How much RAM do you need on a Chromebook?

It may be the most important spec when using a Chromebook.

When you’re looking to purchase a new (or used, but new to you) laptop, one major consideration is how much RAM you need. Chromebooks are no exception.

The general rule of “as much as you can afford” will always ring true, but that’s hardly a good answer and we can do better. Let’s talk a little about how a Chromebook uses and manages memory and how you use one affects how much of it you need.

What is RAM?

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. Think of it as a container where the things you’re doing on your Chromebook — both what you can see and what’s happening behind the scenes — can store and retrieve data randomly. That means it can access any byte of that data without affecting the preceding or trailing bytes. That makes it fast, because the location of the data you need has no effect on the time it takes to read, write or overwrite it. With no moving parts, there are no mechanical limitations on access times.

RAM is also volatile — once the integrated circuits lose their power, the data disappears. That means it’s different from your Chromebook’s storage (what we think of as a hard drive) and isn’t used to store anything long term. Every time you shut off your Chromebook (or any computer) the RAM is erased.

When you have a tab open in the browser on your Chromebook, all the data needed to draw what happens on your screen and interact with the software is being held in RAM. That’s the important thing to know here, and we’ll talk about why that matters.

How a Chromebook manages RAM

Chrome OS is a very scaled down version of Linux. Linux in general works well with less RAM than other operating systems, and Chrome OS is really lightweight when nothing else is running. Chrome also uses what the developers call a double wall for low-memory states, and what’s called zRAM to have things perform better on less memory.

A quick look at zRAM — also known as compcache. It’s a feature of the Linux kernel that uses virtual memory compression and makes a portion of the RAM into its own compressed block device. Paging (moving files in and around the memory) is done in that compressed block until it runs out of space and needs to be done on the hard disk. It’s OK if that sounds like something you don’t understand. All you need to know is that it does wonders on computers — like a Chromebook — that don’t have a lot of RAM installed. Google uses zRAM by default in Chrome OS since version 27, and they do a really good job managing it. Unless you’re moving a lot of small files around, usually the amount used is zero. But it’s there, ready when you need it. Since Android 4.4, this is also done on your phone or tablet.

Chrome the operating system manages memory better then Chrome the browser on your Windows laptop

Google’s “double-wall” low-memory states are how they try and prevent apps (mostly the browser window itself) from crashing. A certain amount of RAM is reserved for the first “wall” and when that threshold is reached the software evaluates what order to close processes so that what we are actively doing isn’t affected. Background operations (like a browser tab that was opened but you haven’t looked at yet) are closed first. Next to go are background tabs or windows that you’ve never interacted with — clicked, or scrolled or typed in — but you have viewed. After that, the background tab or window you haven’t used the longest gets its data moved out of RAM. Finally, if none of that works, the kernel OOM (Out Of Memory) function kicks in and closes tasks and processes based on priority. Here’s an interesting read on it all, written when it was being developed for those of us who really dig this kind of thing.

This all happens so we won’t see the “He’s dead, Jim” or “Aww Snap” pages and lose what we’re working on. Things have come a long way since the CR-48 was introduced.

This all means that Chrome the operating system manages memory a lot better — and needs much less of it — than Chrome the browser on your Windows or Mac computer does. When you hear people saying how great their Chromebook runs, while it doesn’t nearly run as well on your Windows computer or Mac as a browser, all this is a big part of the reason why. It’s OK if you don’t understand how it all works, just know that Google has done a lot on the software side to allow even a 2GB Chromebook to be pretty functional.

How will you use your Chromebook?

After talking about what RAM is and how Chrome manages it, this is what will determine how much of it you need.

You’ll find Chromebooks with 2GB and 4GB of RAM installed. Or, if you’re an extreme user you can get a Pixel with 8GB or 16GB installed. I’ll be the first one to tell you that you don’t need 16GB (or even 8GB) of RAM on your Chromebook unless you’re doing more than running Chrome on it. While an i7 16GB RAM and 64GB SSD Pixel makes for a really nice Linux Ultrabook, for most users it’s about $1,000 of overkill. Now that the outliers are out of the way, let’s talk more about “realistic” Chromebooks.

