LG unveiled its anticipated G7 ThinQ smartphone yesterday after various leaks and reports surfaced about the device, revealing nearly everything there was to know in advance. But unlike many 2018 flagships, LG didn’t include an OLED display with the G7, instead opting for LCD and contradicting the presumed path the company seemingly paved with the V30. Why this is so hasn’t been confirmed, but we have an idea as to what went into making this decision.
According to Korean news publication MK News who spoke with LG executive Hwang Jung-hwan, it’s due to LG’s G and V series of smartphones simply including different tech. “LG Electronics […] did not return to LCD from OLED,” said Jung-hwan. “The G7 ThinQ is the model that continues the previous G6 (LCD) model. V30 is an OLED smartphone and V-series continues to be an OLED.”
Basically, what Jung-hwan is saying is the G7 successes the G6 while retaining some of its similarities such as the LCD panel. Meanwhile, the V series will continue to use OLED displays exclusively from the V30 on. Therefore, it’s pretty safe to say the G series of smartphones will likely stick with LCD panels while the upgraded V series will opt for OLED.
Still, in order to compete with leading contenders in the Android flagship space, you need great specs and OLED is one of them. It likely would’ve suited LG to use the technology in the G7, but LCDs are cheaper and the G series tends to sit somewhere in the $700 range. All in all, it seems that the company wanted to save a bit of money and widen their margins.
Does this mean we’ll see an OLED display in the V40? There’s a good chance the answer is yes. If today’s new information is any indication, I think it’s safe to bet that the successor to the V30 will include an OLED panel. Of course, we’re still a long time away from seeing that device, but at least for now, we can make some pretty safe assumptions.
