Android smartphones are becoming increasingly popular in today’s world.
There is a huge gamut of handsets in different price ranges for you to choose from. Apart from the price tag, you also have a plethora of manufacturers offering Android devices. This is not to forget Google’s own offerings in the form of various Nexus smartphones and the Pixel handsets of late. In this article, we attempt to compare two fairly recent entrants that have most of the current features and specifications. Both Google Pixel XL and LG V20 have been made available with about the same price, and are scheduled for an October 2016 release. So, if you had to make a choice, which device would you lay your hands on? This article aims at helping you figure out an answer to this question so that you can be sure of making the right decision.
Dimensions, Weight and Body Material
While the Pixel XL is a tad smaller and less heavy than the V20, they can actually be said to be at par. The Google smartphone will arrive with a size of 154.7 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm and will weigh 168g. In contrast, the LG handset is expected to size up at 159.7 x 78.1 x 7.6 mm and weigh 174g. Talking about the body material used, the Google Pixel XL is slated to have a combination of metal and polished glass. On the other hand, the LG V20 is going to make use of an aircraft-grade aluminum unibody. In terms of dust and water resistance, the Pixel XL will be capable of resisting dust and water splashes whereas the V20 is bound to be MIL-STD-810G certified.
Screen Size and Display, Pixel Resolution and Density
The foremost difference in this regard is that the Google Pixel XL will feature only one screen in place of the two screens in the LG V20. The Google AMOLED screen is said a size of 5.5 inches whilst the primary IPS LCD LG screen will bear a corresponding value of 5.7 inches. Additionally, the secondary LG screen is said to come with a size of 2.1 inches and a comparatively low pixel resolution of 160 x 1040. This screen is dedicated to exclusively displaying notifications and app shortcuts. This screen remains on even when the primary screen is turned off. The two major screens in both devices will encompass the same 1440 x 2560 pixel resolution and QHD displays apart from using Corning Gorilla Glass 4 to resist scratches. However, the Pixel XL will have a higher pixel density of 534ppi in contrast to the 513ppi pixel density of the V20.
In terms of numbers, the difference does not seem to be much. However, the Google Pixel XL beats the LG V20 for two reasons. Firstly, the AMOLED screen yields better results in terms of clarity than the IPS LCD screen. Secondly, the pixel density is more concentrated on a smaller screen making the output crisper and sharper.
Primary and Secondary Snappers
Both snappers in the two smartphones are said to yield pretty decent results although it is very likely that the LG smartphone will snap at the cake. Just like the screen, the Pixel XL will support only one 12MP rear shutterbug with dual tone dual LED flash. This is replaced by the dual 16MP shooter with dual LED flash in the V20. Additionally, this handset picks up on two key areas where the other fails – optical image stabilization and 2x optical zoom. Video recording rates are also rumored to vary. Based on reliable sources, the recording abilities of the Google Pixel XL are 2160p @ 30fps, 720p @ 240fps and 1080p @ 30/60/120fps. Talks indicate that the LG V20 will record 2160p and 1080p videos @ 30fps and 720p @ 120fps.
On the front, the Pixel XL is due for credit with its 8MP camera. The V20 will come with a normal 5MP shooter.
Hardware, Memory and Software
Talking of the chipset, central processor and graphics processor used, both devices get the same ranking. Each smartphone will incorporate a quad core central processor that clocks at 2.15GHz and an Adreno 530 graphics processor. However, the chipset used is very slightly different. While you can expect a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8996 821 chipset in the Google Pixel XL, the LG V20 will house a Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8996 820 chipset.
In the memory department, there are bound to be a few pivotal differences. Google and LG will provide 4GB RAM and 32GB ROM as internal storage in their base models with another option also available. While the second option is going to be 128GB storage with no expansion capability in the Pixel XL, it will be 64GB in the V20. But, it will be possible to augment this by 256GB through a memory card slot exclusively dedicated for this purpose.
Interestingly, irrespective of the device you lay your hands on; you will be welcomed with the most recent Android Nougat installed out of the box. But, as can be expected, the Google smartphone will run a very slightly higher version (version 7.1) when compared to that offered by LG (version 7.0). Yet, this is not a key point of concern.
Battery
While the Google Pixel XL will encompass a non-removable battery, you will be able to remove the battery in the LG V20. Both batteries will allow for the inclusion of fast charging functionality thanks to the Quick Charge 3.0 support.