Lg G7 Thinq Vs Samsung S6 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

Smartphone technology evolves rapidly, and what was once cutting-edge can quickly become outdated. The Samsung Galaxy S6, released in 2015, was a flagship marvel in its time—metal design, vibrant display, and solid performance. Fast forward to 2018, the LG G7 ThinQ arrived with AI features, a notch display, and advanced audio capabilities. But if you're still clinging to an S6 in 2024, is upgrading to the G7 ThinQ actually worthwhile? Or should you skip ahead to something newer? Let’s break down every major aspect to help you decide.

Design and Build: From Premium to Practical

The Galaxy S6 set a new standard for Samsung’s design language. With its glass-and-metal body, curved edges, and sleek profile, it felt luxurious in hand. It was one of the first Samsung phones to abandon plastic for premium materials. However, that elegance came at a cost—its glass back made it prone to cracks and scratches, and it lacked water resistance.

In contrast, the LG G7 ThinQ adopted a more utilitarian approach. While it retained a glass back and aluminum frame, its design prioritized function over flair. The front featured a noticeable notch—an early adopter of the trend—which housed the front camera and sensors. Though less elegant than the S6, the G7 offered IP68 water and dust resistance, a meaningful upgrade for durability.

Tip: If you value longevity, look for devices with IP ratings—even older models with protection outlast fragile predecessors.

Display Quality: A Clear Leap Forward

The S6’s 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED screen was exceptional in 2015. Bright, sharp, and color-rich, it delivered excellent outdoor visibility and deep blacks. At 577 PPI, it surpassed retina-level clarity.

The G7 ThinQ countered with a larger 6.1-inch QHD+ IPS LCD panel. While not AMOLED, LG implemented its “Bright Mode” technology, pushing peak brightness up to 1000 nits—significantly higher than the S6’s ~500 nits. This made the G7 far better for outdoor use under direct sunlight. Additionally, the taller 19.5:9 aspect ratio improved multitasking and media immersion.

Though purists may miss the perfect blacks of AMOLED, the G7’s real-world usability, especially in bright environments, gives it a practical edge. For anyone spending time outdoors or consuming video content, this is a tangible improvement.

Performance and Software: Generations Apart

Under the hood, the differences are stark. The S6 ran on Samsung’s Exynos 7420 (or Snapdragon 810 in some regions), paired with 3GB of RAM. In its prime, it handled apps and games smoothly. But by today’s standards, it struggles with modern apps, frequent updates stopped years ago, and multitasking feels sluggish.

The G7 ThinQ, powered by the Snapdragon 845 and 4GB of RAM, represents a full generational leap. Apps launch faster, background processes are more stable, and it supports Android 10 (upgradable from its original Android 8.0). More importantly, it received three years of security patches—a level of support the S6 never had beyond two years.

“Moving from a 2015 flagship to even a late-2010s mid-range device is like switching from dial-up to broadband.” — Marcus Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Comparison: Beyond Megapixels

The S6 introduced a 16MP rear shooter with optical image stabilization and an f/1.8 aperture—excellent for its era. Photos were crisp in daylight, but low-light performance suffered from noise and inconsistent processing.

The G7 ThinQ features a dual-camera setup: a primary 16MP f/1.6 sensor and a secondary 16MP wide-angle lens. The wider aperture captures more light, improving night shots, while the second lens adds creative flexibility. Its AI Cam mode detects scenes and adjusts settings automatically—a novelty in 2018, now standard.

More importantly, the G7 records 4K video at 60fps, compared to the S6’s 30fps limit. Audio recording also benefits from LG’s Boombox speaker and AI Sound Adjust, offering richer multimedia capture.

