Galaxy S7 vs. LG G5: In-Depth Comparison (Which Is Best?)

The Galaxy S7 and LG G5 are two of the most popular flagship smartphones on the market. Both devices offer a range of cutting-edge features and impressive specs, but which one is truly the best? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll examine every aspect of the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality:

The Galaxy S7 boasts a sleek and premium design with its glass back and metal frame. It feels solid in the hand and exudes a sense of luxury. On the other hand, the LG G5 takes a unique approach with its modular design, allowing users to swap out the battery and add accessories like the LG Cam Plus or Hi-Fi Plus. The choice between the two comes down to personal preference and whether you value a seamless design or the ability to customize and expand your smartphone.

Display and Viewing Experience:

When it comes to the display, the Galaxy S7 features a stunning Super AMOLED screen with vibrant colors and deep blacks. The LG G5, on the other hand, uses an IPS LCD panel, which offers excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles. Both devices provide a great viewing experience, but the choice ultimately comes down to whether you prefer the vividness of an AMOLED display or the accurate color reproduction of an IPS panel.

Performance and Hardware:

Under the hood, the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 are equipped with powerful processors and ample RAM for seamless multitasking and smooth performance. The Galaxy S7 comes with either a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or an Exynos 8890 processor, depending on the region, while the LG G5 features a Snapdragon 820 chipset. Both devices offer an excellent gaming experience and can handle intensive tasks with ease.

Camera Comparison:

The cameras on the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 are among the best in the industry. The Galaxy S7 features a 12-megapixel rear camera with Dual Pixel technology, which ensures fast autofocus and superior low-light performance. The LG G5, on the other hand, sports a unique dual-camera setup with a 16-megapixel sensor and an 8-megapixel wide-angle lens. Both cameras produce stunning images, but the LG G5 offers the advantage of a wider field of view.

Battery Life and Charging:

The Galaxy S7 and LG G5 both come with decent battery capacities, but the Galaxy S7 tends to have slightly better battery life due to its optimized software and efficient chipset. However, the LG G5 offers the advantage of a removable battery, which allows for easy swapping on the go. Both devices support fast charging, but the Galaxy S7 also supports wireless charging, which can be convenient for some users.

Software and User Experience:

When it comes to software, the Galaxy S7 runs on Samsung’s custom UI overlay, while the LG G5 utilizes LG’s UX interface. Both interfaces offer unique features and customization options, but Samsung’s UI tends to be more feature-packed and customizable. Additionally, Samsung is known for providing regular software updates, while LG’s update frequency can vary.

Connectivity and Extra Features:

Both the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 come with a wide range of connectivity options, including LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The LG G5 stands out with its inclusion of an infrared blaster, which can be used to control household appliances. The Galaxy S7, on the other hand, boasts features like waterproofing and expandable storage. The choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Ultimately, the decision between the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 boils down to personal preference and priorities. Both smartphones offer exceptional performance, stunning cameras, and high-quality displays. Consider your priorities, such as design, user interface, camera capabilities, and additional features, to determine which device better aligns with your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of a smartphone play a crucial role in its overall appeal and user experience. When it comes to the Galaxy S7, Samsung has crafted a device that exudes sleekness and elegance. With its metal and glass construction, the S7 offers a premium feel in the palm of your hand. Its curved edges seamlessly blend into the display, providing a comfortable grip and a visually stunning experience.

On the other hand, LG took a bold step with the G5 by introducing a unique modular concept. The G5 features a removable bottom bezel, allowing users to swap out the battery or attach various accessories such as camera modules or audio enhancements. This innovative design approach sets the G5 apart from its competitors, offering a level of versatility that is hard to come by in flagship smartphones.

When it comes to build materials, both the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 boast impressive craftsmanship. The S7 combines metal and glass, while the G5 features an aluminum body. Both materials offer a premium look and feel, giving users a sense of durability and luxury. However, it’s worth noting that the glass back of the S7 can be more prone to fingerprints and scratches as compared to the G5’s aluminum body.

