LG vs Samsung: which is better for smartphones?

When it comes to choosing a smartphone, the market offers a plethora of options. Among these options are LG and Samsung, two of the most well-known brands in the smartphone industry. If you’re wondering which one is better for you, this article is here to help. We’ll compare LG and Samsung based on several aspects so you can make an informed decision.

A Brief History of LG and Samsung Smartphone Brands

LG has been in the smartphone industry for more than a decade. In 2009, it released the LG Eve, its first Android smartphone. Since then, LG has released numerous smartphones known for their unique designs and advanced features. On the other hand, Samsung released its first smartphone in 2009, called the Samsung GT-I7500. Since then, Samsung has been a powerhouse in the smartphone industry, releasing numerous smartphones each year and constantly improving its products.

Despite being in the smartphone industry for a shorter period of time, Samsung has managed to surpass LG in terms of market share. In 2020, Samsung held a 20.6% share of the global smartphone market, while LG held only 1.9%. However, LG has still managed to make a name for itself in the industry by focusing on innovation and unique features, such as the LG Wing, which has a rotating screen.

Both LG and Samsung have also been pioneers in the development of foldable smartphones. In 2019, Samsung released the Galaxy Fold, which was the first foldable smartphone to hit the market. LG followed suit in 2021 with the release of the LG Rollable, which has a screen that can be rolled up like a scroll. These innovative designs have helped both companies stay ahead of the competition and continue to push the boundaries of smartphone technology.

A Comparison of LG and Samsung Smartphone Features

When it comes to smartphone features, both LG and Samsung offer a range of options. However, Samsung is known for its impressive displays, with the Galaxy S21 Ultra featuring a dynamic AMOLED 2X display and the Galaxy S20 featuring a 120Hz refresh rate. On the other hand, LG has focused on audio quality, with the LG V60 ThinQ featuring four microphones and audio tuning by Meridian Audio.

In addition to display and audio quality, LG and Samsung also differ in their camera features. Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra boasts a 108MP camera with 100x zoom capabilities, while LG’s V60 ThinQ has a triple rear camera setup with a 64MP main camera. Both brands also offer different software features for their cameras, such as Samsung’s Single Take mode and LG’s manual video controls.

Display Quality: LG vs Samsung

Both LG and Samsung offer impressive display quality. Samsung’s displays are often praised for their vibrant colors and high resolution, while LG’s displays are known for their unique designs. For example, the LG Wing features a swiveling screen, while the LG Velvet features a waterfall display.

However, when it comes to durability, LG’s displays have been found to be more resistant to cracks and scratches compared to Samsung’s displays. This is due to LG’s use of a material called “DuraGlass” which is a type of tempered glass that is more resistant to damage. So, if you’re someone who tends to drop their phone often, an LG phone may be a better choice for you.

Camera Quality: LG vs Samsung

Cameras are an essential aspect of smartphones, and both LG and Samsung offer impressive camera quality. Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra features a 108-megapixel camera, while the LG V60 ThinQ has a 64-megapixel camera. Both brands also offer a variety of camera modes, including night mode, portrait mode, and more.

However, when it comes to video recording, Samsung takes the lead with its ability to shoot 8K video at 24 frames per second. LG, on the other hand, can only shoot 4K video at 60 frames per second. This means that Samsung’s videos are more detailed and smoother than LG’s.

In terms of camera software, Samsung’s One UI offers a more user-friendly interface with easy-to-use controls and settings. LG’s UI, while still functional, can be a bit more complicated to navigate. Samsung also offers more frequent software updates, which can improve camera performance and add new features.

Battery Life: LG vs Samsung

Both LG and Samsung offer phones with long battery life. The LG V60 ThinQ has a 5,000mAh battery, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has a 5,000mAh battery. Both phones also offer fast charging and wireless charging options.

However, it’s important to note that battery life can vary depending on usage and settings. For example, if you frequently use power-hungry apps or have your screen brightness set to maximum, your phone’s battery may drain faster. Additionally, battery health can also impact overall battery life over time. It’s recommended to regularly check your phone’s battery health and replace it if necessary to ensure optimal performance.

Processor and Performance: LG vs Samsung

When it comes to processors, Samsung is known for its Exynos chips, while LG uses Snapdragon processors. Both brands offer phones with fast performance, but Samsung’s phones often have better benchmarks.

However, benchmarks don’t always tell the whole story. LG’s phones are known for their smooth and efficient performance, thanks to their optimization of the Snapdragon processors. This means that even though Samsung’s phones may have better benchmark scores, LG’s phones can still offer a great user experience.

In addition, both Samsung and LG have been investing heavily in developing 5G technology. Samsung has already released several 5G-enabled phones, while LG has announced plans to release their own 5G phone in the near future. This means that both brands are committed to providing their customers with the latest and fastest mobile technology available.

User Interface: LG vs Samsung

Both LG and Samsung offer their own unique user interfaces. Samsung’s OneUI is known for its simplicity and ease of use, while LG’s UX is known for its customization options.

