Galaxy S6 vs LG G3 comparison: has Samsung leapfrogged LG?
The Galaxy S6 has launched and it’s arguably Samsung’s most important phone ever. With sales of the S5 less than stellar, the pressure is on the S6 to restore Samsung’s reputation. That won’t be easy with rivals such as LG’s excellent G3. So how does it compare? Our Galaxy S6 vs LG G3 comparison delves into which firms’ flagship is likely to delight you most.
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs LG G3: design
The Galaxy S6 shows that Samsung has gone for more a premium feel than the S5. It has a glass front and back, with a metal frame, and while the bottom of it really looks like an iPhone, the rest of the design looks pretty much like any other Galaxy.
The LG G3 is a beautiful device, with a great screen-to-body ratio, but the brushed-metal effect plastic feels cheaper than the glass behind of the S6. The LG G3's design isn't bad by any means, but Samsung has really upped the ante with its S6.
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs LG G3: display
With the Samsung you’ll be looking at a 5.1-inch QHD display delivering 2560 x 1440 resolution. This is the same resolution as the LG G3 but in a smaller frame, with the G3 display stretching to 5.5-inches. There’s no doubt that the screens in both phones look fantastic, and which you prefer will depend on your own tastes. The LG G3 display is bigger, but Samsung's Super AMOLED display has superior brightness, contrast and pixel density.
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs LG G3: processor
The Samsung Galaxy S6 runs Samsung’s own Exynos 7 series processor, which is an eight-core, 64-bit chipset. The LG runs on a Snapdragon 801 with four cores clocked at 2.5 GHz. The Samsung has 3 GB of RAM and the LG G3 has 2 GB or 3 GB depending on which model you buy.
Early tests show that the Galaxy S6 chipset is even more powerful than Qualcomm's Snapdragon 810 processor, which in turn is a serious step up from the Snapdragon 801 powering the G3. Because of this, performance-wise, the Galaxy S6 is technically far superior.
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs LG G3: storage
The LG G3 comes in 16 GB and 32 GB variants, both of which have the ability to expand via microSD cards. The Galaxy S6 comes in 32 GB, 64 GB and 128 GB variants, but there is no microSD card support. With 128GB microSD cards being commonplace these days, you can expand your LG G3's storage capacity to outdo even the pricey 128GB Galaxy S6.
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs LG G3: cameras
The Galaxy S6's rear camera is a massive 20 MP snapper with optical image stabilization, while the front camera is 5 MP. Like the quality found in Samsung's display, the Galaxy S6 camera is a real beauty, and probably the best on Android. Check its low-light capabilities in our Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 6 camera comparison.
The LG G3 rear camera is 13 MP with OIS, and the front one is 2.1 MP. It's a fast and accurate performer - with record-breaking auto-focus speeds. Capable though it may be (you can view some LG G3 comparison pics here), the Galaxy S6 really is a world beater.
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs LG G3: battery life
The Samsung Galaxy S6 has a 2,550 mAh battery. It sounds small - and it’s smaller than the one in the S5 (2800 mAh) - but apparently Samsung has optimized its 64-bit processors to the point that the smaller battery should deliver the same battery life. The Galaxy S6 can also charge wirelessly, and is said to add 4 hours of battery life in just a 10 minute (wired) charge. We’re keeping our fingers crossed on that one, but we won't know how it performs for sure until our final review.
The LG G3's battery is larger at 3000 mAh, and it's a strong performer, given the QHD screen it powers. The elusive "two-day" benchmark is definitely achievable with the G3, and it sits in our best Android smartphone battery list. LG's battery might last longer than the Galaxy S6 in a straight head-to-head, but it will be interesting to see if Samsung's quick-charge claims hold up when tested fully.
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs LG G3: software
As you’d expect from a brand new flagship the Samsung Galaxy S6 will run Android Lollipop. The LG G3 shipped with KitKat, but its Lollipop update is currently rolling out across the world.
The software in the S6 has been slimmed down somewhat, but it still comes bundled with a whole bunch of stuff: S Voice, S Health, Facebook, WhatsApp (via a download link), Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft OneNote, Skype, all the Google Apps and Samsung’s own Galaxy Apps. We guess that’s great if you want them, but it’s hardly the bare-bones, stripped-back software offering we were led to expect.
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs LG G3: price
The LG G3 starts at 385 USD for the 16 GB carrier-unlocked version. We don't know the official Galaxy S6 US pricing details yet, but in Europe it will be 699 euros for 32 GB, 799 euros for 64 GB, and 899 euros for 128 GB.