In terms of overall durability, the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 are built to withstand the rigors of daily use. The S7 is water-resistant, with an IP68 rating, which means it can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes without any damage. The G5, while not water-resistant, still offers a solid build quality that can withstand accidental drops and minor impacts.

Ergonomics and ease of use are also important factors to consider. The Galaxy S7’s curved edges and compact form factor make it comfortable to hold and operate with one hand. The placement of the buttons and fingerprint scanner on the front of the device further enhance the usability. On the other hand, the LG G5’s modular design adds a bit of bulkiness to the device, but its slim profile and well-placed buttons still provide a comfortable grip.

Display and Viewing Experience

An essential aspect of any smartphone is its display. When it comes to the Galaxy S7 and LG G5, both devices offer impressive screens, but there are some key differences to consider.

Let’s start by analyzing the screen sizes and resolutions of these smartphones. The Galaxy S7 features a 5.1-inch display with a Quad HD resolution of 2560×1440 pixels. On the other hand, the LG G5 boasts a slightly larger 5.3-inch display with the same Quad HD resolution. While the screen size difference may not be significant, it’s worth noting if you prefer a slightly larger or smaller display.

One of the standout differences between the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 is the display technology used. The Galaxy S7 uses Samsung’s Super AMOLED technology, known for its vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The LG G5, on the other hand, utilizes an IPS LCD display, which typically offers more accurate color reproduction and wider viewing angles.

Color accuracy is an essential factor to consider when comparing displays. The Super AMOLED display on the Galaxy S7 tends to produce more saturated colors, which some users prefer for a more vibrant and visually appealing experience. The IPS LCD display on the LG G5, while offering more accurate color reproduction, may appear slightly less vivid. Ultimately, color preference is subjective, and it’s best to see the displays in person to gauge your personal preference.

Brightness is another crucial aspect of a display, especially for outdoor visibility. Both the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 offer excellent brightness levels, making it easier to view the screen even during sunny conditions. The Galaxy S7, with its Super AMOLED display, typically performs well in outdoor environments, thanks to its ability to achieve high peak brightness levels. The LG G5, with its IPS LCD display, may not reach the same brightness levels as the Galaxy S7 but still offers a bright and visible display in most situations.

Lastly, let’s consider some additional features that enhance the overall viewing experience. The Galaxy S7 comes with an “Always-On Display” feature that allows you to view essential information such as time, date, and notifications without waking up the phone. This can be quite convenient and saves battery life by not activating the entire screen for a quick glance. The LG G5, on the other hand, doesn’t have an always-on display but offers a unique Modular concept that allows you to attach additional accessories like the LG Cam Plus or the Hi-Fi Plus module for an enhanced multimedia experience.

Both the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 also support HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, which provides a more significant difference between the brightest and darkest parts of an image or video. HDR support ensures richer colors, improved contrast, and a more immersive viewing experience when watching HDR content.

Performance and Hardware-

Evaluating the processors, RAM, and storage options of Galaxy S7 and LG G5

When it comes to performance, the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 are equipped with powerful processors and ample RAM to handle demanding tasks with ease. The Galaxy S7 features either the Exynos 8890 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset, depending on the region. Paired with 4GB of RAM, this combination delivers a smooth and responsive user experience.

The LG G5, on the other hand, sports the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset across all regions. It also has 4GB of RAM, ensuring seamless multitasking and quick app launch times. Both devices offer impressive processing power, allowing for lag-free gameplay, fast app loading, and smooth navigation through the user interface.

Comparing the graphics capabilities and gaming performance-

When it comes to gaming and graphics capabilities, both the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 excel. The Adreno 530 GPU in the Galaxy S7 and the Adreno 530 in the LG G5 deliver stunning visuals, smooth frame rates, and excellent overall performance. Whether you’re playing graphics-intensive games or watching high-definition videos, both smartphones offer an immersive experience.