However, LG’s UX can sometimes be overwhelming for users who prefer a simpler interface. On the other hand, Samsung’s OneUI may not offer as many customization options as LG’s UX, but it provides a more streamlined experience for users who prioritize ease of use. Ultimately, the choice between LG and Samsung’s user interfaces comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the user.

Storage Options: LG vs Samsung

Both brands offer phones with varying storage options. Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra has up to 512GB of internal storage, while the LG Wing has up to 256GB. Most phones from both brands also offer expandable storage options.

When it comes to cloud storage, Samsung offers its users 15GB of free storage on its Samsung Cloud platform, while LG offers 5GB of free storage on its LG Cloud platform. However, Samsung users can also take advantage of Google Drive’s 15GB of free storage, which is integrated into the phone’s operating system.

In terms of storage management, LG phones come with a built-in feature called “Smart Cleaning” that automatically deletes unnecessary files and clears cache to free up space. Samsung phones have a similar feature called “Device Care” that optimizes the phone’s performance and storage usage. Both features can be customized to suit the user’s preferences.

Audio Quality: LG vs Samsung

As mentioned earlier, LG is known for its audio quality, with the LG V60 ThinQ featuring four microphones and 24-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC. Samsung also offers impressive audio quality, with the Galaxy S21 Ultra featuring stereo loudspeakers tuned by AKG.

However, when it comes to headphone audio quality, LG still holds the edge. The LG V60 ThinQ also supports DTS:X 3D Surround Sound, which provides a more immersive audio experience when using headphones. Samsung, on the other hand, offers Dolby Atmos support for headphones on the Galaxy S21 Ultra, which also enhances the audio experience, but not to the same extent as DTS:X 3D Surround Sound.

Design and Build Quality: LG vs Samsung

When it comes to design and build quality, both LG and Samsung offer phones with premium designs and durable build quality. Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra has a sleek glass and metal design, while the LG Velvet features a 3D arc design. Both brands also offer phones with water and dust resistance.

However, LG has been known to prioritize design over durability in some of their models, which may result in a more fragile phone. On the other hand, Samsung has a reputation for creating phones that can withstand more wear and tear. Additionally, Samsung has been experimenting with new materials such as foldable screens, which could potentially revolutionize the design of smartphones in the future.

Price Comparison: LG vs Samsung

When it comes to pricing, both LG and Samsung offer phones at various price points. Samsung’s phones tend to be more expensive than LG’s phones, with the Galaxy S21 Ultra starting at $1199, while the LG Velvet starts at $599.

However, it’s important to note that Samsung often offers more features and higher-end specs in their phones, which can justify the higher price point. For example, the Galaxy S21 Ultra has a 108MP camera and 5G connectivity, while the LG Velvet has a 48MP camera and 4G connectivity.

On the other hand, LG phones are known for their durability and long-lasting battery life. The LG V60 ThinQ, for instance, has a 5000mAh battery that can last up to two days on a single charge. Samsung phones, while still having decent battery life, may not last as long as LG phones.

Availability and Market Share: LG vs Samsung

Samsung has a larger market share than LG, with its phones being more widely available across the world. However, LG still holds a significant share of the market, especially in its home country of South Korea.

Despite Samsung’s wider availability, LG has been making efforts to expand its reach in recent years. The company has been increasing its presence in emerging markets, such as India and Brazil, and has also been partnering with local carriers to improve distribution.

When it comes to specific phone models, Samsung’s Galaxy series has been a major contributor to its market dominance. However, LG has been gaining traction with its flagship G series, which has received positive reviews for its innovative features and sleek design.

Customer Support and After-Sales Services of LG and Samsung

Both LG and Samsung offer excellent customer support and after-sales services. They offer warranty options, repairs, and customer service through various channels, including phone, email, and chat support.

In addition to their standard customer support and after-sales services, LG and Samsung also offer online resources and communities for their customers. These resources include user manuals, troubleshooting guides, and forums where customers can ask questions and receive help from other users or company representatives. This additional support can be especially helpful for customers who prefer to troubleshoot issues on their own or who have unique questions or concerns.

Pros and Cons of Choosing a Smartphone from Either Brand

Overall, both LG and Samsung offer impressive smartphones with unique features. Samsung’s phones are often praised for their displays, performance, and camera quality, while LG’s phones are known for their audio quality and design. However, Samsung’s phones tend to be more expensive than LG’s, and LG’s phones may not be as widely available in all markets.

Ultimately, choosing between LG and Samsung comes down to personal preference and priorities. Consider what features are most important to you and your budget before making a decision.

One factor to consider when choosing between LG and Samsung is the user interface. Samsung’s phones use the One UI, which is known for its clean and intuitive design. On the other hand, LG’s phones use the LG UX, which some users find to be cluttered and confusing. However, LG does offer more customization options for their interface.

Another consideration is the durability of the phones. Samsung’s phones are often praised for their build quality and resistance to water and dust. LG’s phones, while still durable, may not be as rugged as Samsung’s. It’s important to think about how you plan to use your phone and whether you need a device that can withstand more wear and tear.