LG V50S ThinQ 5G vs LG Velvet 5G: Which LG Flagship Reigns Supreme?

The LG V50S ThinQ 5G and LG Velvet 5G represent different approaches to the 5G smartphone experience. The V50S, released earlier, aimed for flagship performance with a top-tier Snapdragon processor, while the Velvet prioritized a refined design and a more balanced feature set with the Snapdragon 765G. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value in today's market.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing raw processing power and sustained performance, the LG V50S ThinQ 5G is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 855 chipset delivers a noticeable advantage in demanding tasks. However, the LG Velvet 5G offers a compelling alternative with a more modern design and comparable battery life, making it ideal for everyday users.

PHONES
Phone Names LG V50S ThinQ 5G LG Velvet 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands41 NSA1, 3, 28, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat19 1600/75 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat16 1000/75 Mbps, 5G 2Gbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2019, October. Released 2019, October2020, May 07. Released 2020, May 15
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frameGlass front, glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions159.3 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm (6.27 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)167.2 x 74.1 x 7.9 mm (6.58 x 2.92 x 0.31 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight192 g (6.77 oz)180 g (6.35 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 mins) MIL-STD-810G compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5-
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~88.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, HDR10P-OLED
 Always-on display-
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 640Adreno 620
OSAndroid 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 12Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, LG UX
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM modelmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal256GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual12 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (standard), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/2.4, 9mm (ultrawide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm-
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple-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 Auxiliary lens
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/1.9, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm16 MP, f/1.9, 29mm (standard), 1/3.06, 1.0µm
Video4K@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/192kHz audio recording Tuned by Meridian Audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioFM radioFM radio (market/region dependent)
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C, 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging21W wired, PD, QC3 9W wireless25W wired, PD3.0, QC4 9W wireless
TypeLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4300 mAh
Misc
ColorsAurora BlackAurora White, Aurora Green, Aurora Gray, Illusion Sunset, Red, Pink
ModelsLM-V510NLM-G900N, LM-G900EM, LM-G900, LM-G900TM
PriceAbout 1100 EURAbout 470 EUR
SAR-0.23 W/kg (head)     1.02 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life-Endurance rating 79h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -23.5 LUFS (Very good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 297372 (v8) GeekBench: 1905 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

LG V50S ThinQ 5G

  • Superior processing power with Snapdragon 855
  • Potentially better graphics performance for gaming
  • Likely faster RAM for smoother multitasking

  • Older design with potentially larger bezels
  • Slower wired charging (21W vs 25W)

LG Velvet 5G

  • More modern and refined design
  • Faster wired charging (25W)
  • Comparable battery life to the V50S

  • Less powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset
  • Potentially lower graphics performance for demanding games

Display Comparison

The LG Velvet 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 617 nits, offering a vibrant viewing experience, while the V50S’s display specs are not provided. However, given its flagship positioning, it likely offers comparable brightness. Both devices feature an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, suggesting excellent black levels. The Velvet’s design language, with its 'Waterfall' display and minimal bezels, represents a more modern aesthetic than the V50S, which likely has more pronounced bezels. Without color accuracy data for either, it's difficult to definitively say which offers superior color reproduction.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specs are lacking. Without sensor size, aperture, or OIS information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, flagship devices like the V50S typically feature larger sensors and more advanced image processing algorithms. The Velvet’s camera system likely focuses on software enhancements and AI scene detection to compensate for a potentially less powerful hardware setup. The absence of detail makes it impossible to assess low-light performance or video quality differences.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG V50S ThinQ 5G utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (7nm), featuring an octa-core CPU with a prime Kryo 485 core clocked at 2.84 GHz. This is a significant step up in processing power compared to the LG Velvet 5G’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm) with its 2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime core. The 855’s Adreno 640 GPU provides superior graphics performance, crucial for gaming. While the 765G is no slouch, the 855 will exhibit less throttling under sustained load. The V50S’s likely faster RAM (though not specified) further contributes to its performance advantage.

Battery Life

Both the LG V50S ThinQ 5G and the LG Velvet 5G achieve an endurance rating of 79 hours, indicating similar real-world battery life despite the V50S’s more powerful processor. The Velvet offers slightly faster wired charging at 25W (PD3.0, QC4) compared to the V50S’s 21W (PD, QC3). This translates to a quicker 0-100% charge time for the Velvet. Both support 9W wireless charging, which is relatively slow by today’s standards.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG V50S ThinQ 5G if you need a phone capable of handling intensive gaming, video editing, or other demanding applications. Its Snapdragon 855 provides a performance edge that the Velvet simply can't match. Buy the LG Velvet 5G if you prefer a sleek, modern design, a comfortable in-hand feel, and a balanced feature set for everyday use. The Velvet’s 617 nits of brightness and efficient chipset make it a strong contender for media consumption and general productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 765G in the LG Velvet 5G struggle with graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 765G is capable of running Genshin Impact, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. The V50S’s Snapdragon 855 will provide a significantly better gaming experience with higher settings and more consistent performance.
❓ Does the LG V50S ThinQ 5G support expandable storage via microSD card?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specs, LG flagships of this era typically included microSD card support. Checking online resources and user reviews is recommended to confirm this feature for the V50S.
❓ How does the 5G performance differ between the V50S and Velvet, considering their different chipsets?
Both phones support 5G, but the Snapdragon 855 in the V50S has a more advanced 5G modem, potentially offering slightly faster and more reliable 5G connectivity in certain areas. However, real-world 5G speeds are heavily dependent on network conditions and carrier support.