LG V40 ThinQ vs LG G7 ThinQ: A Deep Dive into LG's Flagship Face-Off

Released within a year of each other, the LG V40 ThinQ and G7 ThinQ represent LG's attempts to compete in the high-end smartphone market. While both utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, they diverge in key areas like display technology and battery performance, creating a clear distinction for potential buyers. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which device offers the best value and experience.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the LG G7 ThinQ emerges as the slightly better choice. Its superior endurance rating of 77 hours, compared to the V40’s 64 hours, provides a tangible benefit in daily use. While the V40 boasts a significantly better display contrast ratio, the G7’s battery life and similar performance make it a more practical all-rounder.

PHONES
Phone Names LG V40 ThinQ LG G7 ThinQ
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - V405QA7HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Global
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 - V405QA71, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 40, 42, 46 - Global
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat16 1024/150 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat16 1024/150 Mbps or Cat15 800/150 Mbps (region dependant)
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO - V405QA71, 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
Announced2018, October 03. Released 2018, October 162018, May 02. Released 2018, June 01
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions158.8 x 75.7 x 7.6 mm (6.25 x 2.98 x 0.30 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
Weight169 g (5.96 oz)162 g (5.71 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 Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~537 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~564 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.1 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLED, HDR10IPS LCD, HDR10
 Always-on displayAlways-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)
GPUAdreno 630Adreno 630
OSAndroid 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot) - single-SIM modelmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM model
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 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
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLaser AF, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Triple12 MP, 27mm (standard), f/1.5, 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, 3-axis OIS 12 MP, 52mm (telephoto), f/2.4, 1.0µm, 2x optical zoom, PDAF, OIS 16 MP, 16mm (ultrawide), f/1.9, 1/3.1", 1.0µm, no AF-
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., HDR video, gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@240fps, HDR, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec.
Selfie camera
Dual8 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (standard), 1/3.2", 1.4µm 5 MP, 21mm (wide), f/2.2, 1.4µm-
FeaturesHDR-
Single-8 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
 32-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/48kHz audio recording Tuned with Meridian Audio32-bit/192kHz audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioFM radio (market/region dependent)FM 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
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired, PD2.0, QC3, 50% in 36 min 10W wireless (Qi)18W wired, QC3 Wireless (USA)
TypeLi-Po 3300 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsNew Platinum Gray, Carmine Red, New Aurora Black, New Moroccan BlueNew Platinum Gray, New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue, Raspberry Rose
ModelsV405, LM-V405, LM-V409NLM-G710, LM-G710N, LM-G710VM, G710, SM-G710, LM-G710V
PriceAbout 330 EURAbout 370 EUR
SAR EU-0.24 W/kg (head)     1.47 W/kg (body)
Tests
Audio quality Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -94.1dB Noise -94.0dB / Crosstalk -93.0dB
Battery life Endurance rating 64h Endurance rating 77h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 161500:1 (nominal), 4.256 (sunlight) Contrast ratio: 2044:1 (nominal), 3.978 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker Voice 68dB / Noise 74dB / Ring 77dB -24.5 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 254304 (v7) GeekBench: 8568 (v4.4) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 259393 (v7), 297116 (v8) GeekBench: 8865 (v4.4), 2047 (v5.1) GFXBench: 18fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

LG V40 ThinQ

  • Superior display contrast ratio for vibrant visuals
  • Supports wireless charging (Qi)
  • Potentially more advanced camera system (based on positioning)

  • Lower battery endurance (64h)
  • No specific camera details provided

LG G7 ThinQ

  • Longer battery life (77h)
  • Faster charging offsets smaller battery
  • Wireless charging support (USA)

  • Inferior display contrast ratio
  • No specific camera details provided

Display Comparison

The LG V40 ThinQ’s display stands out with a remarkable contrast ratio of 161500:1 (nominal) and 4.256 under sunlight, significantly exceeding the G7 ThinQ’s 2044:1 and 3.978 respectively. This translates to deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and improved visibility in bright outdoor conditions. However, both phones share the same resolution and panel technology, meaning the V40’s advantage is purely in contrast. Users sensitive to screen flicker may also appreciate the V40’s potentially higher PWM dimming rate, though this isn’t explicitly stated in the provided data.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing are absent. Without this information, a definitive camera comparison is impossible. However, given the V40’s positioning as a more premium device, it’s reasonable to assume it may have a more advanced camera system, potentially with a larger main sensor or more sophisticated image stabilization. The lack of detail necessitates caution when evaluating camera performance based solely on these specs.

Performance

Both the LG V40 and G7 ThinQ are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver). This means performance in everyday tasks and demanding applications will be virtually identical. The absence of information regarding RAM speed or storage type prevents a deeper analysis of performance nuances. Thermal management will likely be similar, as both devices utilize the same chipset and share a comparable form factor.

Battery Life

The LG G7 ThinQ holds a clear advantage in battery endurance, boasting a rating of 77 hours compared to the V40’s 64 hours. While the V40 supports both 18W wired charging with PD2.0 and QC3, as well as 10W wireless charging (Qi), the G7 ThinQ offers 18W wired charging with QC3 and wireless charging (USA). The G7’s longer endurance suggests more efficient power management, offsetting the V40’s wireless charging capabilities for most users. Both phones achieve a 50% charge in approximately 36 minutes with wired charging.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG V40 ThinQ if you prioritize display quality and are a visual content creator or consumer who demands the best possible contrast and color accuracy. Buy the LG G7 ThinQ if you value battery life above all else and need a phone that can reliably last through a full day of heavy use without needing a recharge. Both phones offer similar processing power, so performance isn't a deciding factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 845 in either phone struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Fortnite?
The Snapdragon 845 is a capable chipset, and neither the V40 nor the G7 ThinQ should struggle significantly with PUBG or Fortnite at medium to high settings. However, prolonged gaming sessions may lead to some thermal throttling, potentially causing slight frame rate drops. Both phones lack dedicated gaming features like vapor chamber cooling, so sustained performance will be similar.
❓ Is the wireless charging on the LG V40 ThinQ significantly faster than the G7 ThinQ's wireless charging?
While the V40 ThinQ supports Qi wireless charging at 10W, the G7 ThinQ also supports wireless charging, though its standard is only specified as 'Wireless (USA)'. Given the lack of wattage information for the G7, it's difficult to definitively say if the V40's wireless charging is faster. However, the difference is unlikely to be substantial enough to be a major deciding factor for most users.
❓ Given the battery life difference, how much longer can I realistically expect the LG G7 ThinQ to last on a single charge?
The 77-hour endurance rating of the G7 ThinQ suggests it can last approximately 13 hours longer than the V40 ThinQ on a single charge, assuming similar usage patterns. This translates to a noticeable difference in daily use, potentially allowing you to comfortably get through a full day without needing to top up, whereas the V40 might require a midday charge for heavy users.