Discussing the overall speed, multitasking, and smoothness of each device-

In terms of speed and multitasking, the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 both offer seamless performance. With their powerful processors and sufficient RAM, you can effortlessly switch between multiple apps, browse the web, and stream content without any noticeable slowdowns or lag. Both devices provide a fluid and responsive user experience.

Analyzing additional hardware features like fingerprint scanners and expandable storage-

Both the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 come with convenient hardware features. Both smartphones feature fingerprint scanners, allowing for quick and secure unlocking of the device. Additionally, both devices offer expandable storage capabilities, allowing you to increase the storage capacity by using a microSD card.

Camera Comparison: Examining the camera specifications and capabilities of Galaxy S7 and LG G5

When it comes to smartphone cameras, the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 are serious contenders. Let’s dive into the camera features of both devices and compare their performance in various scenarios.

Image Quality: Both the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 boast impressive camera specifications. The Galaxy S7 comes with a 12-megapixel rear camera, while the LG G5 features a 16-megapixel rear camera. Both cameras produce sharp, detailed images with vibrant colors. However, the Galaxy S7’s camera excels in reproducing accurate colors and has slightly better dynamic range.

Low Light Performance: Capturing great photos in low light is crucial for smartphone photography enthusiasts. The Galaxy S7’s camera features a wider aperture of f/1.7, which allows more light to enter the sensor, resulting in better low light performance. The LG G5, on the other hand, has an aperture of f/1.8, which is still impressive but slightly behind the Galaxy S7.

Dynamic Range: The dynamic range of a camera determines its ability to capture both dark and bright areas in a photo without losing details. The Galaxy S7’s camera excels in this department, thanks to its Dual Pixel technology. It effectively captures a wide range of tones, resulting in photos with excellent dynamic range. The LG G5 also performs well in terms of dynamic range, but it falls slightly behind the Galaxy S7.

Front-Facing Camera: Selfie lovers will appreciate the front-facing cameras of both smartphones. The Galaxy S7 houses a 5-megapixel front camera, while the LG G5 boasts an 8-megapixel front camera. Both cameras capture sharp and vibrant selfies. However, the LG G5’s front camera offers a wider field of view, making it ideal for group selfies.

Camera Software and User Interface: The camera software and user interface play a significant role in the overall photography experience. The Galaxy S7’s camera app is intuitive and user-friendly, with various shooting modes and manual controls for advanced users. LG G5’s camera app offers similar features but with a slightly different layout. Both cameras provide a pleasant user experience, allowing users to easily switch between modes and adjust settings.

Additional Shooting Modes: Both smartphones offer additional shooting modes to enhance creativity. The Galaxy S7 includes modes like Panorama, Pro, and Selective Focus, which allows users to create stunning depth-of-field effects. The LG G5, on the other hand, offers modes like Pop-out, Multi-view, and Manual Video. These additional shooting modes provide users with a range of options to capture unique and artistic photos.

Battery Life and Charging

Evaluating the battery capacities of Galaxy S7 and LG G5

When it comes to battery life, the capacity of the battery plays a major role. The Galaxy S7 is equipped with a 3000mAh battery, while the LG G5 comes with a slightly larger 2800mAh battery. In terms of raw capacity, the Galaxy S7 has the slight advantage.

Comparing the average battery life and screen-on time of both smartphones

However, battery life is not solely determined by capacity. Factors like software optimization, display efficiency, and hardware performance also come into play. In real-world usage, the Galaxy S7 has been known to provide an average battery life of around 12-15 hours, with moderate usage. On the other hand, the LG G5 tends to offer a similar battery life, but with slightly less screen-on time.

Discussing the fast charging capabilities and wireless charging options

Both the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 come with fast charging capabilities, allowing you to quickly charge your device for a short burst of power. With fast charging, you can get several hours of usage in just a few minutes of charging. Additionally, both smartphones support wireless charging, eliminating the need for cables and making it convenient to charge your device by simply placing it on a compatible charging pad.

