LG Q6 Review – The most underrated affordable smartphone this year

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LG Q6 was the first mid-range phone to offer an 18:9 display, but with others to follow soon that might not be a compelling reason to buy it, especially when the competition is posing with far more lucrative spec-sheets.

However, there are a few things that LG Q6 does better than any other phone in this budget. And that’s what makes it kind of irresistible. Let’s talk more in our LG Q6 detailed review.

LG Q6 Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Looks awesome
  • Great display quality
  • Good, well-optimized software
  • Dedicated MicroSD card slot

Cons

  • Loudspeaker isn’t very loud
  • No Fingerprint sensor
  • Selfie camera

Note: This is more of a comprehensive analysis, for specific LG Q6 related questions you can check our LG Q6 FAQ.

LG Q6 Specifications

Model LG Q6
Display 5.5-Inch, Full HD+ (2160×1080), Gorilla Glass 3
Processor 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor
RAM 3GB
Internal Storage 32GB, expandable up to 2TB
Software Android 7.1.1 Nougat
Primary Camera 13MP, f/2.2 aperture, 1080p videos
Secondary Camera 5MP, f/2.2 aperture
Dimensions 142.5 x 69.3 x 8.1 mm; 149 grams
Battery 3000mAh battery
Others 4G VoLTE, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth, GPS, 3.5mm audio jack, micro USB, FM radio
Price ₹ 14,990

Also Read: Top 7 Phones With Best Displays Under 18,000 INR In 2017

LG Q6 Design and Build

The LG Q6 is one of the rare few compact phones that you will come across these days. And as far as compact phones go, this is the best form factor available. The use of an 18:9 display allows for a near 5-inch phone body and since most of the front is display (good quality one at that, but more on that in a bit) the phone looks fabulous.

For the side frame, LG is using Aluminium (7000) and the back cover mimics glass but is actually made of plastic. Needless to say, this is a phone you can comfortably operate with one hand. As far as phones under 15,000 go, this is the most premium one that we have experienced so far.

The Q6 is also very tough and durable phone. It’s military standard (810G) certified against drops and there are no discernible flexes or creaks in the body. However, the polycarbonate back scratches like nobody’s business. You will certainly need to use a case here. And yes, it looks and feels a lot better than Canvas Infinity, the other affordable phone with an 18:9 display.

LG Q6 Display Quality

More than the design, what works in LG Q6’s favor is its display. LG is using a very well calibrated panel and has added an impressive ‘comfort mode’ too.

Most affordable phones falter in this one crucial area. The screens that we usually come across almost always excess on blue light, are harsh on eyes and have improper whites. The panel on Q6, however, is bright and vibrant, has a good quality touch glass with scratch resistance and oleophobic coating, and is quite accurate (whites are still slightly cold). Since the display takes center stage here, we are glad that LG isn’t holding back in this one crucial area.

Also Read: Top 12 Cool Google Maps Tips and Tricks You Should Know

Now let’s talk a bit more about the still unusual display ratio. Since it’s an 18:9 screen, you will see black bands around video content shot for 16:9. If you are watching downloaded content using apps like MX Player, you can always stretch the content to the edges (and that works for us), but not for streaming services. Luckily, a lot of content now days is being shot and packaged for 18:9 screens.

At the same time, this won’t be an issue while browsing or cruising through social media apps or doing anything other than watching videos, as the taller display helps fit in more content.

LG Q6 Camera

The 13MP rear camera on LG Q6 can shoot some great shots in good lighting. The camera can lock focus reasonably fast and the images clicked have good dynamic range and accurate metering. Indoors and in inadequate lighting, the performance falters steeply. Details are scanty and lots of noise creeps in, but perhaps that’s an acceptable flaw in this budget.

The camera app shoots 4:3 images by default but you can also shoot 18:9 and 16:9 images. Video recording goes up to 1080p. The HDR option is buried deep under settings, when it should have been on the viewfinder.

The front camera performance is nothing to write home about. You might still manage good shots outdoors, but this isn’t a camera meant for selfie enthusiasts.

Also Read: How To Delete Google Assistant Voice Search History In Simple Steps

LG Q6 Camera Samples

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Performance and Software

LG Q6 is powered by Snapdragon 435 octa-core CPU with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage. Now that’s a combination you see on budget phones and is also what’s Q6’s biggest undoing. In the three weeks or so that we have been using Q6 as our primary handset, we didn’t notice the phone staggering with day-to-day usage. Even the high-end games are playable.

At the same time, this isn’t a phone meant for heavy users and as the list of apps used keep pilling up, the phone is expected to slow down. Basic users, however, shouldn’t face many issues. LG also adds a dedicated card slot for secondary storage.

LG isn’t using a light software on the Q6, but the software is very well optimized. The UI is well designed, quite colorful, has some slick animations that don’t go overboard and is well organized. Besides visual appeal, the minor enhancements that LG has sprinkled through the interface work for us. For instance, the option for adding fourth navigation button. We have added the SIM switcher button and that’s something all users with Jio as their secondary SIM could benefit from.

Battery, Audio, Fingerprint Sensor, and Call Quality

The call quality on the phone is excellent. There is no fingerprint sensor, but face recognition works well. By the time I swipe up to enter pattern, the phone unlocks and hence I haven’t missed the fingerprint sensor as much as I had previously anticipated, at least not while unlocking.

However, since we also use it to log-in securely in quite a few apps (including banking and Credit Card apps), we do wish LG hadn’t skipped on this staple feature.

The loudspeaker isn’t loud enough, though. The speaker placement on the rear isn’t helping either. You will have to use accessories like headphones or Bluetooth speakers for a worthwhile audio experience. Audio output via headphones is of good quality.

The 3000mAh battery on the phone more often than not doesn’t require mid-day charging. With my Jio SIM plugged in, however, we noticed substantial drops when the phone was in stand by.

Overall, the battery backup is workable. You will have to charge the battery every day or keep a power bank handy.

LG Q6 Review – Should you buy it?

We really enjoyed our experience with the Q6 and a lot of its appeal hinges on its refreshing design and good quality display. Effective facial recognition, to an extent, softens the blow of the missing fingerprint sensor and the performance should be good enough for anyone who need not use a tonne of apps. Besides, you can also go for the Q6+ which has relatively more RAM and Storage.

The phone isn’t perfect though, and a more powerful SoC would have made a better case. Still, we have no qualms about recommending it to users who are looking for a compact phone and prioritize display and design over every thing else.

Also Read: Micromax Canvas Infinity vs LG Q6 Specs Comparison – Bezel-less Existence

Deepak SinghDeepak Singh
Deepak has more than 8 years of experience in covering technology for several eminent publications in India. He currently leads an enthusiastic team of young writers at Smartprix and tries to uphold the highest quality standards.

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