Lg V20 Vs S7 Edge Was Upgrading Really Worth It

In 2016, smartphone users faced a critical decision: which flagship to choose between two vastly different philosophies in mobile design. On one side stood the LG V20, a productivity-focused Android with a secondary display and audiophile-grade sound. On the other, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, a sleek, curved-glass powerhouse emphasizing premium aesthetics and camera excellence. For many, upgrading from one to the other—or choosing between them—wasn’t just about specs. It was about lifestyle, priorities, and long-term satisfaction. So, was switching from the LG V20 to the S7 Edge (or vice versa) truly worth it? The answer depends on what you value most in a phone.

Design and Build: Form vs Function

The first noticeable difference lies in design philosophy. The LG V20 embraced a utilitarian approach with its stainless steel frame, removable back panel, and dual front-facing speakers. Its standout feature—a small secondary display above the main screen—allowed quick access to notifications and shortcuts without waking the primary display. This made it ideal for professionals or multitaskers who needed constant updates at a glance.

In contrast, the S7 Edge prioritized elegance. With its dual-curved AMOLED display, glass back, and seamless metal frame, it felt luxurious in hand. While less practical for customization (no removable battery), its water resistance (IP68 rating) gave it an edge in durability under real-world conditions like rain or accidental spills.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or in unpredictable environments, the S7 Edge’s IP68 rating offers peace of mind the V20 lacks.

Display and Visual Experience

The S7 Edge’s 5.5-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display set a benchmark for color accuracy, contrast, and brightness. Its curvature wasn't just aesthetic—it enabled features like Edge Panels, which provided swipe-accessible shortcuts and contacts. For media consumption, especially videos and games, the S7 Edge delivered a more immersive experience.

The LG V20 used a 5.7-inch QHD IPS LCD panel. While sharp and accurate, it couldn’t match the deep blacks or vibrant hues of AMOLED. However, IPS screens are often preferred by photographers and designers for their consistent color reproduction across viewing angles. Additionally, the V20 supported HDR playback—an early adopter feature that future-proofed it for streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix.

“AMOLED gives emotional impact; IPS gives technical precision. Choosing between them is choosing between feeling and fidelity.” — David Kim, Mobile Display Analyst at TechVision Insights

Performance and Software Experience

Both phones were powered by high-end chipsets—the Snapdragon 820 for the V20 and either Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890 for the S7 Edge, depending on region. In daily use, both handled multitasking, gaming, and app switching with ease. However, real-world performance diverged in subtle ways.

The V20 shipped with Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box, making it one of the first devices with native support for split-screen mode and improved Doze functionality. LG’s UX 5.0+ offered granular control over settings but added bloatware and occasional lag in animations.

Samsung’s TouchWiz (later rebranded as Samsung Experience) was heavier than stock Android but optimized well for the hardware. Features like Always-On Display, Smart Manager, and multi-window support enhanced usability. Over time, Samsung proved faster in delivering OS updates and security patches compared to LG’s slower rollout schedule.

Software Longevity Comparison

Feature	LG V20	Samsung S7 Edge
Launch OS	Android 7.0	Android 6.0
Final Official Update	Android 8.0	Android 8.0
Security Patch Frequency	Inconsistent	Regular until 2019
Bloatware Level	High	Moderate
Update Speed	Slow	Moderately Fast

Camera Capabilities: Low Light vs Manual Control

Photography was where these phones truly diverged. The S7 Edge featured a 12MP rear sensor with Dual Pixel technology and an f/1.7 aperture—one of the best low-light cameras of its era. Its autofocus was lightning-fast, and image processing favored natural skin tones and dynamic range. For casual photographers, it was nearly unbeatable.

The LG V20 also had a 16MP main sensor but included a secondary wide-angle lens—a rarity at the time. It offered full manual controls for ISO, shutter speed, focus, and white balance, appealing to enthusiasts. It even recorded 24-bit/192kHz audio via its 32-bit Hi-Fi DAC, making it a favorite among videographers needing clean audio capture.

