LG announced details on its first 5G smartphone awhile ago. The company revealed the device would hit Sprint’s network as the world’s first 5G smartphone. Recently, a teaser revealed the device would be unveiled at MWC 2019. LG confirmed the Snapdragon 855 and a 4,000 mAh battery for the unnamed device as well. It’s confirmed this 5G device isn’t the LG G8 ThinQ. In fact, leaked press renders have now confirmed the mystery device. In mere days, we should see the introduction of the LG V50 ThinQ.
Noted leaker Evan Blass posted a press render of the device on Twitter. He titled the tweet with “LG V50 ThinQ for Sprint 5G”. At MWC 2019, LG will more than likely reveal the LG G8 ThinQ and now the LG V50 ThinQ. It’s unlikely the manufacturer will announce another 5G-compatible device at the event. There’s little chance another device will come with the specifications revealed by LG itself and leaks related to the device. Therefore, we can safely assume the V50 is the mystery 5G, Snapdragon 855 device.
One thing to note about the device is its large vapor chamber cooling system. LG noted the cooling system in its teaser for the unnamed device. Likely, the increased vapor chamber size comes from necessity rather than design choice. Rumors have pointed out that 5G technology likely requires a lot of power to access 5G networks. 5G-compatible devices would then require advanced cooling features to avoid destroying batteries. The situation hearkens back to the early days of 4G where battery life was abysmal.
So, LG apparently needed to increase the size of the vapor chamber from the LG V40 ThinQ. The fact that the V40 is referenced lends credence to the LG V50 ThinQ being the unnamed device. Maintaining the same vapor chamber would result in inadequate cooling. From there, batteries would heat up to higher temperatures, leading to decreased battery life and extended wear and tear. Other manufacturers may face similar problems with battery lifespan and day-to-day battery life due to 5G.
Nonetheless, LG’s first 5G smartphone sounds promising. A triple rear camera setup and rear fingerprint sensor seem guaranteed for the device. An official reveal will come on February 24 at MWC 2019. In the end, analysts will know almost everything about the device before its official announcement, which is quite common these days. Leaks continue to come on major devices at a rapid pace. Few smartphone manufacturers can surprise analysts or even the general public with their device announcements.
Dil Bole Oberoi
