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LG V30 vs Samsung Galaxy S8+: not an easy choice

AndroidPIT LG V30 vs Galaxy S8 Plus 3
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Three months after its announcement at IFA 2017, the LG V30 is finally arriving in stores. The South Korean manufacturer is placing high hopes in its latest smartphone in order to improve its image and compete with other high-end smartphones, including the Galaxy S8+. The two smartphones are in the same price category and have several similarities.

LG V30 vs Samsung Galaxy S8+: two of a kind in terms of design 

LG has put a lot hope in its V30. The relatively unobtrusive career of the LG G6 forced the manufacturer to upgrade its V range, particularly by physically removing the second display. Nevertheless, LG hasn’t given up on its ambitions for 2017 and is using metal and glass for its latest device. However, the V30 is more visually consistent this time, as the edges above and below the screen are now symmetrical. The final result was a success and the V30 is certainly the most beautiful device designed by LG to date.

Of course, the design on the V30 strongly resembles that of the Samsung Galaxy S8+: glass at the rear and front, rounded edges and thin aluminium frame. Although LG forges its own path, it isn’t difficult to see the influence from the other South Korean manufacturer. Either way, the Samsung smartphone offers some pretty special features with curvier edges and above all, the absence of a dual camera at the rear.

AndroidPIT LG V30 vs Galaxy S8 Plus 1
Both smartphones look familiar. / © NextPit

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus is also slightly larger, thicker but less wide than the LG V30, but the handling of both devices is excellent. The positioning of the V30's fingerprint reader is easier to access, but unfortunately both devices also have the nasty flaw of leaving fingerprints on the back, despite benefiting from an excellent quality of assembly and finish.

AndroidPIT LG V30 vs Galaxy S8 Plus 4
The LG V30 is slightly more compact than the S8+. / © NextPit

LG V30 vs Samsung Galaxy S8+: display quality

As explained above, LG has decided to remove the secondary display, which has been a feature of the V-range until recently. Ultimately, this isn't a bad decision because the V30 comes with a 6-inch OLED display (2:1 ratio) made in-house. However, LG didn’t want to disappoint the fans with this feature and instead offered a ‘Floating Bar’, which allows you to access the traditional shortcuts offered by the secondary display, and can be activated via the software.

LG has decided to remove the characteristic secondary display from the V-range.

The LG V30's screen has the good sense to not show the same defects as those found in the Pixel 2 XL. The color representation on the V30 is a very pleasurable and the viewing angles are satisfactory. The only concern shared by my colleague Hans-Georg is the representation of whites, which tend to have an irregular brightness when the brightness is low.

AndroidPIT LG V30 vs Galaxy S8 Plus 5
There is an OLED display on both devices. / © NextPit

The Galaxy S8 Plus features a slightly larger display (6.2-inch AMOLED) as well, but this time it’s made by Samsung. To be honest, there is little to say about the quality of the S8+'s screen. Samsung has a perfect mastery of this sector and the S8+'s display is even better than the V30. The brightness is a little higher, the colors are even brighter and the viewing angles are excellent. In short, the Galaxy S8+ is my reference point in the world of Android smartphones.

LG V30 vs. Samsung Galaxy S8+: camera 

Unlike the S8+, the LG V30 offers a dual rear camera: a 16 megapixel lens (f/1.6 aperture) and a 13 megapixel wide-angle lens (f/1.9 aperture). The Galaxy S8+ has a single 12 megapixel lens (f/1.7 aperture).

Let's just say right away, the two smartphones do very well in this area. I tend to prefer the overall image quality of the Samsung smartphone, but having a wide-angle lens on the V30 is pretty satisfying.

comp3 vergleich 02
During the day... © NextPit
comp4 vergleich 02
At night. © NextPit

LG V30 vs Samsung Galaxy S8+: two powerful monsters

Under the hood, the two rivals present top-of-the-range technical specifications. The V30 (Snapdragon 835 + 4 GB of RAM) and the S8+ (Exynos 8895 + 4 GB of RAM) provide more than enough for a convincing performance. On a daily basis, the two smartphones ensure perfect fluidity and worry-free gaming sessions. In short, they’re two very good devices.

