LG G3 vs LG G4 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

LG G4 & LG G3 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the LG G4 rather than the LG G3. 

Why Do I Recommend The LG G4

  • The LG G4 includes a Quantum IPS display panel for delivering more vibrant colors, higher brightness, and better outdoor visibility compared to the LG G3’s standard IPS LCD.
  • LG G4 has a 16 MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and color spectrum sensor for capturing brighter, more color-accurate photos in low light compared to the LG G3’s 13 MP f/2.4 camera.
  • It supports full manual camera controls and RAW image capture for professional-level photo editing and creative control, which are not available on the LG G3.
  • The LG G4 comes with an 8 MP front-facing camera for producing clearer, more detailed selfies and better video call quality than the LG G3’s 2.1 MP front camera.
  • LG G4 supports microSD card expansion up to 2TB for significantly greater storage flexibility compared to the LG G3’s up to 128GB.
  • The LG G4 has Android 5.1 with LG UX 4.0 for a more modern user interface, smoother navigation, and updated app compatibility than the LG G3’s Android 4.4.2 with LG UX 3.0.
  • LG G4 comes with optional genuine leather back covers for a more premium in-hand feel and aesthetic appeal compared to the LG G3’s plastic-only design.

Maybe the LG G3 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the LG G4. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureLG G4LG G3
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 808Qualcomm Snapdragon 801
CPUHexa-coreQuad-core 2.5 GHz
GPUAdreno 418Adreno 330
Display TypeQuantum IPS LCDIPS LCD
Display Brightness~500 nits~430 nits
Rear Camera16 MP, f/1.8, OIS, laser AF, color spectrum sensor13 MP, f/2.4, OIS, laser AF
Camera FeaturesRAW support, manual mode, color spectrum sensorAuto mode, no RAW support
Front Camera8 MP, f/2.02.1 MP, f/2.0
RAM3 GB2 GB / 3 GB
Internal Storage32 GB16 GB / 32 GB
microSD SupportUp to 2TBUp to 128GB
Operating System at LaunchAndroid 5.1 LollipopAndroid 4.4.2 KitKat
User InterfaceLG UX 4.0LG UX 3.0
Battery OptimizationImproved thermal control, more efficient SoCOlder power management
Body MaterialsPlastic / Leather backPlastic back
Dimensions (mm)148.9 x 76.1 x 9.8146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9
Weight155 g149 g
LTE BandsWider band supportFewer LTE bands
Quick ChargingQuick Charge 2.0Quick Charge 1.0
Color OptionsMultiple with leather finishesStandard plastic color variants
Build FeelPremiumBasic plastic design
PriceCheck LG G4 PriceCheck LG G3 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Display Size & Resolution: Both the LG G4 and LG G3 have a 5.5-inch Quad HD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 and a pixel density of ~538 ppi, delivering sharp visuals and vibrant details for content consumption.
  • Upgradeable Operating System: Both phones launched with different Android versions but are officially upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, offering similar system features and app compatibility.
  • Rear Camera Technology: Each device includes Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Laser Autofocus in the main camera, allowing for more stable photos and faster focusing in low-light or moving conditions.
  • Video Recording Capabilities: Both can record video in 4K at 30fps and Full HD 1080p at 60fps, making them capable for high-resolution video capture.
  • Battery Specs: Both use a removable 3000 mAh battery, giving users the flexibility to replace or swap batteries as needed—an increasingly rare feature in smartphones.
  • Wireless Charging (via accessory): While not built-in, both support wireless charging with a compatible back cover or accessory, enabling cable-free charging.
  • Plastic Body Option: Despite material differences, both phones were available in plastic variants, targeting affordability and lighter build preferences.
  • microSD Expandability: Both support microSD card expansion, allowing users to add extra storage for media and files without relying solely on internal storage.
  • LTE Connectivity: Each model supports 4G LTE networks, ensuring fast mobile data connectivity where supported.
  • Removable Back Cover & SIM: They feature removable back covers with access to the microSD slot, SIM tray, and battery compartment, offering easy physical access and upgrades.
  • Rear Button Layout: LG retained its distinctive design of placing the power and volume buttons on the back of the device for both models, which many users found ergonomic.
  • Connectivity Features: Both include Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, NFC, Infrared blaster, and Bluetooth, allowing for a wide range of wireless communication and remote control functionalities.
  • Audio Ports & Features: They include a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, loudspeaker, and support for FM radio (depending on region), covering traditional and wireless audio options.

