Everything We Know About the LG V40 ThinQ — 5 Cameras, 1 Notch & a Laundry List of Top-Tier Specs
LG is really coming strong at the flagship smartphone market in 2018. They have already released three new flagship caliber smartphones this year: the V30S ThinQ, V35 ThinQ, and the G7 ThinQ. But LG isn't done with flagship phones yet — they've got plans for one more V-series device later this year, the V40 ThinQ.
The only V series we expected for 2018 was a follow-up to the well-received V30. With two additional releases, including a mid-cycle upgrade, the V40 ThinQ has a lot of pressure this year. LG has to provide a noticeable upgrade over not only the V30 but the V35 ThinQ as well, which will likely share some its hardware components. As a result, LG is going to have to get creative with this upgrade, and it appears that's precisely what they plan to do.
Specs
While rumors of the V40's specs are limited at this time, based on the V35 ThinQ's specs and some educated guesses, we have a good idea of what to expect.
- OS: Android 8.0 Oreo
- Skin: LG UX 6.0+
- CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
- GPU: Adreno 630
- RAM: 6 GB
- Display: At least 6" OLED 1440p panel
- Storage: 64 or 128 GB (expandable via microSD)
- Rear Cameras: Wide-angle, ultrawide angle, and telephoto
- Front Cameras: Dual cameras
- Audio: 3.5 mm headphone jack with quad DAC
- Water Resistance: IP68 and MIL-STD 810G
5 Cameras (Yes, Five)
LG has positioned the V series as a multimedia powerhouse, and they're continuing this trend by getting a little crazy with the cameras in the V40 ThinQ. According to AndroidPolice, the phone will have not three, not four, but five cameras total.
This would mean that LG is bringing back the dual front-facing camera system for the first time since the LG V10. Early speculation is that LG will borrow from Apple and implement a form of advanced facial scanning using the two cameras to create a 3D map of your face. There are some obvious limitations if done with cameras (such as limited use in low light), but this feature may not come to fruition (or at least not as advanced as early rumors indicate).
That leaves three cameras for the rear. Huawei's P20 Pro was the first phone to use three cameras, and while most Americans won't be using this device thanks to the US government, it appears we'll finally get to try a triple-lens system with the V40.
LG's triple-lens setup will use a different implementation than Huawei's, however. According to AndroidPolice, the V40 ThinQ will use an ultrawide lens, a standard wide-angle lens, and an undetermined third, which is likely a telephoto lens.
While nothing else was revealed about the camera, expect a return of LG's great 16 MP lens, which so far has been used three times this year in new devices.
ThinQ Branding
As with every other top-tier smartphone released by LG, the V40 will include the ThinQ branding. Aside from being a clunky name, ThinQ does includes a number of machine learning enhancements like an improved camera and a better assistant. Check out the link below for some examples of the improvements.
A Return of the Notch & OLED
Despite a poorly-received Reddit post by LG asking for community feedback about the feature, LG will include a display notch in the V40 ThinQ. This will be the first time a V-series device will utilize the controversial feature, something that will surely anger many fans.
However, LG does plan to bring the G7 ThinQ's feature of hiding the notch through software, and if you want to be pedantic, the LG V10's second display was technically one of the first notches in a mainstream phone. Also, we don't know how large the notch will be, so let's reserve judgment until images leak.
If it is any solace, LG does plan to bring back OLED. According to AndroidHeadlines, LG is reserving its POLED for the V-series and Super Bright Display LCD panels for the G-series. Expected at least 6 inches in size and a 1440p resolution. The aspect ratio should change due to the inclusion of the notch.
Android 8.0 Oreo & LG UX
Android 9.0 P will be releasing later this year. However, it is unlikely the new version of Android will make its way to the upcoming device. Based on past iterations, with its rumored announcement date before Android P's official release, it is likely that LG will use its LG UX 6.0+ skin on top of Android 8.0 Oreo
For those interested, we went through LG UX on the G7 ThinQ and created a visual guide comparing it to stock Android. Check it out at the link below.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
We can safely say that the V40 ThinQ will use the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845. Unless Qualcomm releases another iteration (something Qualcomm has done in the past), more than likely, every major 2018 flagship phone will use this chipset, including the V40 ThinQ.
Other Specs: Quad DAC, Water Resistance & Headphone Jack
Just like every other LG V-series phone (and most G-series devices), the V40 should be IP68 water resistant. Additionally, it should also be MIL-STD 810G compliant, a certification created by the military and awarded to devices that survive the harshest of environments.
It's a safe bet that the ESS SABRE quad DAC will also return, which has been a staple for LG flagships for years. This component should help once again drive powerful wired headphones for better sound and Hi-Fi audio.
Price & Availability
While no rumors have come out regarding the V40 ThinQ's pricing, we can make a guess based on its predecessor. With the V35 ThinQ retailing for $899, expect the V40 ThinQ to be at least $949. However, my money is on $999, putting it right in line with Apple's 2017 iPhone X.
As for availability, we can thank Evan Blass for our only lead. According to Blass, the V40 will arrive late summer/early fall. At this rumored date, the V40 ThinQ would fall in line with the V30 announcement, which occurred in August of last year.
2018 has been a strange year for LG, at least for their flagship lineups. It appears LG is prioritizing quantity, a strategy HTC used in 2017 with no success. What do you think about the V40 ThinQ? Interested in five cameras, or is that too gimmicky? Let us know in the comments below.
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