LG V40 ThinQ vs LG G8X ThinQ: A Detailed Comparison

The LG V40 ThinQ and G8X ThinQ represent different approaches to the flagship experience. The V40, released in 2018, focused on a premium multimedia experience, while the G8X, arriving in 2019, prioritized battery life and introduced the innovative Dual Screen accessory. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you determine which device offers the best value today.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the LG G8X ThinQ is the superior choice. Its significantly improved battery life (111h endurance vs 64h) and more efficient Snapdragon 855 chipset outweigh the V40’s strengths. While the V40’s display contrast is technically higher, the G8X’s 603 nits brightness provides a better viewing experience in sunlight.

PHONES
Phone Names LG V40 ThinQ LG G8X 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
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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat16 1024/150 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat20 1960/75 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTEGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO - V405QA71, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 20, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66 - USA
Launch
Announced2018, October 03. Released 2018, October 162019, September 06. Released 2019, November 01
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 6), 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)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
Weight169 g (5.96 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 Glass 5Corning Gorilla Glass 6
Resolution1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~537 ppi density)1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLED, HDR10OLED, HDR10
 Always-on displayAlways-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 630Adreno 640
OSAndroid 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM model
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 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
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama
Single-3.15 MP, AF
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@30/60/240fps, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Dual8 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (standard), 1/3.2", 1.4µm 5 MP, 21mm (wide), f/2.2, 1.4µm-
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single-32 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 audio 24-bit/48kHz audio recording Tuned with Meridian Audio32-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/192kHz audio recording Tuned by Meridian Audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, 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
Browser-HTML, Adobe Flash
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging18W wired, PD2.0, QC3, 50% in 36 min 10W wireless (Qi)21W wired, PD, QC3 9W wireless
Talk time-Up to 12 h (multimedia)
TypeLi-Po 3300 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsNew Platinum Gray, Carmine Red, New Aurora Black, New Moroccan BlueNew Aurora Black
ModelsV405, LM-V405, LM-V409NLMG850EMW, LM-G850, 901LG, LM-G850N
PriceAbout 330 EURAbout 560 EUR
SAR-1.12 W/kg (body)    
SAR EU-0.90 W/kg (head)    
Tests
Audio quality Noise -93.3dB / Crosstalk -94.1dB Noise -93.2dB / Crosstalk -93.4dB
Battery life Endurance rating 64h Endurance rating 111h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 161500:1 (nominal), 4.256 (sunlight) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker Voice 68dB / Noise 74dB / Ring 77dB -24.9 LUFS (Very good)
Performance AnTuTu: 254304 (v7) GeekBench: 8568 (v4.4) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 339726 (v7), 411980 (v8) GeekBench: 11251 (v4.4), 2870 (v5.1) GFXBench: 38fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

LG V40 ThinQ

  • Higher nominal display contrast ratio
  • Slightly faster wireless charging
  • More refined software experience (at launch)

  • Significantly shorter battery life
  • Less efficient Snapdragon 845 chipset
  • Lower peak display brightness

LG G8X ThinQ

  • Exceptional battery life (111h endurance)
  • More efficient Snapdragon 855 chipset
  • Brighter display for outdoor visibility
  • Faster wired charging

  • Slower wireless charging
  • Potentially less refined software (depending on updates)
  • Dual Screen accessory adds bulk and cost

Display Comparison

The LG V40 boasts a nominal contrast ratio of 161500:1, suggesting deep blacks and vibrant colors. However, this figure doesn’t translate to real-world usability as effectively as the G8X’s 603 nits of peak brightness. The G8X’s ‘Infinite’ contrast ratio is a marketing term, but the higher brightness makes it far more readable outdoors. Both phones offer excellent displays, but the G8X’s superior visibility in sunlight gives it a practical edge. The V40’s contrast ratio is more impressive on paper, but the G8X’s brightness is more impactful for daily use.

Camera Comparison

Both the V40 and G8X feature versatile camera systems capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos. However, detailed sensor information is missing. Given LG’s history, it’s likely the G8X benefits from improved image processing algorithms and potentially larger sensor sizes. The G8X’s chipset also allows for faster image processing, resulting in quicker capture times and improved low-light performance. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but the G8X’s more modern processor gives it an edge in computational photography.

Performance

The LG G8X’s Snapdragon 855 (7nm) represents a significant architectural leap over the V40’s Snapdragon 845 (10nm). The 855’s smaller fabrication process leads to improved power efficiency and thermal management. While both CPUs feature an octa-core configuration, the G8X’s Kryo 485 cores offer a slight performance advantage. The 855’s Adreno 640 GPU also provides a noticeable boost in graphics performance, benefiting gamers and users of graphically intensive applications. The V40’s 845 is still capable, but the G8X’s 855 offers a smoother, more responsive experience, especially during prolonged use.

Battery Life

The LG G8X’s endurance rating of 111 hours is a massive improvement over the V40’s 64 hours. This difference is primarily due to the Snapdragon 855’s superior power efficiency and a likely optimization in battery management. While the V40 supports 18W wired charging with Quick Charge 3.0 and PD2.0, the G8X steps it up to 21W, offering slightly faster charging speeds. The G8X’s 9W wireless charging is slower than the V40’s 10W, but the significantly longer battery life mitigates this drawback. The G8X’s battery life is a game-changer for users who demand all-day performance.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG V40 ThinQ if you prioritize a slightly warmer, more saturated display and can live with significantly shorter battery life. It’s a good option for users who frequently charge their phones and value a more established, refined software experience. Buy the LG G8X ThinQ if you need all-day battery life, a brighter screen for outdoor use, and a more modern chipset that handles demanding tasks with greater efficiency. The G8X is ideal for power users and those who travel frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 855 in the G8X experience thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 855 is generally well-managed in the G8X. While some throttling is inevitable under sustained load, the 7nm process and LG’s thermal design mitigate it effectively. Users report consistent performance during prolonged gaming, though the device will get warm to the touch.
❓ Is the LG G8X’s Dual Screen accessory worth the investment?
The Dual Screen is a niche feature. It’s beneficial for multitasking and mobile gaming, offering a larger display area. However, it adds significant bulk and requires an additional purchase. It’s best suited for users who specifically need the extra screen real estate and are willing to compromise on portability.
❓ How does the V40’s display compare to the G8X in terms of color accuracy?
While the V40 has a higher nominal contrast ratio, the G8X’s display is generally considered more color-accurate out of the box. LG’s display calibration on the G8X aims for a more natural and realistic color reproduction, while the V40 tends towards warmer, more saturated tones.
❓ Will I notice a significant performance difference between the Snapdragon 845 and 855 in everyday tasks?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and email, the difference will be minimal. However, the Snapdragon 855 in the G8X will provide a noticeably smoother experience when multitasking, launching demanding apps, and playing graphics-intensive games. The 855’s improved efficiency also contributes to better overall responsiveness.