In 2018, two smartphones stood out for users seeking flagship-level features without jumping into the notch-dominated era: the LG G7 ThinQ and the Apple iPhone 8 Plus. Fast forward to today, many owners are reflecting on whether switching from one to the other was truly worth it. Was the upgrade from the iPhone 8 Plus to the LG G7 ThinQ a smart move? Or has the G7 aged poorly compared to Apple’s ecosystem longevity? This article breaks down real-world performance, software support, camera quality, and user experience to help you decide if the G7 remains a viable device — or if sticking with the iPhone 8 Plus was the better long-term play.
Design and Build: Premium Feel, Different Philosophies
The LG G7 ThinQ and iPhone 8 Plus both embraced glass-and-metal construction, but their design languages diverged sharply. The G7 featured a tall 6.1-inch QHD+ LCD with slim bezels and an optional notch that could be hidden. Its minimalist front and symmetrical design gave it a clean, modern look. In contrast, the iPhone 8 Plus stuck with Apple’s traditional 5.5-inch Retina HD display, thicker bezels, and a home button — a design unchanged since the iPhone 6S.
While the G7 felt more contemporary in 2018, the iPhone 8 Plus offered superior build consistency and water resistance (IP67), matching the G7’s rating. However, the G7 introduced a unique feature: a dedicated Google Assistant button, appealing to Android enthusiasts.
Performance and Software Longevity
Under the hood, both phones launched with top-tier hardware. The LG G7 ThinQ used Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 paired with 4GB of RAM, while the iPhone 8 Plus ran Apple’s A11 Bionic chip with 3GB of RAM. On paper, the specs favored LG, but real-world efficiency tells a different story.
Apple’s iOS optimization allowed the A11 chip to deliver smooth performance even years later. The iPhone 8 Plus received updates up to iOS 16, released in 2022 — nearly five years after its launch. In contrast, the LG G7 ThinQ stopped receiving major Android updates after Android 10, leaving it behind in security patches and new features.
“Hardware matters, but software support defines a phone’s usable lifespan. The iPhone 8 Plus outlived most Android flagships of its era.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly
This extended support gives the iPhone 8 Plus a significant edge for users who prioritize longevity over cutting-edge specs. Even in 2024, an 8 Plus running iOS 16 can handle everyday tasks like messaging, browsing, and light media consumption reliably.
Camera Comparison: Versatility vs Consistency
Photography is where preferences really come into play. The iPhone 8 Plus featured a dual 12MP rear setup (wide + telephoto) with Portrait Mode and optical zoom. Its image processing delivered natural colors, excellent dynamic range, and consistent results across lighting conditions — hallmarks of Apple’s computational photography, even before Deep Fusion.
The LG G7 ThinQ also had a dual-camera system: a standard 16MP wide lens with an f/1.6 aperture and a 16MP super-wide 107-degree lens. The super-wide shooter was rare at the time and gave the G7 a creative advantage. However, image processing was less refined. Photos often leaned cooler, and low-light performance lagged behind Apple’s HDR handling.
| Feature | LG G7 ThinQ | iPhone 8 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Main Sensor | 16MP, f/1.6 | 12MP, f/1.8 |
| Secondary Lens | 16MP Super Wide | 12MP Telephoto (2x) |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/1.9 | 7MP, f/2.2 |
| Portrait Mode | Software-based | Hardware + Software |
| Low-Light Performance | Moderate | Strong (Smart HDR) |
The G7’s super-wide lens was innovative, but Apple’s tighter integration between hardware and software meant more reliable point-and-shoot results. For casual photographers, the iPhone 8 Plus remained more predictable.
Battery Life and Charging Realities
The LG G7 ThinQ packed a 3,000mAh battery, slightly smaller than the iPhone 8 Plus’s 2,691mAh. Yet, due to Android’s background processes and the G7’s bright LCD panel, real-world endurance was comparable. Both devices lasted about a day under moderate use.
Where they differed was charging flexibility. The G7 supported Quick Charge 3.0 and wireless charging, while the 8 Plus only added wireless charging as a new feature (via Qi). However, Apple’s power management was more efficient, often stretching the same mAh further. Neither phone supports fast charging by modern standards, but the G7 at least offered faster wired top-ups.
Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey
Sarah owned an iPhone 8 Plus for three years before switching to a refurbished LG G7 ThinQ in 2021. She loved the taller screen and super-wide camera for travel shots. But within six months, she noticed app crashes, delayed notifications, and no OS updates beyond Android 10. By 2023, her banking app stopped supporting the device. She eventually returned to an iPhone SE (2nd gen), citing reliability and update support as decisive factors.
Her experience reflects a broader trend: Android flagships from 2018, including LG’s, have largely fallen off the update map, while Apple’s devices remain functional much longer.
Is the LG G7 ThinQ Still Good in 2024?
As of 2024, the LG G7 ThinQ is functionally outdated. It runs on Android 10, lacks critical security patches, and struggles with newer apps optimized for Android 12+. Google Play Services still work, but compatibility issues arise frequently — especially with banking, streaming, and productivity apps.
That said, for very light use — as a secondary device, music player, or offline media hub — the G7 holds up. Its stereo speakers (with Boombox bass enhancement) are still among the best on any smartphone. The headphone jack and DTS:X 3D surround support make it a favorite among audiophiles. And the 3.5mm port with Quad DAC delivers high-resolution audio few modern phones match.
Checklist: Is Your LG G7 Still Viable?
- ✅ Can still install essential apps (WhatsApp, Gmail, YouTube)
- ✅ Battery holds at least 70% capacity
- ✅ Used primarily offline or on Wi-Fi
- ✅ Not dependent on mobile banking or government apps
- ✅ Accepts occasional glitches and slow response times
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the LG G7 ThinQ run WhatsApp in 2024?
Yes, but with limitations. WhatsApp officially supports Android 5.0 and up, so the G7 can run it. However, some newer features may not work, and future updates could drop support for older Android versions.
Why did LG stop supporting the G7?
LG exited the smartphone market in 2021, discontinuing all future software development. This means no more security patches, OS upgrades, or official customer support for any LG phone, including the G7 series.
Which phone held resale value better?
The iPhone 8 Plus retained value significantly better. Even in 2024, used models sell for $80–$120 depending on condition, while the G7 typically fetches $40–$60, if sold at all.
Final Verdict: Was Upgrading Worth It?
For most users, upgrading from the iPhone 8 Plus to the LG G7 ThinQ was not worth it in the long run. While the G7 offered a more modern display, wider camera, and better audio, it couldn’t match the iPhone’s software longevity, app compatibility, and ecosystem integration. Apple’s five-year update cycle ensured the 8 Plus remained secure and functional well beyond the G7’s useful life.
The G7 was a strong contender in 2018 — innovative, bold, and feature-rich — but its short update window and LG’s exit from the market sealed its fate. Today, it’s a relic for collectors or niche users, not a daily driver.
If you're still using either device, consider this: the true measure of a smartphone isn’t just how it performs on day one, but how well it serves you years later. By that standard, the iPhone 8 Plus wins — not because it was the most advanced, but because it stayed capable the longest.
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