If you fancy yourself a power user, 4GB of RAM is the minimum

If you’re buying a Chromebook to use as a light and cheap way to get on the web, or as a secondary machine to take with you on a quick business trip or vacation, a 2GB model is probably all you’ll need. Facebook and Twitter, as well as a few other browser tabs or apps like Google Docs or Hangouts will run just fine, and if you want to watch Netflix or a movie from local storage, you can shut the browser down and it will be OK. This is where Chromebooks shine — they’re cheap and great for light users. And that’s how most people use a laptop.

If you fancy yourself a power user — that guy or gal with 20 or more browser tabs open and Spotify or Play Music running in the background, you want 4GB of RAM. If you want to install games from the Chrome store, or have YouTube playing in HD while you’ve got other things up and running, 4GB is the minimum.

If you take things a step further and want to do something like install Ubuntu or run multi-window IDEs for development while also surfing the web or playing videos, you’re the type of person who would benefit from using a Pixel and all of the RAM they come with. But even then, a lot of extreme users are doing well with 4GB of RAM.

We can go full circle and come back to the saying that you need as much RAM as you can afford. There’s a really good chance that you’ll be using your Chromebook a lot once you sort out how to do the things you want to do with it, and the $30 price difference between something like a 2GB Chromebook Flip and a 4GB Chromebook flip makes the upgrade a good investment.

Google’s new site helps you find the right Chromebook for you

Google just made it easier to find the right Chromebook for you, adding a new section to its Chromebook site called “Find Yours.” The sections helps you sift through the various brands, screen sizes, and device types in order to select your ideal machine.

Simply navigate to the Find Yours section of the Chromebook site and scroll down to find a wide swath of Chrome OS devices, including laptops, convertibles, and desktops, all from manufacturers like Dell, HP, and Samsung. Select the More Filters button to get a list of criteria, then select the various filters based on your needs. As you do, the gallery of available devices shrinks until computers meeting your exact specifications are all that’s left.

After you’ve found the machine you want, you can select it to bring up an information card. That card will also feature several links for stores where you can purchase the product.

Apple iPad Pro 9.7 review: The tablet to beat all tablets

When Apple launched the iPad Pro back in September 2015, many liked the idea of the beefed-up iPad, but many also wished its large 12.9-inch scale was squeezed down into the 9.7-inch chassis of the iPad Air 2. Those wishes have now come true.

The iPad Pro 9.7 tablet tries to bridge the gap between offering a smaller iPad Pro and a more powerful iPad Air 2. But has Apple got the balance right? Is this the tablet that will finally replace your ageing laptop?

iPad Pro 9.7 review: An Air of design flair

A quick glance and the iPad Air 2 and iPad Pro 9.7 look almost identical. That’s because the newer iPad Pro 9.7 dimensions are the same as the iPad Air 2 – 240 x 169.5 x 6.1mm and 437g number fans – and, aside from the Pro’s option of coming in rose gold – they look the same.

It’s only when you start looking closer do you realise there are actually plenty of differences. Ranging from the rear camera, which now protrudes slightly from the case; the antenna casing becoming metal with a thin plastic band; to the four speaker setup (rather than the two previously on the Air 2) – the iPad Pro 9.7 has all those pro extras.

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There’s also the inclusion of the iPad Pro’s Smart Connector on the side so you can connect peripherals like the company’s dedicated iPad Pro keyboard. Plus there’s compatibility with the Apple Pencil – the company’s stylus, sold separately – due to a change in screen technology compared to the lesser iPad models.