Analyzing additional battery-saving features and modes

In order to further optimize battery usage, both the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 offer several battery-saving features and modes. These include power-saving modes that restrict background app activity, reduce screen brightness, and adjust performance settings to conserve battery life. Additionally, both devices provide detailed battery usage statistics, allowing you to identify power-hungry apps and optimize your usage accordingly.

Software and User Experience

When comparing the software and user experience of the Galaxy S7 and LG G5, it’s important to start by examining the Android versions and custom UI overlays on each device. The Galaxy S7 runs on the Android operating system, with its custom UI overlay called Samsung Experience. On the other hand, the LG G5 also runs on Android, with its own custom UI overlay called LG UX.

One of the factors that can significantly impact the user experience is the presence of pre-installed apps and bloatware. The Galaxy S7 comes with a number of pre-installed apps from Samsung, such as Samsung Health, Samsung Pay, and Samsung Notes. While some users appreciate the extra features and functionality provided by these apps, others may consider them as bloatware. On the other hand, the LG G5 also includes its own suite of pre-installed apps, like LG Health, LG SmartWorld, and LG Backup, which may be useful to some users but unnecessary to others.

Another crucial aspect of the software and user experience is the user interface and customization options. The Galaxy S7 offers a visually appealing and intuitive user interface, with features like the app drawer and customizable home screens. Samsung also provides a variety of customization options, including themes, icon packs, and gestures, allowing users to personalize their device according to their preferences. In contrast, the LG G5’s user interface is also user-friendly, with a simplified and clean design. However, the customization options on the LG G5 are not as extensive as those offered by Samsung.

One of the key concerns for smartphone users is the availability of software updates and long-term support. Samsung has a commendable track record of providing regular software updates for its flagship devices, including security patches and major Android version upgrades. This ensures that Galaxy S7 users can benefit from the latest features and security enhancements. Similarly, LG has also made efforts to improve its software update practices, although it may not be as consistent as Samsung.

Connectivity and Extra Features

When it comes to connectivity, both the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 offer a wide range of options to keep you connected to the world. Let’s compare the network compatibility, availability of features, and other extras that these smartphones bring to the table.

In terms of network compatibility, both devices support 4G LTE connectivity, ensuring fast and reliable internet speeds. Additionally, they are equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing you to connect to wireless networks for seamless browsing and streaming experiences.

When it comes to wireless communication, Bluetooth is a must-have feature for many users. Both the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 are equipped with Bluetooth, allowing you to connect and transfer files wirelessly to other compatible devices.

NFC (Near Field Communication) is another feature that has become increasingly popular. It enables you to make contactless payments, transfer files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices. Fortunately, both the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 come with NFC support, ensuring convenience and compatibility with other devices and services.

USB Type-C is a relatively new and versatile connectivity standard. It offers faster data transfer speeds and supports higher charging rates. While the Galaxy S7 utilizes a micro-USB port, the LG G5 comes with a USB Type-C port, allowing for faster charging and data transfer speeds.

Another standout feature of the LG G5 is its infrared blaster, which enables you to use your smartphone as a remote control for various home entertainment devices such as TVs, DVD players, and air conditioners. This handy feature adds an extra level of convenience for those who love to control their surroundings right from their smartphone.

Both devices also boast additional features that enhance their utility and user experience. The Galaxy S7, for instance, is equipped with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, ensuring your phone stays protected even in wet or dusty environments. On the other hand, the LG G5 offers a unique modular concept, allowing you to swap out the battery and add extra accessories like the LG CAM Plus or Hi-Fi Plus module, enhancing the phone’s capabilities.

When it comes to storage, both devices offer expandable storage options. The Galaxy S7 supports microSD cards, allowing you to easily expand the storage capacity to accommodate your growing multimedia needs. The LG G5, on the other hand, offers a modular design where you can remove the bottom part of the phone to access the battery and slot in a microSD card.

