LG G6 Features to Look for at its Mobile World Congress Debut

The Android world is counting on LG Electronics to introduce a major new smartphone model now that it is clear that Samsung won’t be ready to introduced it’s much anticipating Galaxy S8.

LG itself has said that the G6’s display will be “big.” That followed several rumors, as well as some supply chain leaks, that showed an LG G6 display measuring 5.7 inches with an ultra-wide 18:9 aspect ratio. If that’s true the screen could nearly cover the device’s entire face.

LG has also said that its G6 will come with a “smaller body” than last year’s model. Several image leaks show a device that is both slimmer and more refined-looking than the G5. In fact, reports suggest the G6 will come with a metal and glass design, putting it on par with other expected handset releases, such as the Samsung Galaxy S8 and iPhone 8, which are expected to come with significant design enhancements.

One would think that a top-of-the-line smartphone would come with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. However, Samsung worked with Qualcomm on the chip this year and reportedly gobbled up all the initial supply. Therefore, LG is forced to bundle the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 in the G6, which will be a disappointment for those who wanted the latest generation processor.

When Google last year released its Pixel handsets, they were the first to support its new artificial intelligence tool Google Assistant. However, Google is planning to open Assistant to others and the LG G6 will be the first to support the feature.

LG has confirmed a key feature in its G6—waterproofing. The feature has been rumored for months, but it’s also a pricey one to include in any smartphone. LG said it has found a way to offer the feature in the G6, but how well it’ll perform in full emersion tests is unknown.

Modularity, the biggest selling point in last year’s LG G5, is officially gone from the LG G6, according to several reports. LG reportedly wanted to waterproof the device and the only way to do so was to bundle a non-removable battery and ditch the ability to swap out components as it did in the G5. Some corporate users who like the idea of a removable battery might not be happy.

LG is planning to follow the crowd with the G6 and offer a dual-lens rear-facing camera. The feature is already available in the iPhone 7 Plus and is reportedly on its way to the high-end Samsung Galaxy S8. LG is hoping that a nicer camera with fast-zoom features could help it at least keep pace with its chief competitors.

LG has already said that it plans to offer a big battery in the G6 that will come with long-lasting power. While the company hasn’t put a figure on how long the battery will last, look for it to at least hold up all day long. Also look for LG to talk about safety and the techniques it’s using to limit the possibility of a Galaxy Note 7-like overheating.

If the LG G6 comes with Google Assistant, then it will undoubtedly offer Android Nougat. Google’s latest mobile operating system version has been slowly finding its way to existing devices, but will be offered in many new devices in 2017. The LG G6 will be one of them.

LG is keeping its G6’s pricing and availability close to the vest right now. The company will be holding its press event on Feb. 26 ahead of Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. It’s currently expected to release the G6 to stores in March, giving it a full month head start against the Galaxy S8. Pricing has not been disclosed, but given the features, don’t expect it to be cheap.