Galaxy S6 vs LG G3: specs
| Samsung Galaxy S6 | LG G3 | |
|---|---|---|
| System | Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, TouchWiz | Android 4.4.2 KitKat, Optimus UI |
| Display | 5.1-inch, Super-AMOLED, QHD 2560 x 1440 Pixel (577 ppi) | 5.5-inch LCD, 2560 x 1440 pixels (534 ppi) |
| Processor | Octa-Core, 64 Bit (4 x 2.1 GHz + 4 x 1.5 Ghz) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core 2.5 GHz |
| RAM | 3 GB | 2 / 3GB |
| Internal memory | 32/64/128 GB (non-expandable) | 16 / 32 GB (+microSD) |
| Battery | 2.550 mAh (non-removable) | 3000 mAh (removable) |
| Camera | 16 MP (rear), 5 MP (front) | 13 MP OIS + (back), 2.1 MP (front) |
| Dimensions | 143,4 x 70,5 x 6,8 mm | 146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9 mm |
| Weight | 138 g | 149 g |
| Connectivity | WLAN, HSPA, LTE Cat.6, NFC, Bluetooth 4.1, USB 2.0, Infrared | HSPA, LTE, NFC, Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Price | 699 USD (32 GB), 799 USD (64 GB), 899 USD (128 GB) (estimates) | 385 USD (16 GB) |
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs LG G3: early verdict
If you like to buy on specs then there’s a clear winner here in the form of the Samsung Galaxy S6. It’s more powerful, more efficient and has better cameras. But it’ll also cost a lot more, so you’ll pay a premium if you rush to buy it when it ships on April 10. If you're looking to save some cash and get a bigger - albeit marginally less clear - screen in the bargain, then the LG G3 remains a great high-end option.
What do you think of our Galaxy S6 vs LG G3 comparison? Is the S6 worth ordering straight away?
The LG G3 is a fantastic smartphone and better in many ways that count: 1) Having a significantly bigger screen in nearly the same size body is a big deal 2) True sharp colors, not grotesquely over-saturated and cheap looking, 3) larger replaceable battery, so in 3 years when the Samsung battery chemistry goes sour and the whole phone is useless, the LG G3 with a new battery is like brand new, not disposable.
I will say the Samsung likely takes higher quality photos in low light (f/1.9), is likely a bit more compact feeling in your front pocket, especially with the thinness, and the fingerprint unlock might be nicer than knock code if it works fast and on the 1st attempt a vast majority of the time.
Other than that, both phones are probably pretty similar. I could care less about the metal body and glass back as most people with any sense put the $600+ device they carry around through life's everyday uncertainties and rushed situations in a slim yet very protective hard rubber case anyway. I get it though, Samsung had to appeal to the masses and the masses that like the premium feel of a bare iPhone. In terms of the other security, both are the only two Android devices that have corporate and government use security approval which is very nice for many people with those types of jobs.
At least they are both running Android, and not the simpleton's iOS (which is fantastic for simpletons by the way). I suppose I would be fine with either, and both companies are struggling in a highly competitive environment to win us and we should be appreciative.
-Marc
In 3 years, 90% of GS6 owners will have a new phone anyways. Your point is null.
Samsung products are always reliable and durable , recently announced S6 that has more stylish and more functional.
check price from cbuystore
As mentioned by a few others, your test is not an intelligent one in my opinion. Why would you be testing the absolute latest from Samsung against a phone released last year from LG? I own the LG G3 and think it is the nicest phone I've ever owned on many levels. In fact, I have a hard time looking to replace it because it's that good. I think your opinions in this review are biased for whatever reason and hope in the future your reviews are on a "fair level" as this one is not. Again, try to compare something in a somewhat related time period.
You're comparing a phone from Jun 2014 to something which is about 9 months newer? In the phone world, that's an entire generation gone by...what's the point?!
Never seen so much false information and tech specs in one article before, almost seems like a troll or something. Surely this can't be a serious article.
Since we're on the topic of pointing out the multitudes of mistakes here, the LG G3 is on lollipop not kitkat. This is one of the most poorly written tech articles I've read on a long time.
Actually Maniatis, the Verizon wireless G3 is still stuck with kit Kat 4.4.2
Actually, no its out in the air now. Its a staged rollout.
Tell that to Tmobile...
the picture under the display section states that the S6 and the LG G3 have a super amoled screen, unless I've misunderstood somehow this would be inaccurate as only the Samsung has the super amoled. I'm not trying to nit pick but it is a misprint, a G3 owner myself I wish it did though..
Before Samsung dumped the microSD card slot I was a samsungite all the way. Now that they have I suspect the S5 is the last Samsung I buy
I'd love to switch to LG or HTC, but Samsung is the only company that's putting serious work into their batteries, so for know I stay with them :(
I agree & lollipop 5.0 sucks. I AM going back to Kitkat 4.44 on my Boost S5
You're going to judge whether Samsung has leapfrogged LG by comparing Samsung 2015 flagship to LG 2014 flagship? On what planet would those results be accurate. Sounds almost as biased as articles written by Apple fan boys.
I agree lets wait till the LG G4 is released and do a comparison with two phones from 2015. Also I think the LG G3 of 2014 is not that far behind the Samsung S6 of 2015
Umm, I havent finished reading, but I noticed you put that the Galaxy S6 has a 20 MP Camera, but it actually has a 16 megapixel camera.