Audio quality is another important consideration for many smartphone users. The Galaxy S7 is equipped with AKG-tuned speakers, delivering impressive sound quality for media consumption and gaming. The LG G5, on the other hand, features a Hi-Fi Quad DAC, providing a superior audio experience with its enhanced sound clarity and depth.

When evaluating the overall value for money, it’s important to consider the pricing, features, and performance of both devices. The Galaxy S7, with its premium design, excellent camera capabilities, and overall performance, offers great value for its price. On the other hand, the LG G5’s unique modular concept and variety of accessories offer a different kind of value proposition for those looking for versatility.

Finally, warranty is an essential aspect to consider when purchasing a smartphone. Samsung and LG are renowned brands that provide reliable warranty support for their devices. However, it’s always recommended to carefully review the warranty terms and conditions specific to your region to ensure you understand the coverage and duration offered.

Conclusion

After conducting a comprehensive comparison of the Samsung Galaxy S7 and the LG G5, it is clear that both smartphones have their strengths and weaknesses. The Galaxy S7 excels in terms of design, display quality, camera performance, and overall user experience. Its sleek design, stunning display, and powerful camera make it a top choice for multimedia enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts.

On the other hand, the LG G5 offers unique features like modular design and a dual-camera setup, allowing for greater flexibility and creativity. It also boasts a removable battery and expandable storage, giving users more control over their device.

In terms of performance, both smartphones offer powerful processors and sufficient RAM to handle multitasking and demanding tasks. However, the Galaxy S7 performs slightly better in benchmark tests, providing a smoother and more responsive user experience.

Ultimately, the choice between the Galaxy S7 and the LG G5 will depend on individual preferences and priorities. If a stunning display, exceptional camera capabilities, and a sleek design are top priorities, the Galaxy S7 is the clear winner. However, if modular features, expandable storage, and creative freedom are more important, the LG G5 may be the better choice.

Regardless of the choice, both the Galaxy S7 and the LG G5 offer impressive features and performance, ensuring a satisfying smartphone experience for users. It is advisable to carefully consider personal preferences, budget, and specific needs before making a final decision.

FAQs

1. Which is better, the Galaxy S7 or the LG G5?

The Galaxy S7 and LG G5 are both flagship smartphones with their own unique features. The best option for you depends on your personal preferences and needs. The Galaxy S7 boasts a stunning display, excellent camera quality, and water resistance, while the LG G5 offers a modular design and dual rear cameras. Consider factors such as design, camera capabilities, battery life, and software experience to determine which phone suits you best.

2. Can I expand the storage on these phones?

Yes, both the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 come with microSD card slots, allowing you to easily expand the storage capacity. This is a useful feature if you need extra space for storing photos, videos, or apps.

3. Do the Galaxy S7 and LG G5 have removable batteries?

The Galaxy S7 does not have a removable battery, as Samsung opted for a sealed design to achieve the phone’s water resistance. On the other hand, the LG G5 does have a removable battery, making it convenient for users who prefer to carry spare batteries for extended usage or quick swaps.

4. What are the differences in the camera capabilities?

The Galaxy S7 features a 12-megapixel rear camera with Dual Pixel technology, allowing for faster autofocus and improved low-light performance. It also has a 5-megapixel front camera that takes sharp and detailed selfies. The LG G5, on the other hand, offers dual rear cameras – a 16-megapixel standard lens and an 8-megapixel wide-angle lens. This dual camera setup provides users with more versatility in capturing various types of shots.

5. Are the phones water-resistant?

Yes, the Galaxy S7 is IP68 water and dust resistant, meaning it is capable of being submerged in up to 1.5 meters of fresh water for up to 30 minutes. The LG G5, however, does not have an official IP rating for water resistance, so it is advised to avoid exposing it to water or moisture.

Galaxy S7 Vs. LG G5: In-Depth Comparison (Which Is Best?)

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