The LG Velvet and Velvet 5G represent LG's attempt to redefine their flagship experience with a focus on design and usability. While visually similar, significant internal differences exist, primarily revolving around the chipset and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which Velvet variant best suits your needs, especially considering the current market landscape where both devices can be found at discounted prices.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the LG Velvet 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 765G offers a more efficient architecture, coupled with significantly faster 25W charging. While the Velvet’s Snapdragon 845 is powerful, the 5G model’s improved efficiency and charging speed provide a more modern and convenient user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 28, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (5CA) Cat16 1000/75 Mbps, 5G 2Gbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 28. Released 2020, July 31 | 2020, May 07. Released 2020, May 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame | Glass front, glass back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 167.1 x 74.1 x 7.9 mm (6.58 x 2.92 x 0.31 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-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 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 conditions | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~88.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~88.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | P-OLED | P-OLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 385 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 630 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, LG UX |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED 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 | 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 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/1.9, 29mm (standard), 1/3.06, 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/1.9, 29mm (standard), 1/3.06, 1.0µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired, QC3
9W wireless | 25W wired, PD3.0, QC4
9W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 4300 mAh | Li-Po 4300 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Aurora Silver | Aurora White, Aurora Green, Aurora Gray, Illusion Sunset, Red, Pink |
| Models | LMG910EMW, LM-G910EMW | LM-G900N, LM-G900EM, LM-G900, LM-G900TM |
| Price | About 360 EUR | About 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 Velvet
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance for bursty tasks.
- May be available at a lower price point due to its age.
- Familiar Qualcomm Snapdragon ecosystem.
- Less power-efficient chipset leading to shorter battery life under load.
- Slower 15W charging.
- Older chipset lacks advanced 5G capabilities.
LG Velvet 5G
- More efficient Snapdragon 765G processor.
- Significantly faster 25W charging with PD3.0 and QC4.
- Integrated 5G modem for future-proof connectivity.
- Slightly lower peak CPU clock speeds compared to the 845.
- May be slightly more expensive than the standard Velvet.
- Potential for software update limitations.
Display Comparison
Both the LG Velvet and Velvet 5G feature similar displays, but the 5G model boasts a measured peak brightness of 617 nits, suggesting a more visible screen in direct sunlight. While both share an 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal), the real-world impact is likely minimal. The Velvet’s display specifications aren’t explicitly stated, making a direct comparison of panel technology (e.g., OLED type, color gamut coverage) difficult. However, the 5G model’s higher brightness provides a tangible advantage for outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a detailed camera comparison is impossible. However, the image processing capabilities of the Snapdragon 765G are generally more advanced than those of the 845, potentially leading to better dynamic range and low-light performance in the 5G model. The absence of details regarding OIS or specific lens configurations makes a definitive judgment challenging, but the 765G’s ISP offers a computational photography edge.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The LG Velvet utilizes the Snapdragon 845, a 10nm flagship processor from 2018, featuring an octa-core configuration with Kryo 385 cores peaking at 2.8 GHz. The Velvet 5G, conversely, employs the Snapdragon 765G, a 7nm processor designed for 5G connectivity and efficiency. While the 845 offers higher peak CPU clock speeds, the 765G’s newer architecture and smaller node size translate to better power efficiency and sustained performance. The 765G’s Kryo 475 cores, while clocked slightly lower, benefit from architectural improvements. This means the Velvet 5G is less likely to throttle under sustained load, offering a smoother experience during prolonged gaming or video editing.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 79 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite the different chipsets. However, the Velvet 5G’s 25W wired charging with PD3.0 and QC4 support is a significant advantage over the Velvet’s 15W QC3 charging. This translates to substantially faster charging times – a full charge on the 5G model will take considerably less time than on the standard Velvet. While both support 9W wireless charging, the faster wired charging of the 5G model mitigates the need for wireless charging in many scenarios.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG Velvet if you prioritize raw, albeit slightly dated, processing power for demanding tasks and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. This phone is best for users who found a deep discount and need the absolute maximum CPU performance within a limited budget. Buy the LG Velvet 5G if you value a balance of performance, battery efficiency, and fast charging. This is the ideal choice for everyday users, content consumers, and those who want a more future-proof 5G experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 765G in the Velvet 5G struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 765G isn't a flagship-tier gaming chip, it's capable of running Genshin Impact at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. The 7nm process and improved thermal management prevent significant throttling, offering a more consistent gaming experience than the Snapdragon 845 in the standard Velvet, which is prone to overheating under sustained load.
❓ Does the LG Velvet 5G support sub-6GHz 5G, or does it also include mmWave support?
The LG Velvet 5G primarily supports sub-6GHz 5G networks, which offer wider coverage but generally lower speeds than mmWave. The specific 5G bands supported will vary depending on the carrier and region. mmWave support was not a standard feature on the Velvet 5G.
❓ How does the charging speed difference translate to real-world usage? How long does each phone take to fully charge?
The LG Velvet 5G’s 25W charging can take a phone from 0-100% in approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, while the standard Velvet’s 15W charging can take upwards of 2 hours and 30 minutes. This difference is substantial and significantly improves the convenience of the 5G model.
