LG launches G5 modular smartphone with dual lens and optional camera grip

LG G5 with removable battery

As expected, LG has today launched the G5 at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and the new model has quite radically changed from its predecessor G4 in many ways. It also puts even more focus on camera technology and features than before. In addition to an 8MP front camera the G5 comes with a dual-camera setup at the back. However, rather than for simulated depth-of-field and 3D effects, like we have seen on the HTC One M8, on the G5 the two lenses provide different angles of view. With an F1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization the main 16MP module is very similar to the G4's and provides a 78 degree angle of view which is line with most current high-end smartphone cameras. The second lens comes with an F2.4 aperture and 8MP sensor and captures a 135 degree super wide angle. A button at the back allows for easy switching and when using the digital zoom the camera switches seamlessly between the two modules. As before the AF is assisted by laser. 

Another feature relevant for mobile photographers comes in the addition of an optional camera grip. As before the G5's 2,800mAh battery is removable but rather than hide behind the back plate like on previous models, it now slots into the device from the bottom. The latter clips away when a release button is pressed which allows you to attach replaceable modules. The CAM Plus camera grip is one such module and comes with an additional 1,200mAh of battery capacity. In addition to added comfort when using the G5 as a camera it offers power, shutter, video and zoom buttons. It also lets you lock exposure. There is also an audio attachment that was developed with Bang & Olufsen and offers 32-bit sound.

At 5.3.inches the G5 IPS Quantum display is smaller than the G4's 5.5-inch variant but comes with the same 2560 x 1440 resolution. Like on the V10 an area of the display is always on, showing notifications, even when the device is in sleep mode. The Android OS is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and 4GB of RAM. 32GB of built-in storage can be expanded up to 2TB via a microSD slot.

The appearance of the device has also gone through some changes compared to the predecessor. The G4 plastic or leather back has been replaced by a metal rear panel that features a fingerprint button that doubles as power button. The volume rockers have moved from the back to a more traditional position on the left edge. With its innovative camera technology the LG G5 looks like a very interesting new option for mobile photographers. We hope to get a review unit in our hands soon to put the dual-camera and CAM Plus grip through its paces.

CAM Plus camera module	LG G5 accessory family

Key Specifications:

• 16MP main camera with F1.8 aperture and OIS
• 8MP super wide angle camera with F2.4 aperture
• 8MP front camera
• 4K video
• 5.3-inch 1440p display
• Snapdragon 820 chipset
• 4GB RAM
• 32GB inernal storage
• microSD support
• 2,800 mAh battery

@larsrehm