In terms of design there was little wrong with the Air 2, but the small tweaks in the Pro 9.7’s design are welcome. As a tablet it’s thin, light, well portioned, and well balanced. Crucially, for our needs, the smaller size compared to the iPad Pro 12.9 is much more manageable and a lot easier to slip into a bag – this is one portable tablet.

iPad Pro 9.7 review: Screen

The design might not have changed much, but the screen certainly has. While the resolution of the Pro 9.7 stays the same as the Air 2 (2048 x 1536 pixels with a pixel density of 264ppi), the new device now gets Apple Pencil support for drawing, a brighter and less reflective surface, a wider colour gamut, and a new technology introduced for the first time (in its display form anyway) called True Tone.

READ: What is the Apple True Tone display?

The brighter and less reflective screen is certainly noticeable, making it much easier to use the iPad Pro not only indoors with overhead lighting, but when out and about, like on the train sitting by the window. There is just less glare as a result from the lights around you.

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The iPad Pro’s display also delivers 25 per cent greater colour saturation than iPad Air 2. It uses the same wide P3 colour gamut that Apple introduced on the 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K display, and while photos and videos look more vivid, we find it pretty hard to tell the difference compared to a normal display – unless you really look. Photpgraphers and designers with super-tuned eyes will want this kind of accuracy though.

Even more noticeable is the use of a new tech Apple calls True Tone. Using ambient light sensors the iPad can now automatically adapt the colour and intensity of the display to match the light in your environment. It’s like dynamic white balance adjustment, which makes for a more natural and comfortable viewing experience. It’s a bit like Apple’s other new feature introduced in iOS 9.3 called Nightshift that changes the warmth of the screen at night time, but applied to your environment all the time.

As with most technologies that are subtle in their approach, you mainly notice the difference when you turn it off – but if you do you’ll wonder how you lived with out it. For the most part the screen colour is a lot warmer and not so cold in appearance. That’s a good thing for casual viewing, and we expect this technology to be rolled-out across new Apple devices over time.

iPad Pro 9.7 review: Sound

As you would expect, adding more speakers gives more potential for better and louder sound. The iPad Pro 9.7 follows the same approach Apple debuted on the iPad Pro 12.9: the tablet comes with four speakers (one for each corner) with the ability to realise whether it is in landscape or portrait orientation. Bass goes to all four speakers and the mid and high frequencies is always output from the uppermost speakers for a more cinematic-like listening experience.

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The results are really good too. It’s a much more rounded sound that doesn’t come across as tinny as the iPad Air 2 can be sometimes. We watched a number of different shows and movies from different sources (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sky Q) and could not only spot the difference instantly every time, but enjoyed the experience on the iPad Pro 9.7 a lot more.

It’s not just for movies and music, though, the improvement in speakers translates well for other things like Skype or FaceTime calling.

iPad Pro 9.7 review: Tech specs

A new model means new hardware upgrades internally, here bringing the new A9X and M9 processor to the party. Apple states that the new iPad Pro is 1.7x faster than the Air 2.

That speed enhancement is noticeable with demanding apps like Gameloft’s Asphalt 8 (that also uses Metal) loading around 10-seconds faster on the iPad Pro 9.7 than on the iPad Air 2. It’s not just about games, though, as that speed boost clearly helps elsewhere: from picture editing to video editing and beyond.

Put simply the iPad Pro 9.7 is as quick and fast as tablets come. That makes it a good workhorse, especially when it comes to quickly switching between apps or running them spilt screen. Apple bills the Pro as a laptop replacement, and the speed improvements certainly help it go some way to fulfilling that claim.

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Living up to the Pro name you also get all the latest Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and LTE technologies, as well as three storage options: 32GB, 128GB, and a whopping 256GB. If you are worried about storage space because there’s no microSD slot for expansion then you should consider buying a larger capacity. With the 256GB option we can’t see power users running out of space any time soon – but given the £739 price point you might run out of money before that.

