in 36 minutes, while the Q92 will take considerably longer.
❓ Can either phone be upgraded to newer versions of Android?
Both phones are older models and have likely reached the end of their official software update support. While custom ROMs may be available, relying on official updates is unlikely.
