The LG G5 will hit the market April 1, boasting some interesting design features. LG has introduced a modular design to the smartphone, allowing users to detach the bottom panel. Users can swap out the device’s battery and attach interesting modular features, such as the CAM Plus module and the Hi-Fi plus audio module.
The LG G5 is expected to be a formidable contender against rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge once it’s on the market. Of course, no device is perfect.
Preliminary reviews of the LG G5 have applauded the device for its camera quality and the interesting way it keeps its battery removable while having a metal body. However, the same modular design LG prides as its standout feature may be its downfall when it comes to everyday handling.
Most devices have a few things that irk some users more than others. Here’s a rundown of some of the most annoying aspects of the LG G5.
No app tray
LG has made the user interface on the G5 lighter and less cluttered than on its previous handsets. However, many users may notice a glaring difference on the homescreen: there is no app tray. This does give the LG G5 a minimalist, pure Android feel, but app trays are there for a reason, generally to host applications users don’t want on the home screen.
Luckily, all is not lost. Users can bring back the app tray by simply accessing Settings > Display > Home Screen > Select Home and selecting the “EasyHome” options instead of the “Home option.” The EasyHome options are intended for users who may be new to smartphones, but it are a lot more reminiscent of the standard UI format on most Android devices, including the app tray.
Power button on the back
The LG G5 features its fingerprint scanner on the back panel, which also doubles as a power button. While the fingerprint scanner on the LG G5 works like a dream – functioning similar to the Nexus 6P scanner by waking up and authenticating the device at the same time, using the power button is another issue. Pressing down to use the power button isn’t as seamless and comfortable as using the fingerprint scanner. Even the Nexus 6P includes a power button on its side panel. This feature may take some getting used to for many users.
Cool modular accessories sold separately
The CAM Plus and Hi-Fi Plus modules are very interesting features on the LG G5. The CAM Plus module in particular can take photographer’s skill to another level, with extended zoom features, a dedicated shutter button, extra grip and a battery pack, which adds an extra 1,200mAh of juice to the LG G5. However, to get these features, users will have to shell out extra cash. The CAM Plus module is currently available for preorder for $70. There is currently no pricing details on the Hi-Fi Plus module, but we’re not expecting it to be cheap.
Detaching and reconnecting the bottom panel can be a chore
Smartphone users who have handled a smartphone with a removable back panel are likely accustomed to ease of use. Unfortunately, that ease is completely lost on the bottom panel of the LG G5. Users can expect to have to give a tug or two to get the bottom panel detached from the main handset. Putting it back together may also take some force, especially if you’re attaching the accessory modules. But the LG G5 at least can stand up to the task. Users shouldn’t worry about breaking the handset while executing these tasks.
Battery life is so-so
For all the effort LG has put into making the G5 less software intensive, you’d think it would have a better battery life. The device features a respectable 2,800mAh battery, but will definitely still have users grasping for their charging cables by evening with moderate use. That could be one reason for keeping the removable battery. G5 owners can opt to purchase a second battery to easily continue use.
The LG G5 does also feature a USB Type-C port and QuickCharge 3.0, so once it’s plugged in it’ll be only moments before users are topped up again.
Verdict
The irksome features on the LG G5 aren’t quite as annoying as those on other handsets. Many of its issues also come with pretty immediate resolutions. Users should expect to enjoy the LG G5 more often than they are frustrated with the device. If only it would hurry up and hit stores!
