LG V20 Review

Introduction

Power user – this is a term associated with individuals who operate a computing device with advanced skills and elevated privileges. In other words, that is someone who knows their gadgets inside out and, more importantly, who knows how to make the most of them. The LG V10 was a phone suitable for that kind of folks. Released about a year ago in a limited number of markets, it was quite the unusual handset – large, rugged, and packed to the brim with outstanding features, including a secondary display, dual front-facing cameras, premium sound hardware, and full manual camera controls.

Fast-forward to present day, and the LG V20 is here to pick up where the V10 left off. Sticking to the same formula, this new and improved model comes with a sizzling-hot specs sheet complemented by a list of goodies to wow the tech crowd. We’re talking about an enhanced secondary screen, dual cameras at the back with full manual controls, a Quad DAC setup for superior sound reproduction capabilities, microphones good enough to record a concert in high fidelity, and all of that sprinkled with a sweet dash of Android 7.0 Nougat. 

To say the least, the LG V20 is a phone that tech enthusiasts, audiophiles, and media creators would be intrigued by, but does it live up to the high expectations that it sets? I spent some time in its company to find out.

Design

Durability over grace is the main theme with this extra-large handset.

When the team and I saw the LG V20 for the first time, it wasn’t a case of love at first sight. The phone appeared tough and manly, but lacked in elegance and sophistication, not unlike the Tumbler Batmobile. And you know what, I’d say that I’m okay with that, now that I’ve used the V20 for a while. Sure, it isn’t gorgeous, but what it lacks in grace, it makes up for in durability.