Foldables and more display real estate are the dominant smartphone trend right now, but flexible display devices such as Samsung’s Galaxy Fold have cast doubt in the public’s perception of these devices.
Microsoft’s recently announced Duo appears to be the smarter compromise bu bring two displays together instead of trying to have one display fold and open up to a larger display. But Microsoft’s Duo, which is only scheduled to go on sale at the end of 2020, is not the first device in 2019 to promote this idea, LG Mobile beat them to the punch with the G8XThinQ.
LG Electronics (LG) South Africa has confirmed that it will launch the LG G8XThinQ, its newest addition to the G series smartphones, which comes with a more advanced LG Dual Screen in November 2019.
LG first introduced the Dual Screen earlier this year in other regions with the V50, LG’s first 5G phone, and established an innovative form factor and a new level of on-the-go multitasking excellence. For the new version, LG applied consumer feedback and implemented a number of improvements including an additional 2.1-inch Cover Display. This handy extra display lets you check basic information like time, date, charge and notifications without opening the Dual Screen. What’s more, while the first Dual Screen offered viewing from two different angles, the new Dual Screen adopts a new 360 Freestop Hinge to allow for viewing at any angle, just like a laptop.
LG says that the G8XThinQ and LG Dual Screen are designed to create a whole new way to multitask, enjoy content and socialise. Not only can you have different apps running on the two displays simultaneously, there’s also an LG Gamepad option which provides a customisable game controller on the second screen.
There was a time when LG was the king of smartphone cameras and if the G8X follows on from the impressive camera found on the G8S, then you’re in for a treat. The G8X sports a dual-camera setup on the back with a 12MP Standard lens (F1.8 / 1.4μm / 78˚) and a 13MP Super Wide lens (F2.4 / 1.0μm / 136˚). AI Action Shotrecognises and compensates for movement with a shutter speed of 1/480 of a second to keep subjects fully in focus; ideal for taking memorable shots of kids or pets playing. 4K Time Lapse lets users create artistic time lapse videos in stunning 4K resolution while LG Steady Cam provides enhanced image stability for footage that looks more polished and professional. If selfies are more your thing, then the32MP front shooter with 1.6μm sensor and Reflector Mode are for you.
Something that I’ve been jealous of with iPhone users is the ability to switch between the front and rear cameras (at least while recording Instagram videos) but now, available for the first time, switching between front and rear cameras while recording video on an Android handset has become a possibility.
One of my favourite things on LG’s flagship handsets has been their audio. While everyone is removing the 3.5mm heaphone jack, LG retains it and brings higher quality audio to its handsets than any of its competitors. The G8X doesn’t disappoint with its two 1.2W speakers which deliver what LG says is “bold, perfectly balanced stereo sound” while the 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC tuned by Meridian Audio continues to make LG the benchmark for exceptional smartphone sound. On the recording end, the LG G8XThinQ features a microphone which is automatically turned up when capturing video to ensure that sounds are recorded in vivid detail for the most captivating, ASMR recordings.
The G8X is unmistakably an LG handset, but the design is refined and sleeker when compared to the V50. Connecting the phone to the Dual Screen is now achieved via USB instead of Pogo Pins for a cleaner-looking phone when used without the case. The phone also has an improved UI with a cleaner design, refreshed icons and tabs such as Dial, Call logs, and Contacts moving to the bottom of the display so that you can get even more done with only one hand.
“LG Dual Screen is now a proven form factor, highly regarded for its practicality and the world of multitasking possibilities it opens up,” said Brian Kwon, president of LG’s Mobile Communications and Home Entertainment companies. “We’ll continue to expand the LG Dual Screen ecosystem through strategic partnerships and upgrade our innovation in meaningful ways to bring consumers a differentiated user experience.”
LG G8XThinQ and upgraded LG Dual Screen will be available in Aurora Black in South Africa from November and will be carried by Vodacom, MTN and Cell C.
The RRP (recommended retail price) is R15 999.00
Key Specifications:*
LG G8XThinQ
· Chipset: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 855 Mobile Platform SM8150 Up to 2.84GHz (Octa-Core)
· Display: 6.4-inch FHD+ AMOLED FullVision Display with 19.5:9 aspect ratio (2,340 x 1,080 / 403ppi)
· Memory: 6GB RAM / 128GB / microSD slot (up to 2TB)
· Camera:
– Rear: 12MP Standard (F1.8 / 1.4μm / 78˚) / 13MP Super Wide (F2.4 / 1.0μm / 136˚)
– Front: 32MP Standard (F1.9 / 0.8μm / 79˚)
· Battery: 4,000mAh, Quick Charge 3.0, Wireless Charging
· Operating System: Android 9.0 Pie
· Size: 159.2mm x 75.8mm x 8.4mm
· Weight: 192g
· Network: 3G / 4G LTE-A
· Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac / Bluetooth 5 / NFC / WiFi Direct, Miracast, DLNA, USB Type-C (USB 3.1 Compatible)
· Biometrics: In-Display Fingerprint Sensor
· Color: Aurora Black
· Others: Stereo Speaker / AI CAM / Google Lens / Google Assistant / 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC / DTS:X 3D Surround Sound / IP68 Water and Dust Resistance / HDR10 / Qualcomm Quick Charge™ 3.0 Technology / MIL-STD 810G Compliance / FM Radio
LG Dual Screen (included in the box)
· Display: 6.4-inch 19.5:9 FHD + OLED FullVision (2,340 x 1,080 / 403ppi)
· Cover Display: 2.1-inch Mono
· Size: 165.96 x 84.63 x 14.99mm
· Weight: 134g
· Contact Type: USB
· Folding Type: 360 Freestop Hinge
· Colour: Aurora Black
* Specifications/features may vary depending on the market.