The iPad Pro also comes with Touch ID and Apple Pay for secure payments, although you can’t use the iPad at a cashier in a shop because there is no NFC. Still, you can use it for secure payments online.

On the battery side of things, it all comes down to what you use the Pro for and how. Solid use and you’ll need to recharge daily, but that’s using it as a complete laptop replacement. If you are using it on the commute to work, or surfing the web around the home, then it will last towards its official designation of 10-hours per charge.

iPad Pro 9.7 review: Cameras

It might make your blood boil when people use their iPad at sporting events to take a picture, but now you might find yourself joining them.

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The new iPad Pro 9.7 features the same cameras as the iPhone 6S. That’s on both the front and the rear of the tablet respectively: meaning a 12-megapixel rear-facing camera capable of Live Photos, Apple’s huge 63MP panoramas, and 4K video; as well as a 5-megapixel front-facing camera for video conferencing, or (god forbid) tablet selfies.

Shots are detailed, and photos are good in the sun, in the rain (we’ve had plenty of that during our testing), and low-light too. Skin tones are well catered for, and there’s not a bad thing to say about the quality. This is effectively the same camera Apple has used for its huge global billboard campaign (“Shot by iPhone”) and if you like those pictures then you can expect the same creative potential here albeit in a device the size of a notebook.

Regardless of what you think about using the iPad as a camera replacement it’s a great performer.

iPad Pro 9.7 review: Keyboard

The iPad Pro 9.7, like the iPad Pro 12.9, comes with two dedicated (optional) accessories from Apple: the Smart Keyboard (£129) and the Apple Pencil (£79).

The keyboard works in an identical way to the Pro 12.9 version and doubles-up as a protective screen cover. It’s obviously just smaller to fit the new design (if you have an older Bluetooth-based 9.7-inch iPad keyboard that will work, it’s just not as snazzy as the latest one).

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The Smart Keyboard is around 4mm thick, is made from a woven fabric and uses the Smart Connector to talk to the iPad. As soon as you attach your Smart Keyboard to iPad Pro, it’s ready to go. There is no need for charging or pairing, making it incredibly easy to use, as well as meaning there is zero battery drain on the device.

As this Pro is smaller than the original the keyboard doesn’t feel quite like most laptop keyboards on account of size. That will present a typing issue for some, but we’ve been able to adapt to it quickly and easily enough. We’ve also found that it’s been a lot easier to balance on our lap on the go and even possible to use one-handed while holding the keyboard with your other hand – although we wouldn’t recommend this for any length of time.

iPad Pro 9.7 review: Pencil

The Pencil is really designed for artists or those who like to make written notes. For most won’t be essential, but if you do draw though it’s fantastic.

The level of precision is brilliant: you get single pixel control, while pressure sensitivity means you can create watercolours or drawings as well as you can on paper – either by pressing down harder with the Pencil or tilting the nib. There’s zero lag or latency too – so the moment you touch the screen is the moment the digital ink appears in the app you are using.

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Charging the Pencil is achieved via a Lightning jack found at its end. Plugging it into the iPad Pro and 15-seconds will gives you 30-minutes use, or keep it plugged in until full, which will give enough juice to last for 12-hours.

In use we find the Apple Pencil hard to fault. This isn’t a stylus that you need to navigate, rather one for drawing or marking annotations on the screen (in Notes, for example). If you are an artist, architect, designer, or anyone who finds yourself making notes on things then you’ll love it – like, really love it. 

Concerns about a smaller canvas affecting the ability to draw are also unfounded. While apps like Paper do display fewer tools on screen at any one time, it’s akin to drawing on a piece of A5 paper rather than A4. 

Verdict

In the iPad Pro 9.7 Apple has created a tablet powerful enough to act as a laptop replacement. But it’s done so in a way that still feels very “iPad”.

For users keen to have a tablet for watching TV shows on the train, or surfing the web at home then the Air 2 is still a very good option. For those seeking extra power and controls, but concerned that the iPad Pro 12.9 is just too big, the 9.7-inch version is the perfect portable answer.