Camera Features at a Glance

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S6	LG G7 ThinQ
Rear Camera	16MP, f/1.8, OIS	16MP f/1.6 + 16MP wide-angle
Front Camera	5MP, f/1.9	8MP, f/1.9, fixed focus
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps
Low-Light Enhancements	No dedicated mode	AI-powered night detection
Audio Recording Quality	Average	Hi-Fi Quad DAC, 32-bit audio

Battery Life and Charging: From Frustration to Functionality

The S6’s 2550mAh battery was small even for 2015. Heavy users needed to charge by midday. While it supported fast charging and wireless charging, the lack of endurance overshadowed these perks. No expandable storage meant you couldn’t offload media to save power.

The G7 ThinQ comes with a 3000mAh cell—only slightly larger—but paired with a more efficient processor and software optimizations, delivers noticeably better stamina. Moderate users can expect a full day, sometimes stretching into a second with power-saving modes. It retains wireless charging and adds Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0, reducing downtime.

Tip: Even modest battery improvements matter when combined with smarter software—the G7 lasts longer not because of size, but efficiency.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah held onto her Galaxy S6 for nearly five years. By 2020, she noticed apps crashing, messages delayed, and the camera failing to load. After switching to a used LG G7 ThinQ for $120, her experience transformed. WhatsApp opened instantly, photos loaded faster, and she could finally join Zoom calls without freezing. Most surprisingly, the louder speakers helped during online classes. She didn’t need the latest phone—just something capable enough for modern demands. The G7 gave her three more years of reliable use before considering another upgrade.

Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2024?

If you’re using a Galaxy S6 today, any functional smartphone will feel like an upgrade. But specifically choosing the G7 ThinQ requires context. As of 2024, both phones are discontinued and unsupported by their manufacturers. Neither receives security updates or OS upgrades.

However, the G7 offers tangible advantages: better brightness, longer battery efficiency, improved cameras, and stronger build resilience. It runs modern apps more reliably and handles messaging, browsing, and video streaming with fewer hiccups. For someone on a tight budget seeking a temporary bridge to a future flagship, the G7 remains a reasonable stopgap.

That said, consider alternatives. Refurbished iPhone XR, Google Pixel 4a, or Samsung Galaxy A52 offer similar or better performance, ongoing software support, and access to current app ecosystems. The G7 may be cheaper secondhand, but availability and wear (especially on aging OLED panels) are growing concerns.

Upgrade Checklist: What to Evaluate Before Moving

1. Current Pain Points: Does your S6 crash, freeze, or fail to install apps?
2. Budget: Can you spend $150–$200 for a more future-proof device?
3. Software Needs: Do you rely on apps requiring recent Android versions?
4. Durability: Is water resistance or a sturdier build important?
5. Lifespan Goal: How many years do you want this next phone to last?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the LG G7 ThinQ run modern apps like Instagram or banking apps?

Yes, but with limitations. Most major apps still work, though performance may degrade over time. Some newer versions may drop support due to Android version requirements (G7 maxes out at Android 10).

Is the G7 ThinQ better than keeping my S6 with a new battery?

A new battery might extend the S6’s life by a few months, but won’t fix outdated hardware or software. The G7 offers broader improvements across the board—better screen, sound, camera, and connectivity.

Does the G7 ThinQ support 5G or modern Wi-Fi standards?

No. It uses 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). It lacks NFC enhancements and Bluetooth 5.0 found in newer devices. Connectivity is adequate but not future-ready.

Final Verdict: A Measured Step Forward

Upgrading from the Samsung Galaxy S6 to the LG G7 ThinQ is objectively an improvement in nearly every category: display, performance, camera, audio, and daily usability. If you find the G7 at a very low price and need immediate relief from your aging S6, it’s a valid short-term solution.

But don’t mistake this as a long-term investment. Both devices are well beyond their prime. Instead, view the G7 as a stepping stone—one that proves how much smartphones have evolved in just a few years. For most users, spending slightly more on a newer refurbished model will deliver greater satisfaction and longevity.

The real takeaway isn’t about LG versus Samsung—it’s about recognizing when legacy devices no longer serve your needs. Technology should empower, not frustrate. If your phone slows you down more than it helps, it’s time to move on.

💬 Still using an old flagship? Share your experience upgrading—or holding on—in the comments below.