Common Features

FeatureLG G4LG G3
Display Size5.5 inches5.5 inches
Display Resolution2560 x 14402560 x 1440
Pixel Density~538 ppi~538 ppi
Operating System (Upgradeable)Upgradable to Android 6.0Upgradable to Android 6.0
Rear Camera FeaturesOIS , Laser AutofocusOIS, Laser Autofocus
Video Recording (Rear Camera)4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps
Battery Capacity3000 mAh3000 mAh
Wireless Charging SupportYesYes
Build Material (Plastic Variant)YesYes
microSD Card SlotYesYes
LTE SupportYesYes
Removable Back CoverYesYes
SIM Card TypeMicro-SIMMicro-SIM
ConnectivityWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, InfraredWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, Infrared
Audio Features3.5mm jack, loudspeaker, FM radio3.5mm jack, loudspeaker, FM radio
Button PlacementRear-mounted volume and power buttonsRear-mounted volume and power buttons
Price Check LG G4 Price Check LG G3 Price

FAQ

Does the LG G4 have a better camera than the LG G3?
Yes, the LG G4 features a 16 MP camera with an f/1.8 aperture, color spectrum sensor, and RAW support, while the LG G3 has a 13 MP camera with f/2.4 and no RAW capability.

Is there any improvement in the front camera on the LG G4 compared to the LG G3?
Yes, the LG G4 has an 8 MP front-facing camera, which is a significant upgrade over the 2.1 MP front camera on the LG G3.

Do both phones have the same screen size and resolution?
Yes, both the LG G4 and LG G3 feature a 5.5-inch Quad HD (2560 x 1440) display with a pixel density of approximately 538 ppi.

What type of display technology do they use?
The LG G4 uses a Quantum IPS LCD for improved brightness and color accuracy, while the LG G3 uses a standard IPS LCD.

Can both phones record 4K video?
Yes, both phones are capable of recording 4K UHD video at 30 frames per second and 1080p video at 60 frames per second.

Do both the LG G4 and G3 support microSD card expansion?
Yes, both devices have a microSD card slot. However, the G4 supports cards up to 2TB, while the G3 supports up to 128GB.

Is the battery removable in both models?
Yes, both the LG G4 and LG G3 have a removable 3000 mAh battery, which is accessible through the back cover.

Which model has better battery optimization?
The LG G4 benefits from improved battery optimization due to its more efficient Snapdragon 808 processor, although both have the same battery capacity.

Can both phones be wirelessly charged?
Yes, but only with compatible accessories. Neither has built-in wireless charging, but both support it through special charging covers.

Is the LG G4 heavier than the LG G3?
Yes, the LG G4 weighs 155 grams, which is slightly heavier than the LG G3’s 149 grams.

What are the software differences between the LG G4 and LG G3?
The LG G4 comes with Android 5.1 and LG UX 4.0, while the LG G3 ships with Android 4.4.2 and LG UX 3.0. Both are upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Do both phones have rear-mounted buttons?
Yes, both the LG G4 and G3 feature LG’s signature rear-mounted power and volume buttons, located below the rear camera.

What type of SIM card do they use?
Both the LG G4 and LG G3 use a Micro-SIM card, which was standard at the time of their release.

Is the build quality different between the two?
Yes, the LG G4 introduced genuine leather back options for a more premium feel, whereas the LG G3 is only available with a plastic back design.

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