Verdict
Industry-leading premium hardware gives the G8X ThinQ incredible performance. That's a good launching point for the unique Dual Screen accessory which adds a secondary 6.4" display in a foldable case. The 360 Freestop Hinge holds the screens in whatever position you want for truly unique smartphone use.It's pretty heavy (326g or 0.7lbs) and you'll need both hands to use it most of the time. There's a steep learning curve for users and LG still needs to refine a few bugs out of the dual screen architecture. Even so, after it launches at most major Canadian carriers on November 1, 2019, it's easily the best way to impress all your friends and colleagues in a time when most smartphones look the same.
What we love
- Two huge OLED screens with HDR10 that will turn heads
- Premium hardware specifications
- Third screen for notifications
- New ways to use a smartphone
What could be improved
- Big and heavy, you'll need both hands
- New tech requires a learning curve
- More customization for game pad app
- Expensive but what top-of-the-line toy isn't?
88/100
LG G8X ThinQ Dual Screen
Take a powerful smartphone with a fast CPU, flagship features like in-screen fingerprint reader, and LG's impressive audio playback performance and add a secondary 6.4" OLED display. While companies like Samsung and HUAWEI are desperately trying to work the bugs out of foldable smartphones, LG is offering many of the same features with simpler and cheaper hardware.
You may have already heard of the LG G8 smartphone. It's LG's most powerful smartphone and was released in Canada earlier this year. The LG G8X swaps out some hardware features, adds a dual screen accessory and makes this the phone that everyone will want to see up close.
I considered comparing it to one of the foldable phones on the market—Samsung has the Galaxy Fold, HUAWEI is releasing the Mate X, and there's a rumoured Motorola RAZR foldable smartphone—but none of these are available in Canada. The LG G8X ThinQ is available starting November 1, 2019 from nearly every major mobile carrier across Canada.
LG G8X ThinQ Dual Screen vs. LG G8 ThinQ
Let's compare the LG G8X ThinQ Dual Screen to the LG G8 ThinQ which is similar enough, but different in ways that truly set it apart from every other device on the market.
How LG G8X Dual Screen and LG G8 Are The Same
The LG G8 was released at the start of 2019 and built on LG's history of putting powerful hardware in a flagship phone and adding great features. The LG G8X has the same Snapdragon 855 CPU, 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage that's expandable with a microSD card. Both smartphones run LG's older Android 9.0 Pie operating system.
Both devices have wide and ultra-wide rear cameras, and front-facing camera technology to take impressive shots. The hardware inside each model is slightly different, but we'll go into that more below. Another general similarity is LG's continued commitment to premium audio. Once you enable DTS:X certification and 32-bit DAC you'll find the G8 and G8X both feature impressive audio playback even if the hardware is slightly different.
You'll find support for major nationwide LTE bands, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 and FM radio in the G8 and G8X. There's even a headphone jack on both models. Add 21W Quick Charge over the USB 3.1 Type-C connector and wireless charging at 9W and there's little left to want out of these premium devices.
How the LG G8X Dual Screen is Different
LG tried to set the G8 apart from the competition by including a front-facing sensor that allows you to control apps without touching your screen, or unlock your phone using the unique vein pattern in your hand. The G8X switches out some of the G8 hardware (including the touch-free sensor) in order to enable that huge second display.Display: The LG G8 features a 6.1" QuadHD+ display with about 4.5 million pixels on its long 19.5:9 aspect ratio screen. The G8X has a larger 6.4" display with the same aspect ratio. The resolution is lower, but when you insert the G8X into the Dual Screen case it powers up an identical 6.4" display. You now have more than 5 million pixels of juicy HDR10 colour spread over two monstrous screens. There's a teardrop-shaped notch on both screens, but only the primary screen has a camera. The second one is just for visual balance.
The built-in LG Game Pad software lets you turn one screen into a controller that should work with any game that supports Bluetooth gamepads. Partnered with a blazing-fast Adreno 640 GPU this makes gaming on a smartphone about as good as it gets.
While this is sold as a Dual Screen device, there's actually a third 2.1" mono screen outside the case. This screen lets you still get the time, see notification icons and see who's calling all while the phone is snapped shut.
Winner: LG G8X ThinQ Dual Screen, obviously. It's the phone's main selling point..
Battery: The rule for smartphones is 'more pixels, more power'. The larger or higher resolution of the screen, the larger the battery needs to be. While there's more than twice the footprint, the second screen only consumes 20% more battery according to LG. Having switched out the 3,500mAh battery from the G8 for a 4,000mAh battery for the G8X, LG claims the extra juice more than makes up for the increased power drain.
