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The Google Pixel vs. the competition: Ready to rumble
We may be saying goodbye to the Nexus name, but we're not saying goodbye to the things we've come to expect from Google's premiere phones. The new Pixel still offers everything you'd expect in a flagship, including a highly-rated camera, a fingerprint sensor and the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. But, with so many current phones offering similar chipsets, features like Google Assistant could make all the difference. We'll take a closer look at some of the bells and whistles in our eventual review, but for now there are specs to chew over. Check out the table below to see how the Pixel measures up on paper to some of its leading competition.
The iPhone 7 vs. the competition: Win some, lose some
The new 4.7-inch iPhone is here and, just like the rumors predicted, the headphone jack is no more. If you're not thrilled with having to shop for a new pair of earbuds, it might be worth looking to see how the new water-resistant handset stacks up against its Android competition. We've taken a few recent flagships and laid out their specs for your perusal, including Sony's new Xperia XZ. With most top-tier Android devices running Snapdragon 820, these phones end up having a lot in common. However, there's a few key differences to keep things interesting.
LG's V20 smartphone may be as modular as the G5 (updated)
Just a few days ago, LG revealed that it will introduce its first Android Nougat phone in San Francisco on September 6th. The V20 is said to come with similar dual-screen, dual-selfie camera features as its predecessor, the V10. And now, thanks to OnLeaks and Android Authority, we're getting a first look at purported renders of the device. Most notably, the 5.7-inch V20 appears to have a modular design, based on a button placement reminiscent to that of LG's newly minted G5.
LG G5's VR headset, 360 camera and other accessories hit the US
When LG announced its modular G5 phone last month, it also revealed a line of "Friends" companion devices to go along with it (See what it did there?). Included in the lineup are the 360 VR headset, 360 Cam, the Harman Kardon-powered Tone Platinum audio headset and the Cam Plus camera grip. While the phone itself is already available in the US, these gadgets that the company intends for you to use with the handset were not until now.
Engadget UK giveaway: Win an LG G5 and HDTV courtesy of Virgin Media
Of all the new smartphones launched this year, LG's G5 is by far the most audacious. With two rear-facing cameras and a wacky, removable bottom bezel that can we swapped out for LG's "Friends" accessories, the G5 is nothing if not different. And thanks to Virgin Media, we've got one to give away this week, with the added bonus of a 32-inch LG LED HDTV if a free flagship wasn't enough. In fact, it's the same deal currently available on Virgin Mobile right now: Pick up an LG G5 on any pay-monthly contract before May 31st, and get a free TV to boot. As per usual, you can enter the competition via the Rafflecopter widget below... after you've read the rules, that is.
Mini review video: Our verdict on the LG G5 in about a minute
LG's latest flagship phone, the G5, is a fascinating device. Just plug in optional modules -- excuse us, "Friend" accessories -- and you can enjoy extra functionality when you need it: everything from a camera grip with a secondary battery to an audio DAC that upscales sound quality. It also offers fast performance and a dual-camera setup that's actually a lot of fun to use. But while the phone wins points for innovation, the first modules fail to impress in real-world testing. Meanwhile, it's clear LG cut corners in other areas, with the forgettable design and middling battery life being the biggest offenders. As our reviewer Chris Velazco notes, the device has the potential to improve over time as new and improved Friend modules come out, but for now, it's a work in progress.
Engadget giveaway: Win an LG G5 courtesy of Spigen!
With spring upon us, you may have cleaned your house and refreshed your wardrobe, but this week you could also win a fresh new smartphone to brighten up the season. Case and accessory maker Spigen has given us two new LG G5 phones and a selection of five cases for two lucky readers this week. LG's latest handset has a 5.3-inch display, expandable memory and a unique fast-swappable battery feature. To keep this new phone safe, Spigen has included five of its most popular case designs: the Tough Armor, Neo Hybrid, Rugged Armor, Crystal Shell and lastly the Style Armor, which accommodates quick access to the G5's battery without needing to remove the case. Just head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning. You can also find discount codes below to buy Spigen's G5 and S7 Edge cases or even opt to write some reviews in exchange for a few freebies. Winners: Congratulations to Elizabeth N. of Oklahoma City, OK and Geoffrey I. of Arlington, TX!
LG G5 review: Bolder doesn't always mean better
LG thinks it's time for a change. Rather than build just another thin, fast flagship, the company's latest work lets you augment it with purpose-built, snap-on accessories. Say hello to the G5, a phone with the potential to grow with you. A lot of chutzpah went into LG's decision, and it's almost like LG had no choice but to be provocative: Recent figures indicate the company is still struggling to crack the upper tiers of the global smartphone market. To paraphrase a bit from the best television show of all time, ambition and overreaching are good. The problem is, LG had to somehow build a smartphone that's both functional and powerful now and easy to improve later. Alas, LG didn't quite clear the high bar it set for itself.
Where to buy LG's G5 in the UK
If LG flagships have played it relatively safe over the past few years, then the new G5 is downright dangerous. Like any top-of-the-range smartphone, its specs tick all the right boxes, but otherwise it's not exactly typical. First, there's the handset's dual-camera arrangement for super-wide-angle shots, and then, there are "Friends." That's LG's cute/creepy term for a range of quirky accessories that compliment the kind-of-modular G5, which has a removable, replaceable bottom bezel. If you're looking for something different, the G5 is far from generic, and it's now available to buy in the UK.
MWC Revisited: The best phones in Barcelona this year
The booths have been dismantled, the bigwigs have boarded their planes and the doors have been closed. That's a wrap for Mobile World Congress 2016. Now that our team has had a chance to kick back and reflect on the mobile maelstrom we've just waded through, meet the four smartphones (in no particular order) that stole our hearts and stole the show.
LG came out fighting at Mobile World Congress
MWC proper hadn't even started, yet LG was already poised to be the talk of the show. Its G5 flagship surprised everyone with its snap-on accessories, but that wasn't the main talking point. The company also introduced a dizzying array of accessories that covers everything from audio to aerial drones. There was a lot to cover, but we break it all down for you right here.
LG's modular G5 is its most daring flagship phone ever
LG is in a tricky position: starting with the G2, it's made consistently lovely flagship smartphones, but it can't even crack the top five top-selling mobile brands. The time has come for something seriously off the wall, and, well, LG went for it. Say hello to the LG G5, the most ambitious smartphone the company has ever made.
Live from LG's keynote at MWC 2016
LG is getting ready to kick off the festivities at Mobile World Congress 2016. We're expecting to see LG's new flagship smartphone, the G5. And this is just the start of a very interesting -- and tiring -- day. The company's press conference starts at 8AM ET, so be sure to stay tuned into this page and watch the livestream here.
The LG G5 will let you lock and load new batteries
In the lead up to MWC, we've heard plenty of rumors about the LG G5 and its swappable accessories. The general idea is that you'll be able to slide out the bottom of the phone and replace it with some fresh or scenario-specific hardware. Now, we're starting to see exactly what those modules will look like. A photo on the Chinese site Weibo reveals a battery accessory with a bright, yellow cell. So when you're starting to near the red, you'll presumably be able to swap your battery out like a firearm magazine.
LG teases G5's 'Always On' display
While the G5 teaser GIF LG's mobile division posted on Twitter doesn't say much, it has enough info to tell us that the device will have an "Always On" display. According to Android Authority's sources, the flagship phone will have a screen that is literally always on. Other phones with ambient screens like the Moto X and the Nexus 6P only show pertinent info on screen (only the pixels needed to show, say, a notification lights up) when you perform specific gestures.
