LG's latest smartphone designed to be a brighter, smarter device


  • TECH
  • Sunday, 06 May 2018

The LG G7 ThinQ is bigger than its predecessor, featuring a larger screen of 6.1-inches. — AFP Relaxnews

LG revealed its latest smartphone, the G7, an addition to the ThinQ family, with functions that promise brighter photography and enhanced AI.

The LG G7 ThinQ is bigger than its predecessor, featuring a larger screen of 6.1-inches, with a super-wide 19.5:9 aspect and impressive resolution (1440 x 3130 pixels) that outdoes most other flagship phones. The model also features the brand's new LCD technology for a super bright display, easily visible even in direct sunlight, along with a slimmer bottom bezel and a notch at the top.

The South Korean company claims the new 16-MP wide-angle camera captures images that are up to four times brighter than typical pictures captured in dim surroundings, and, using AI algorithms, the settings will automatically adjust to shoot in low light. And not only did the back camera get a boost, the selfie cam is now 8MP.

LG is also touting its original feature of a button, placed under the volume controls, which will launch Google Assistant. Double tap and you have Google Lens.

For those not familiar with it, Google Lens is the AI-powered technology that uses the camera and deep machine learning to detect and analyse an object, and then suggests actions. For example, after recognising a restaurant, it may open up a window with reviews, or it may give facts on a historical monument. In collaboration with Google Photos, users' images will be organised with categorisation and keyword assistance.

The AI CAM now offers a total of 19 intelligence-optimised possibilities including portrait mode, live mode and more. And the modes are selected automatically. Point the camera at a perfect latte next to a muffin, and presto, the camera will adjust the settings for “food”, while with pets it chooses “animal mode”. To ensure it's guessed right, the interface will display words of what it thinks it sees.

LG introduced this AI technology that it calls ThinQ in the V30S ThinQ at the Mobile World Congress 2018 in February. Such technology, which is now becoming the norm among competitors such as Samsung, Google and Apple, is designed to improve photography but also provide information based on what the camera sees, whether it be for shopping or searching purposes. In LG's new model, users have more voice command options with Google Assistant, even if they are 16 feet away, making this a competitor for not only smartphone voice recognition but also for smart speakers.

And the brand has upgraded the sound system to a boombox speaker, claiming that it will also be “the first smartphone to offer DTS:X to deliver virtual 3D sound for all content, up to 7.1 channel audio with earphones”.

This Snapdragon 845-powered device will come with 3,000 mAh quick charge battery, 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. With an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 5 front and back, this robust and IP68 certified model comes in New Platinum Gray, New Aurora Black, New Moroccan Blue or Raspberry Rose.

The phone is set to roll out with Android 8.0 Oreo in the coming days in South Korea, followed by major markets in North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Price and purchase details will be announced locally closer to the time of availability. According to CNET, the phone will likely retail for US$600-US$700 (RM2,360 - RM2,753) in the United States. — AFP Relaxnews

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