LG takes a modular approach with the new G5

Moving away from what was a unique look last year with the LG G4’s leather back, LG have today announced something just as different or perhaps much more so when you think about it – a modular approach to the new G5.

This year featuring a “sleek metal body” the device which LG are rightly calling their “latest and greatest” also features a 135 degree wide-angle lens on the camera but it’s the slide-out removable battery and modular design that will get the most attention.

We’ll come back to the modular stuff in a moment.  But first, that camera.  Well, in fact, the 135 degree lens is one of two – there’s a standard 78 degree lens right alongside the new 135 degree one, and why not offer two times the choice of cameras.  I guess we’ve seen options like this with the OlloClip for iPhone, but that’s a new lens over the existing one – LGs decision to give this option is to simply put two cameras there.  Seems strange really, but for those who love their landscape photography it could be a selling point.

More likely though it’s the Modular design that will sell. Of course, there’s the option to have a spare battery to slot in and out, but there’s also the cool new gadgets that will surely com.

For example, the “LG CAM Plus” – a camera module that slides into the battery slot but gives you much more comfortable grip and DSLR like controls.  And at the same time, there’s an additional 1,200mAh of battery on board too.

Then there’s the Hi-Fi Plus which is developed with B&O Play.  This DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) will enhance your music experience like you can’t imagine.  Too big to fit into a standard mobile phone, taking advantage of the modular design of the G5 means you can take this sound with you.  Plus, it works on any other Smartphone or PC as an attachment.

LG also wants you to get friendly with the G5.  They’re building an entire ecosystem of companion devices in addition to those I’ve already mentioned.

There’s a 360-degree camera which takes two 13megapixel wide-angle cameras and connects to the G5 to create 360 degree content.  LG have even partnered with Google to allow the content to be uploaded to StreetView and of course to YouTube’s 360 degree compatible viewers.

Keeping on the 360 degree theme, the LG 360 VR is a new VR goggle that is connected to the G5 by a dedicated cable.  It’s foldable so is easier to carry than more other VR goggles.

And then there’s the Rolling Bot.  This “companion device” rolls around like a ball capturing images and videos on it’s embedded camera.  LG say it’s not just a toy, it can be used as a security system for the home, pet-care as well as a remote for home appliances.  Wow, that’s taking things to the extreme right there.

Finally, it’s always-on.  A feature rumoured to also be coming to Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S7, the always-on concept means your phone is always showing the date and time, even when it’s asleep.  It does this without impacting the battery more than 0.8% per hour.

Here are the full specs:

• Chipset: Qualcomm® SnapdragonTM 820 Processor
• Display: 5.3-inch Quad HD IPS Quantum Display (2560 x 1440 / 554ppi)
• Memory: 4GB LPDDR4 RAM / 32GB UFS ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
• Camera: Rear: Standard 16MP, Wide 8MP / Front: 8MP
• Battery: 2,800mAh (removable)
• OS: Android 6.0 Marshmallow
• Size: 149.4 x 73.9 x 7.7~8.6mm
• Weight:159g
• Network: LTE / 3G / 2G
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac / USB Type-C 2.0 (3.0 compatible) / NFC / Bluetooth 4.2
• Colors: Silver / Titan / Gold / Pink

Aussie pricing and availability still to be announced

Trevor Long travelled to Barcelona as a guest of Huawei, details at the EFTM Disclosures & Commercial Interests page