AndroidPIT LG V30 vs Galaxy S8 Plus 2
Only the LG V30 offers a wide-angle lens. / © NextPit

LG V30 vs. Samsung Galaxy S8+ technical specifications

  LG V30 Samsung Galaxy S8+

Conclusion

Samsung and LG have produced two very complete, fluid and powerful smartphones. Each smartphone has its own special features (audio for the V30 and eye-scanner for the S8+). Their photo qualities are undeniable and neither camera will disappoint you when needed. In terms of price category, the V30 and S8+ share yet another similarity with an official price of 899 EUR. While Samsung's mobile may be cheaper for the time being, LG's mobile is likely to follow the same trend very soon.

AndroidPIT LG V30 vs Galaxy S8 Plus 3
It’s difficult to pick one of the two smartphones because their good qualities are so numerous. / © NextPit

If I could only pick one, I would have to opt for the Samsung smartphone, as I find it more versatile. The LG V30 currently remains a step behind my needs, but I’m definitely too picky and perhaps a little too demanding. With this device, LG has done everything possible to become one of the leaders in the smartphone market. 

What do you think? Is the LG V30 a worthy rival to Samsung S8 Plus?

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Pierre Vitré

Pierre Vitré
Head of Content

Pierre has a strong passion for new technologies and mobile since its first StarTac. Android user since 2011, Pierre became totally hooked. He never leaves his smartphone and smartwatch and still believes in the success of Google Glass. That's why he joined AndroidPIT.fr to be the head of content.

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9 comments
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  • 1
    Mechineai May 16, 2022 Link to comment

    I need the Lg V30. It is a great phone with nice specifications


  • Richard D. 5
    Richard D. Nov 27, 2017 Link to comment

    I miss the ability to balance the microphones front to back when recording video with the V30. It is a feature of the V20 that I found essential in the product videos I shot outside near a highway. But, I guess that the V30 makes up for it with an even better camera and a vast improvement in battery life over the V20. And, though the V30 is stunning and svelte, as one of those active lifestyle types, I prefer the V20's tank-like build. All-in-all, though, I would (and have) chosen the V30 over all the other contenders. It's a great phone.

    Deactivated Account


  • 10
    sam pack Nov 26, 2017 Link to comment

    My s8 is a BEAST. (love it)


  • 31
    Deactivated Account Nov 26, 2017 Link to comment

    both devices are powerful and very very capable..
    not really interested in glass back tho, I was offered S8 plus free of charge as work phone.., thanks but no thanks.. really not interested in the glass back,
    I'd rather use something I like even if it's older or got lower specs..
    but like Mark if I had to choose it would be LG just for the fingerprint scanner placement and camera.

    Deactivated Account


  • 46
    Deactivated Account Nov 26, 2017 Link to comment

    I would choose the LG V30 for finger print scanner location alone, never mind I think it is the better phone. The Latest Samsung location for it next to the camera is terrible.

    Richard D.Deactivated Account


    • 28
      itprolonden Dec 20, 2017 Link to comment

      There are a lot who would disagree now that they took a few minutes to get used to it


      • Dylan White 1
        Dylan White Jul 9, 2018 Link to comment

        Im left handed. No matter what, the Samsung's idea of putting the finger print sensor where it is on the S8 is horrendous


  • 7
    Pomacat Nov 26, 2017 Link to comment

    I bought the V30 I liked some of the features


    • David Martrano 29
      David Martrano Nov 26, 2017 Link to comment

      I purchased the s8plus. Very happy with. But the V30 is also a very good choice. These two phones are definitely in my top 5 choices!

      sam pack

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