[Review] LG Q6: the FullVision display conquering the mid-range

The success of the LG G6's Full Vision display has prompted the Seoul-based company to bring this technology also on LG Q6, a mid-range device that tries to beat the competition by relying on the screen with 18 format: 9. Will it be worth giving it a chance? Let's try to answer in our review.

LG Q6: the technical characteristics

DIMENSIONS: 142.5 x 69.3 x 8.1 mm
WEIGHT: 149 grams
DISPLAY: 5,5 inch IPS LCD – 2160×1080 pixels

CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 435, 1,4 GHz octa-core
GPU: Adreno 505
RAM: 3GB
MEMORY: 32GB
RETE: GSM, UMTS, HSPA+/HSUPA, 4G LTE (dual SIM)
CONNECTIVITY: WiFi 802.11 b / g / n 2.4 + 5GHz, Bluetooth 4.2, audio jack, microUSB, A-GPS
BATTERY: 3000 mAh

REAR CAMERA: 13 megapixels
FRONT CAMERA: 5 megapixels
VIDEO: 1080p @30fps

OPERATING SYSTEM: Android 7.1.1. with LG UX interface

A display that is second to none

Aesthetically, the LG Q6 looks like the little brother of the G6: same lines, same format and practically the same colors. To differentiate them, however, we think first of all the dimensions, much smaller for Q6, the absence of the USB Type-C input (replaced by a more traditional microUSB) and the lack of the fingerprint reader, which left me somewhat puzzled.

Then the materials change, with LG Q6 that comes up with a plastic back cover - perhaps a little too sensitive to scratches - and an aluminum profile, while the general ergonomics of the device remains very good, which allows you to use it easily even with one hand.

But what stands out is the 5,5-inch FullVision display. The unusual format allows you to have much more information on the screen, a not insignificant advantage both for those who use the browser and the various social networks and for those who prefer to watch some videos, films or TV series.

The resolution then is Full HD +, i.e. 2160 × 1080 pixels, accompanied by great colors, quite deep blacks and a maximum brightness that reaches 330nits, which will allow you to consult the display even in direct sunlight without having too many problems.

Remember, however, that most applications are developed with 16: 9 as a reference, so not all apps will adapt to the unusual aspect ratio. Don't worry though. In the settings, under Display, you will find "App resizing"which allows you to adapt them to the screen of this LG Q6.

Performance to improve

The Korean device loses some appeal once the hardware is examined. In fact, under the body we find a Snapdragon 435 processor, 3 GB of RAM and the Adreno 505 GPU, a seemingly sufficient combination on paper but which turns out in practice less performing than expected. Applications take a few seconds to open and there are occasional slowdowns. But be careful: I remind you that the use I usually make of it is much more intense than a normal user. This means that, if you usually use the device to exchange messages with friends, consulate social networks or play undemanding titles, you will not have major problems.

The Korean smartphone, on the other hand, performs well when it comes to reception and call quality, while the speaker is a bit flawed, which offers a rather low volume and which is further penalized by its being on the back of the device.

Autonomy must then be improved of this smartphone since the 3.000 mAh battery tends to run out quickly when the device is used intensively. If, on the other hand, you usually don't overdo it, don't worry: LG Q6 will arrive without too many problems at the end of the day.

The operating system is also worth a mention, Android 7.1.1, enriched by the interface LG UX which brings with it the same graphics as LG G6 and a series of tools, including Smart Doctor, the app that optimizes the smartphone in a few taps. Also present the possibility to unlock the phone using face recognition, which compensates - at least partially - for the absence of the fingerprint reader.

Camera: many satisfactions and a great absence

The 13 megapixel rear camera performs well which offers a slightly wider viewing angle than other smartphones in the same range.

The shots in excellent light conditions are more than good, rather detailed and enriched by HDR, while the photos in the dark are still discreet but not excellent, thanks to the F / 2.2 aperture which does not allow you to get very bright shots. The selfies captured with the front camera are also good, this time wide-angle so as to allow you to frame more than one person.

Instead, it makes itself felt a little the absence of PRO mode. Yes, you are right, the average consumer will have no problem using automatic mode only, but it is also true that almost all smartphones in this range offer this option and adding it would not have cost LG much.

The FullVision display is the key

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Too bad for the performance though. A more performing processor would in fact have allowed LG to justify the cost of this device which will probably become more palatable in a few months, when we will find it on the market for a few tens of euros less.