LG G8x ThinQ: Worth a second smartphone display?

Last updated on March 9, 2021

First, the smartphone displays have become bigger, then Samsung and Huawei ushered in a new era with their foldable models. LG moves somewhere in between with its latest LG G8x ThinQ smartphone. Because the smartphone has a full-view display, but thanks to an exceptional case, it can be extended by an equally large, second display. The LG G8x ThinQ is visually reminiscent of folding smartphone with thick edges. But how is this concept reflected in everyday life?

Technology fans may find the LG G8x ThinQ perhaps familiar. For a similar model called the LG V50 ThinQ, the manufacturer has already presented at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in late February in Barcelona. But it never came to Germany. The LG G8x ThinQ is different. The smartphone is available in this country from the beginning of November for 749 euros. The case with the second display costs another 249 euros. It is still unclear whether there will be a bundle of smartphone and dual-screen, which is then slightly cheaper. So much for the cornerstones. But we were particularly interested in the question of whether a case with a second display is worthwhile.

LG G8x ThinQ: The first impression

Visually, the LG G8x ThinQ comes modern. Even without the extraordinary case, it is nice to look at. This is partly due to the 6.4-inch OLED display with 2,340 x 1,080 pixels, which occupies almost the entire front. Only a drop notch breaks through the display, which shows high contrast and strong color. In the Notch LG has housed the front camera. This resolves 32 megapixels and has an f / 1.9 aperture. Instead of three or four sensors on the back, brings the LG G8x ThinQ but only a dual camera with a 12-megapixel sensor and a 13-megapixel wide-angle including OIS (optical image stabilizer) with. If we compare this with other smartphones, the camera equipment seems a bit reduced. With features like “AI Action Shot”, where even fast movements can be captured, or “4K Time Lapse” for slow motion videos in 4K, LG wants to upgrade its camera. In addition, users can switch between the selfie and main camera during video recording.

Also on the well-known audio features, the manufacturer has not waived. Thus, the LG G8x ThinQ brings the known from its predecessor 1.2W speakers with 32-bit HiFi Quad DAC from Meridian Audio. The case of the smartphone is used as a resonator, which ensures a comparatively rich sound. Speaking of housing: The LG G8x ThinQ is protected according to IP68 and the military standard MIL-STD 810G not only against water, but also from shocks, falls and temperature fluctuations. The processing seemed impeccable to us at first glance. The LG phone is thus one of the more robust smartphones and almost has outdoor qualities.

Technical Equipment

Technically, the LG G8x ThinQ is up to date. Equipped with one of the currently most powerful octa-core processors, the Snapdragon 855, and 6 GB of RAM, the smartphone responds promptly to all inputs in Hands-On. There is nothing jerking and rumbling. For own data the LG Phone brings 128 GB of storage space, which can be expanded by means of a micro SD card. The operating system is Android 9 Pie installed, which can be unlocked via the in-display fingerprint sensor.

LG G8x ThinQ

• Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
• Memory : 6 GB of RAM / 128 GB of memory, expandable by up to 2 TB via Micro-SD
• Screen : 6.4 inches OLED FullVision (2.340 x 1.080 / 403 ppi), HDR10
• Main camera : 12 MP standard (f / 1.8) + 13 MP wide angle (f / 2.4)
• Front camera : 32 MP (f / 1.9)
• Operating System : Android 9.0 Pie
• Dimensions and weight : 159.3 x 75.8 x 8.4 mm, 192 g
• Connectivity : Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac, LTE, Bluetooth 5, NFC
• Battery : 4000 mAh, Quick Charge 3.0, USB Type-C (USB 3.1 compatible)
• Other : In-Display Fingerprint Sensor, Stereo Speakers, AI CAM, Google Lense, Google Assistant, 32-Bit HiFi Quad DAC, DTS: X 3D Surround Sound, Waterproof and Dust-Proof to IP68, MIL-STD 810G
• RRP : 749 euros

LG dual screen

• Screen : 6.4 inch OLED FullVision (2.340 x 1.080 / 403 ppi)
• Cover display : 2.1 inches mono
• Size : 165.96 x 84.63 x 14.99 mm, 134 g
• Contact type : USB
• Fold Type : 360 Freestop Hinge
• Color : Aurora Black
• RRP : 249 euros

Make one out of two: The dual-screen case in use

If the smartphone is inserted in the dual-screen case, users will have a second screen available that can be folded at a 360-degree angle. When closed, the highly reflective front panel displays important short information such as time of day or notifications via a small, 2.1-inch display.

The case closes like a book, but shows clear edges around all sides of the smartphone and the second display. Here is the difference to the folding smartphones from Samsung and Huawei, where the OLED screen can work as a whole and get along without hinge. Nevertheless, the concept of LG pleases, especially since it is optional. If more display surface is needed, this can be relatively easily retrofitted. If not, the LG G8x ThinQ can be used like a traditional smartphone.

The connection between the device and the case is now via USB and no longer via Pogo pins as with earlier models of this kind. Thanks to the customized interface LG UX 9.0, apps can be moved from one display to the next. However, the cross-display, ie the large-scale display on both displays, is not possible. Again, the concept differs from real folding smartphones. Still, having more on-screen is handy. Because you can work with several applications at the same time much more effective. It is even possible to turn the LG G8 ThinQ through the second screen into a mini-notebook or game console. For this purpose, only the keyboard or GamePads must be displayed on one of the two screens and the case unfolded accordingly. So far so good.

However, there is one point that makes us doubt something in the concept – the power supply. The battery has a capacity of 4,000 mAh and should easily provide power for a working day – at least in stand-alone mode. Because the case with the second display does not have its own battery. It ties the necessary energy from the smartphone battery. And you realize that. After all, the battery thus not only needs to supply a 6.4-inch OLED display with power, but a second equal to it.