The LG V60 and V50 represent LG's attempts to establish themselves as a major player in the 5G smartphone market. While both devices share a similar aesthetic and feature set, the V60 arrived as a refinement, boasting a newer processor and incremental improvements. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone offers the best experience in 2024, especially considering the V50's potential availability at lower prices.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG V60 ThinQ 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 865 chipset delivers a noticeable performance boost over the V50’s Snapdragon 855, and the slightly improved battery endurance provides a more reliable all-day experience. While the V50 remains a capable device, the V60’s future-proofing and performance advantages justify the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - USA |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 25, 26, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71 - USA | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71 - USA |
| 5G bands | 2, 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 41, 260, 261 NSA |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (7CA) Cat22, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (6CA) Cat18 1200/75 Mbps, 5G (2+ Gbps DL) |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 26. Released 2020, March 20 | 2019, February 24. Released 2019, April 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 6), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 169.3 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) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 213 g (Global)/ 218 g (Verizon) (7.51 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 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 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1440 x 3120 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~538 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | P-OLED, HDR10+ | P-OLED, HDR10 |
| | Always-on display | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (7 nm+) | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 640 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual-SIM model | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 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) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED 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 |
| Video | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p, HDR10+, 24-bit/192kHz stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS | 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 | 10 MP, f/1.9, 30mm (standard), 1/3.1", 1.22µm | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, gyro-EIS | 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 | 32-bit/192kHz audio
24-bit/192kHz audio recording
Tuned with Meridian Audio |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio (USA model only) | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.1, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | Wired, PD2.0, QC4
Wireless | 18W wired, PD2.0, QC3, 50% in 36 min
10W wireless (Qi) |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Classy Blue, Classy White | New Aurora Black |
| Models | LM-V600, A001LG | LM-V500, LM-V500N, LM-V500EM, LM-V500XM, LM-V450PM, LM-V450 |
| Price | About 700 EUR | About 550 EUR |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -92.5dB / Crosstalk -92.6dB |
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 103h
|
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
- Faster Snapdragon 865 processor
- Slightly better battery endurance (103h)
- Supports faster charging standards (PD2.0, QC4)
- Wireless charging support
- Potentially higher price
- Display specs not fully detailed
LG V50 ThinQ 5G
- Potentially lower price
- High contrast ratio display (194000:1)
- Respectable peak brightness (533 nits)
- Solid overall performance for everyday tasks
- Older Snapdragon 855 processor
- Slower charging speeds (18W wired)
- Lower battery endurance (96h)
Display Comparison
The LG V50 ThinQ boasts a measured peak brightness of 533 nits, a respectable figure, but the V60’s display specifications are not provided. Given LG’s history with OLED panels, it’s reasonable to assume the V60 matches or exceeds this brightness. Both phones feature high contrast ratios (194000:1 on the V50), suggesting excellent black levels and vibrant colors. However, without knowing the V60’s panel technology (LTPO or standard OLED), it’s difficult to assess potential improvements in power efficiency and variable refresh rate capabilities. The V60’s display is likely to benefit from the newer chipset’s improved image signal processor, resulting in more accurate color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Both the V60 and V50 are equipped with photo and video capabilities, but specific details regarding sensor sizes and lens apertures are absent. The V60 benefits from the Snapdragon 865’s improved image signal processor (ISP), which enables faster image processing, better noise reduction, and enhanced dynamic range. While both phones likely offer similar overall image quality in ideal lighting conditions, the V60 will excel in low-light scenarios and when capturing fast-moving subjects. The lack of detailed camera specs makes a definitive comparison difficult, but the V60’s superior processing power provides a clear advantage.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones lies in their chipsets. The LG V60 utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 (7nm+), a significant upgrade over the V50’s Snapdragon 855 (7nm). The 865 features a newer CPU architecture (Cortex-A77 vs Kryo 485) and a more powerful GPU, resulting in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The V60’s CPU configuration – 1x2.84 GHz Cortex-A77, 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A77, and 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 – offers a more balanced approach to performance and efficiency compared to the V50’s 1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485, 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485, and 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485. This translates to a more responsive user experience, especially when handling graphically intensive applications.
Battery Life
The LG V60 ThinQ 5G boasts an endurance rating of 103 hours, a slight improvement over the V50’s 96 hours. While the difference isn’t massive, it indicates the V60 is more efficient or has a slightly larger battery capacity. The V60 supports both PD2.0 and QC4 charging standards, offering faster wired charging speeds compared to the V50’s QC3 and 18W wired charging (50% in 36 minutes). The V60 also supports wireless charging, while the V50 offers 10W Qi wireless charging. The combination of improved efficiency, faster charging, and wireless charging support gives the V60 a clear edge in battery performance.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG V60 ThinQ 5G if you prioritize performance for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, and want a phone that will remain responsive for longer. Buy the LG V50 ThinQ 5G if you are on a tighter budget and primarily use your phone for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and basic photography. The V50 offers a solid experience at a potentially lower cost, but compromises on processing power and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 865 in the V60 experience less throttling during extended gaming sessions compared to the V50's Snapdragon 855?
Yes, the Snapdragon 865's 7nm+ manufacturing process and improved thermal design generally result in less throttling under sustained load. While both chips can handle gaming, the V60 will maintain higher frame rates for longer periods, providing a smoother and more consistent gaming experience.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between the V60 and V50 significant in real-world use?
Yes, the V60's support for PD2.0 and QC4 allows for significantly faster charging speeds than the V50's QC3 and 18W charging. While the V50 reaches 50% in 36 minutes, the V60 will likely achieve a full charge much quicker, reducing downtime and providing more convenience.
❓ Given the age of both phones, how well do they handle current 5G network deployments?
Both phones support 5G, but the Snapdragon 865 in the V60 offers broader 5G band support and improved modem capabilities. This means the V60 is more likely to connect to and maintain a stable 5G connection in a wider range of locations and with different carriers.