However, while the V20 gave more control, its photos often required post-processing to match the S7 Edge’s point-and-shoot excellence. In dim lighting, the S7 Edge consistently produced brighter, clearer images with less noise.

Tip: If you shoot mostly in daylight or want professional-level video audio, the V20 shines. For night photography and social media-ready shots, the S7 Edge wins hands down.

Mini Case Study: Travel Photographer's Dilemma

Jamie Rivera, a freelance travel photographer, upgraded from an LG G5 to the V20 for its wide-angle lens and manual camera modes. During a trip through Southeast Asia, she appreciated being able to capture sweeping landscapes without stitching. However, during evening street shoots in Bangkok, she found herself frustrated by grainy low-light results. She borrowed a friend’s S7 Edge and was stunned by how much cleaner the night shots were—even handheld. “I loved the control the V20 gave me,” she said, “but I missed moments because I was tweaking settings. The S7 Edge just worked.”

Battery Life and Charging

The V20 came with a 3,200mAh non-removable battery—modest for its size—but supported Quick Charge 2.0 and USB Power Delivery. Because of its efficient LCD panel and Nougat optimizations, it often lasted a full day with moderate use.

The S7 Edge packed a slightly smaller 3,600mAh unit but benefited from adaptive power management and the energy-efficient AMOLED display (which turns off black pixels). Many users reported better endurance despite the larger screen. Plus, it supported wireless charging—a convenience the V20 lacked.

One major advantage of the V20 was replaceable batteries. Users could carry spares and swap them midday, a boon for travelers or field workers. Meanwhile, the S7 Edge’s sealed design meant reliance on portable chargers.

Charging & Battery Checklist

• ✅ Consider wireless charging if you use pads at home or office
• ✅ Prioritize battery replacement access if you're off-grid often
• ✅ Look for fast charging compatibility with your existing accessories
• ✅ Test real-world usage—not just mAh ratings—when comparing endurance

Was Upgrading Really Worth It?

For users coming from older devices, both phones represented massive leaps forward. But switching between them? That depended on individual needs.

If you valued premium design, superior camera performance (especially in low light), and ecosystem integration (like Samsung Pay and Gear devices), moving to the S7 Edge made sense. Its polished interface, reliable updates, and stunning display created a cohesive user experience that appealed to mainstream consumers.

Conversely, if you were a power user—someone who edited videos, recorded podcasts, or wanted maximum customization—the LG V20 offered tools few competitors matched. The secondary display, headphone jack with high-res audio, and modular software options catered to niche but passionate audiences.

“The V20 was built for creators. The S7 Edge was built for everyone else.” — Marisa Chen, Senior Editor at MobileTech Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Could the LG V20 beat the S7 Edge in any area?

Absolutely. The V20 excelled in audio quality, manual camera controls, expandable storage, and modularity. Its secondary display and clean stock-like Nougat experience were also unique advantages for productivity-focused users.

Which phone held value better over time?

The S7 Edge maintained higher resale value due to broader appeal, stronger brand trust, and longer support cycles. Even two years after release, it commanded better prices in the used market than the V20.

Is either phone still usable today?

As of 2024, neither device receives security updates, so using them for sensitive tasks (banking, messaging) is risky. However, as secondary devices for music, offline navigation, or retro gaming, they can still function—with limitations on modern app compatibility.

Final Verdict

Upgrading from the LG V20 to the S7 Edge—or choosing the S7 Edge over the V20—was worth it for most users. The S7 Edge delivered a more balanced, refined, and future-ready experience. Its strengths in camera, display, and build quality aligned with what the majority of consumers wanted: a beautiful, capable phone that just worked.

That said, the LG V20 carved a loyal following among creatives and tinkerers. If your workflow involved audio recording, wide-angle photography, or deep system customization, the V20 wasn’t just competitive—it was superior in key areas.

In the end, the “worth” of the upgrade wasn’t measured in benchmarks alone. It came down to whether you prioritized polish over potential, simplicity over control, or emotion over engineering.

💬 Still using one of these classics? Share your experience—did you prefer the V20’s versatility or the S7 Edge’s elegance? Your insights could help others rediscover these iconic flagships.