Iphone 12 Vs Lg G7 Thinq Is Upgrading Really Worth It In Current Year

Smartphone technology evolves rapidly, and what was once a flagship device can quickly become outdated. The LG G7 ThinQ, released in 2018, was a high-end Android phone with strong audio features and solid build quality. Fast forward to 2024, and the iPhone 12—released in late 2020—still holds relevance thanks to Apple’s long-term software support and ecosystem integration. But if you're still using an LG G7 ThinQ, is upgrading to an iPhone 12 truly worthwhile today?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It's about real-world usability, longevity, app compatibility, and overall experience in the current mobile landscape. Let’s break down the key differences and determine whether making the switch makes practical sense.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

The most immediate difference between the two devices lies in their processing power and system architecture. The LG G7 ThinQ runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, a powerful chip in its time but now significantly outpaced by modern processors. In contrast, the iPhone 12 uses Apple’s A14 Bionic chip—the first 5nm processor in a smartphone—which remains capable of handling intensive tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking with ease.

RAM also plays a role. The G7 ThinQ has 4GB of RAM, which limits background app retention and smoothness when switching between apps. The iPhone 12 comes with 4GB as well, but iOS manages memory more efficiently than Android did on that generation, resulting in snappier performance even with similar hardware specs.

Tip: If your current phone struggles with basic app loading or frequent crashes, upgrading to a newer device will provide noticeable improvements regardless of brand.

Display and Audio Quality

The G7 ThinQ was praised for its 6.1-inch QHD+ LCD panel and advanced audio features, including a 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC and DTS:X 3D Surround Sound. For audiophiles, this was a standout feature. However, while the display is sharp, it lacks HDR10+ support and brightness levels needed for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.

The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering deeper blacks, higher peak brightness (up to 1200 nits), and true HDR support for streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. While it doesn’t include a headphone jack or dedicated DAC, its stereo speakers are among the best in any smartphone and support spatial audio with compatible AirPods.

“Display technology has improved dramatically since 2018. OLED panels now offer better contrast, color accuracy, and energy efficiency—making older LCDs feel dated.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Capabilities in 2024

Photography expectations have shifted. In 2018, the G7 ThinQ offered a dual rear setup: 16MP standard + 16MP wide-angle, both without optical image stabilization (OIS). Low-light performance was average, and portrait mode relied heavily on software simulation. Video recording topped out at 2160p at 30fps with limited dynamic range.

The iPhone 12 brought a major leap: dual 12MP cameras (wide and ultra-wide) with Night mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 3, and Dolby Vision HDR video recording up to 4K at 60fps. These computational photography features mean better detail, accurate colors, and usable shots even in dim lighting. Front-facing selfies and FaceTime calls also benefit from improved dynamic range and portrait lighting effects.

In real-world use, especially in 2024 where social media and content creation demand high-quality visuals, the iPhone 12 delivers consistently superior results across conditions.

Software Support and Longevity

This is where the gap becomes undeniable. The LG G7 ThinQ received Android 9 and one major update to Android 10. Security patches ended years ago, leaving the device vulnerable to modern threats and incompatible with many new apps that require updated APIs.

Apple, on the other hand, continues to support the iPhone 12 with iOS updates. As of 2024, it runs iOS 17 and is expected to receive iOS 18 and possibly iOS 19. This means access to new features, security enhancements, and compatibility with future versions of popular apps like WhatsApp, banking platforms, and productivity tools.

Long-term usability is critical. A phone that no longer receives updates risks becoming unusable—not because it’s slow, but because essential services stop supporting it.

Network Connectivity and Future-Proofing

The iPhone 12 supports 5G connectivity (both mmWave and sub-6GHz in certain models), enabling faster download speeds and lower latency on supported carriers. The G7 ThinQ is limited to LTE, which may still be sufficient for daily use but lacks the bandwidth headroom for emerging applications like cloud gaming or AR/VR streaming.

Additionally, the iPhone 12 includes NFC for Apple Pay, U1 ultra-wideband chip (for Precision Finding with accessories), and MagSafe compatibility, allowing for innovative charging and accessory ecosystems. The G7 ThinQ lacks NFC entirely in some regions and offers no expandability beyond Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Feature	iPhone 12	LG G7 ThinQ
Processor	Apple A14 Bionic	Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
OS in 2024	iOS 17 (supported)	Android 10 (no updates)
Display	6.1\" Super Retina XDR OLED	6.1\" QHD+ LCD
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (OIS on main)	Dual 16MP (no OIS)
Video Recording	4K Dolby Vision HDR @ 60fps	4K @ 30fps (no HDR)
Connectivity	5G, NFC, MagSafe	LTE, No NFC (in some variants)
Battery Life (Real-World)	~17 hours mixed use	~10 hours (degraded over time)

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had been using her LG G7 ThinQ since 2018. By 2023, she noticed increasing issues: apps crashed frequently, messaging delays occurred due to outdated encryption protocols, and her bank app stopped working altogether after a security update. She considered buying another Android mid-ranger but decided to try the iPhone 12 after borrowing a friend’s model.

She immediately noticed smoother scrolling, faster app launches, and clearer FaceTime calls. Her photos improved without changing her technique—especially in low light. After three months, she reported feeling “relieved” not to worry about security warnings or compatibility errors. Though the iOS learning curve took adjustment, the stability and long-term support made the transition worthwhile.

Step-by-Step: Should You Upgrade?

Deciding whether to upgrade depends on your needs, budget, and usage patterns. Follow this timeline to evaluate your situation:

1. Assess Current Performance (Week 1): Track how often your G7 ThinQ freezes, fails to load apps, or shows update errors.
2. Check App Compatibility (Week 2): Open essential apps (banking, email, social media). Do they run smoothly? Are they still supported?
3. Evaluate Security Status (Week 3): Confirm if your device receives security patches. If not, consider data exposure risks.
4. Test Alternatives (Week 4): Borrow or rent an iPhone 12 to test camera, interface, and ecosystem integration.
5. Make a Decision: If your phone hampers daily tasks or poses security risks, upgrading is justified—even years later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the LG G7 ThinQ still be used safely in 2024?

Technically yes, but with significant caveats. Without security updates, it's vulnerable to malware and phishing attacks. Many apps—including financial services—may block access due to outdated OS requirements.

Is the iPhone 12 still a good phone in 2024?

Absolutely. Thanks to the A14 chip and ongoing iOS support, it handles everyday tasks effortlessly. Its build quality, camera system, and ecosystem integration make it a solid choice, especially for those entering the Apple world.

Will I lose my data switching from Android to iPhone?

No. Apple provides the “Move to iOS” app for Android, which securely transfers contacts, messages, photos, and more during setup. Cloud backups and manual exports ensure minimal data loss.

Conclusion: Yes, Upgrading Is Worth It

Moving from the LG G7 ThinQ to the iPhone 12 in 2024 isn't just about having a newer gadget—it's about regaining reliability, security, and access to modern digital life. The performance jump, camera improvements, software support, and network capabilities collectively address pain points that accumulate over time with aging devices.

If you rely on your phone for communication, banking, navigation, or work, staying on unsupported hardware carries real costs. The iPhone 12 offers a future-proof platform that will likely remain functional and secure for several more years.

💬 Thinking about upgrading? Share your experience below—whether you’ve made the switch or are still weighing your options. Your insights could help others decide their next move.