Winner: LG G8X ThinQ Dual Screen
Audio: LG has made high fidelity audio reproduction a key part of their smartphone branding. The LG G8 uses a large chamber inside the device to create impressive Boombox audio without the need for an external speaker or headphones. The G8X goes a different route, offering up 50/50 stereo speakers. Bass response is definitely missing but still manages high volume playback with minimal distortion. Stereo effects are present but minimal even with DTS:X 3D enabled.
Winner: LG G8 ThinQ has superior bass. Most other audio features are the same.
Camera: The LG G8X features the same 12MP primary camera on the back, but a downgraded secondary ultra-wide camera. The selfie camera is a step up with 32MP, but what really matters is how easy it is to take a picture. That's where the G8X with the Dual Screen can make photography better... or worse.
With the G8X Dual Screen, you line up the shot in one display and can immediately see the results on the other. There's no more "okay, wait a minute, let me see if I got the shot.” That second display is also handy as a viewfinder when lining up shots low to the ground (for effect) or high shots (like top-down, Instagram-worthy pics).
Unfortunately, I found that the second screen can just as easily get in the way. Folding the screen all the way back means that it is now blocking the main camera lens. While the G8X smartphone sits in the Dual Screen case, you have no choice but to take photos in an "open-book" format.
Winner: LG G8 ThinQ gets the edge here. The hardware is better although the G8X Dual Screen is designed so content creators can use the secondary display to get the perfect shot.
LG G8X ThinQ: The Good and the Bad
With much of the same premium hardware you'll find in any top-of-the-line Android smartphone, the LG G8X matches any flagship device out there. Coupled with the Dual Screen accessory and custom software, you can do some really cool stuff.
The 360 Freestop Hinge holds its position however you bend it, letting you play videos on a desktop, type on a fullscreen keyboard like a laptop, or take photos of the treetops without craning your neck.
Even though the Dual Screen case is called an "accessory" by LG, it can't be bought separately. You need to buy it together with the LG G8X ThinQ. You should also be made aware that it's big. Really big. I have pretty big hands and don't mind large-format phones, but nearly everything I do with this phone requires two hands. Even so, your friends and colleagues will want to see it up close because "Hey! Foldable smartphone!"
What's Good About The LG G8X Dual Screen?
The G8X is extremely powerful. It features high-quality cameras powered by AI software that helps you get great shots. The in-screen fingerprint reader is the most responsive I've used. There's loads of storage with 128GB and is expandable with a microSD card. The battery is huge, and you've got every kind of connection you could want, including USB-C, 3.5mm headphone, Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.0 and wireless charging.
The Dual Screen accessory invents new ways of using a smartphone. Two screens might feel like cheating compared to a foldable screen, but it's better than Samsung's foldable screen that could break and isn't even available to buy in Canada. Not everyone would want to buy the G8X ThinQ Dual Screen, but everyone wants to try it out. A foldable smartphone is pretty cool.
What's not so good about the LG G8X Dual Screen?
Android 10 includes new functions for foldable phones but the G8X still runs on the older Android 9. As a result, it needs a lot of custom software to run the second screen. The controls are not always intuitive, but practice and muscle-memory eventually help you get used to this new way of using a smartphone. I'd love to see if Android 10 improves the experience and if LG chooses to let Google help or if they keep their custom solution.
Using a large 6.4” display and then doubling it makes the LG G8X Dual Screen excessively large. With the Dual Screen accessory case attached, the G8X Dual Screen is twice as thick as most smartphones. Also, the main phone is heavier than the secondary screen accessory so the centre-of-balance is weird and doesn’t sit comfortably in one hand.
Folding it over so you can use it like a regular phone means the excellent rear camera lenses are blocked. Plus, the case also uses a proprietary mag-connector for easy charging. There's a dongle included in the case, but if you want to charge using a USB-C cable then you need to pop it out of the accessory case; something I found myself doing a lot.
Camera Samples
Click image for original quality photos
LG G8X ThinQ Dual Screen Competition:
What Else Can I Buy?
Samsung Galaxy Fold (US only)
This is the foldable phone that started all the hype. With a 4.6" display on the outside and a tablet-worthy 7.3" display inside, here is the premium smartphone that the industry has been dreaming of. It's got the fastest CPU, five cameras, HDR10+ video recording and more. Just about anything a smartphone can do, this one can do better.
LG G8 ThinQ
If you're just looking for a solid flagship from LG, the G8 ThinQ has been out since the beginning of the year. It's got a beautiful screen and impressive cameras powered by AI-enhanced software. With the G8X hitting the market, you may find new deals on the older G8 ThinQ from carriers.
Motorola moto z4
The dual screen feature of the G8X lets you customize your phone to your use, but Motorola's moto z4 (and older moto z3 Play) have a wide selection of "moto mods" accessories you can slap on the back. You can choose to make your smartphone into a gamepad, projector, photo printer or just put a massive battery pack on it and charge it every few days.
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