LG V60 ThinQ 5G UW vs. LG V50 ThinQ 5G: A Deep Dive Comparison

The LG V60 ThinQ 5G UW and V50 ThinQ 5G represent LG's attempts at establishing a foothold in the early 5G market. While both devices share a similar aesthetic and target a premium user, the V60 arrived as a mid-cycle refresh, boasting a newer processor and subtle refinements. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which LG flagship offers the best value in today's market.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the LG V60 ThinQ 5G UW is the superior choice. The Snapdragon 865 provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Snapdragon 855 in the V50, translating to smoother multitasking and gaming. While both phones offer identical battery endurance ratings, the V60’s faster charging speeds and newer connectivity standards make it the more future-proof option.

PHONES
Phone Names LG V60 ThinQ 5G UW LG V50 ThinQ 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - USA
4G bands2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 28, 46, 48, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 - USA
5G bands260, 261 mmWave41, 260, 261 NSA
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat22, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat18 1200/75 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL)
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2020, February 26. Released 2020, April 022019, February 24. Released 2019, April 19
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame
Dimensions169.3 x 77.6 x 8.9 mm (6.67 x 3.06 x 0.35 in)159.2 x 76.1 x 8.3 mm (6.27 x 3.00 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM (pre-installed)· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight218 g (7.69 oz)183 g (6.46 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) MIL-STD-810G compliant* Method 516.6, Procedure IV "Transit Drop" *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
Resolution1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density)1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~538 ppi density)
Size6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.4 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeP-OLED, HDR10+P-OLED, HDR10
 Always-on displayAlways-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+)Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 650Adreno 640
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 13Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM modelmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
Dual64 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (standard), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 13 MP, f/1.9, 12mm (ultrawide), 1/3.4", 1.0µm 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, f/1.4, (depth)-
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
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
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p, HDR10+, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS4K@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
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single10 MP, f/1.9, 30mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.22µm-
Video4K@30fps, gyro-EIS1080p@60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
 32-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/192kHz audio recording32-bit/192kHz audio 24-bit/192kHz audio recording Tuned with Meridian Audio
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioFM radio (USA model only)FM radio
USBUSB Type-C 3.1, OTGUSB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
ChargingWired, PD2.0, QC4 Wireless18W wired, PD2.0, QC3, 50% in 36 min 10W wireless (Qi)
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsClassy Blue, Classy WhiteNew Aurora Black
ModelsLM-V600VML, LMV600VMLLM-V500, LM-V500N, LM-V500EM, LM-V500XM, LM-V450PM, LM-V450
PriceAbout 870 EURAbout 550 EUR
SAR0.85 W/kg (head)     1.12 W/kg (body)-
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 V60 ThinQ 5G UW

  • Significantly faster processor (Snapdragon 865)
  • Faster charging speeds (PD2.0, QC4)
  • More modern 5G modem
  • Potentially improved camera image processing

  • Potentially higher price
  • No detailed battery capacity information available

LG V50 ThinQ 5G

  • Proven 96-hour battery endurance
  • High contrast ratio (194000:1)
  • Potentially lower purchase price
  • Reliable performance for everyday tasks

  • Older Snapdragon 855 processor
  • Slower charging speeds (18W wired, 10W wireless)
  • Less advanced 5G connectivity

Display Comparison

Both the V60 and V50 feature high-quality displays, but specific details beyond the V50’s measured 533 nits peak brightness are limited. The V60 likely benefits from advancements in panel technology during its production cycle, potentially offering improved color accuracy and efficiency. While contrast ratio data is available for the V50 at 194000:1, the V60’s contrast ratio remains unspecified. The V60’s newer processor may also allow for more sophisticated display processing, enhancing visual clarity.

Camera Comparison

Both phones are equipped with photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the V60’s newer image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 865 likely delivers improved image processing, resulting in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality. The V60’s processor also supports more advanced computational photography features.

Performance

The core difference between these devices lies in their chipsets. The LG V60 utilizes the Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7nm+), a significant upgrade over the V50’s Snapdragon 855 (7nm). The 865 features a newer CPU architecture – Cortex-A77 cores versus the Kryo 485 in the 855 – resulting in improved single-core and multi-core performance. The V60’s CPU configuration (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77, 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77, 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) offers a more balanced approach than the V50’s (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485, 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485). The 7nm+ node used in the 865 also provides better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While both support 5G, the 865 offers broader modem compatibility and potentially faster speeds.

Battery Life

Interestingly, both the LG V60 and V50 boast an endurance rating of 96 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the V60’s more powerful processor. This indicates efficient power management on both devices. However, the V60 significantly improves charging speeds with support for PD2.0 and QC4, while the V50 is limited to 18W wired charging (QC3) and 10W wireless charging. The V60 can achieve a 50% charge faster than the V50, offering greater convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the LG V60 ThinQ 5G UW if you prioritize performance for demanding applications like gaming or video editing, and want the benefits of faster 5G speeds and more modern charging protocols. Buy the LG V50 ThinQ 5G if you are on a tighter budget and value proven battery life and a potentially lower purchase price, accepting the performance trade-offs of an older chipset.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 865 in the V60 experience significant throttling under sustained load compared to the V50?
While both chips can throttle, the Snapdragon 865 in the V60, built on a 7nm+ process, is more thermally efficient than the 7nm Snapdragon 855 in the V50. This means the V60 is likely to maintain higher performance for longer periods during demanding tasks like gaming or video recording before experiencing significant throttling.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between the V60 and V50 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the V60’s support for PD2.0 and QC4 allows for significantly faster charging. While the V50 takes approximately 36 minutes to reach 50% charge, the V60 can achieve the same in a shorter timeframe, offering a more convenient charging experience, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
❓ Given both phones have the same endurance rating, does that mean they have the same battery capacity?
Not necessarily. Endurance rating is a composite score based on real-world usage, not just battery capacity. While both phones achieve 96 hours, the V60’s more efficient processor and potentially optimized software could contribute to this similar rating despite potentially having a different battery capacity than the V50.