The iPad Pro 9.7 has a good screen, brilliant connectivity options, powerful performance, storage options to rival Apple’s Mac range, and solid accessories that enhance the offering, make it a viable laptop replacement. That comes with a tighter typing experience compared to the larger Pro model, but we can handle that.

As competition goes the Microsoft Surface certainly has its benefits – the Surface Pro 4 is probably more accomplished than the iPad Pro 12.9 – but as tablets go the iPad Pro 9.7 feels like the ultimate solution. It’s the tablet to beat all tablets. 

Titanfall 2 arrives trailer at last, the first in the series for PS4

PlayStation Europe has pushed out the first trailer for Titanfall’s multi-platform sequel but without any word on when the game will actually release.

Titanfall is a multiplayer first-person shooter video game developed by Respawn Entertainment, the former developers behind the Call of Duty franchise. Titanfall released in 2014 as an exclusive for Microsoft Windows PCs Xbox One. The title’s sequel, Titanfall 2, will not only be available for Windows PCs and Xbox One but also Sony’s PlayStation 4 console. Developers have promised Titanfall 2 will expand the lore of Titanfall.

Titanfall 2 is coming to PS4. Watch the first teaser trailer before 12 June gameplay reveal: https://t.co/4NL7IhAH8C pic.twitter.com/g9McPQpPPc

— PlayStation Europe (@PlayStationEU) April 11, 2016

Electronic Arts serves as the series publisher and has said it will unveil Titanfall 2 at EA Play on 12 June. It is rumoured to have a significant single-player campaign and diverse weapon selection. It’s unclear when the game will release, but it could be in 2016. Keep in mind a Titanfall spinoff game for mobile devices is also scheduled to release sometime this year, courtesy of Particle City (Respawn’s sister studio).

PlayStation Europe has said we can expect a gameplay trailer for Titanfall 2 to go live on 12 June, when EA debuts the sci-fi shooter at its E3-related EA Play conference at 1 pm PST.

New Balance’s rare 3D-printed running shoes cost $400

Late last year, following in the footsteps of rival Adidas, New Balance introduced its first 3D-printed running shoe. But the company didn’t share many details back then, other than revealing the footwear’s existence and teasing and eventual release. Thankfully for people who are interested, New Balance has announced that the Zante Generate will be available to consumers on April 15th, albeit in extremely limited form. There are only 44 pairs total, so you’ll have to act fast if you want one.

With a 3D-printed midsole, made from laser sintering powder and DuraForm TPU, the sneaker is designed to conform differently based on each individual’s attributes (height, weight and more). New Balance claims that should translate into “optimal” comfortability, flexibility and durability. The Zante Generates are scheduled to hit New Balance’s site, as well as its Experience Store in Boston, this Thursday at 9AM ET. Here’s hoping they’re easier to buy than the Yeezy Boost.

Source: New Balance

Stealth on the Navy’s newest destroyers might be too good

America’s new Zumwalt-class destroyers have been built with strong stealth capabilities, however that feature has caused a few unforeseen issues, according to a new report from Military.com. During sea trials last month, the Navy discovered that the ship’s reduced radar signature was almost too effective and might require onboard radar reflectors when not in theater.

The 610-foot destroyer shows up as just 40 to 50 feet long on a radar screen. What’s more, the Navy figures it can further improve that capability when it removes the testing equipment after the trial’s end. This is great during warfare but less than ideal when the ship is navigating busy shipping channels or operating in inclement weather.

As such, the Navy has tested the use of onboard reflectors to improve its radar visibility. Of course, the Zumwalt itself is equipped with an advanced radar array of its own that can detect ships from miles out so the chances of a collision remains remote. Still, when it comes to protecting the Navy’s new $22.5 billion vessels from errant fishing boats, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Source: Military.com

Step back in time with a mysterious, unreleased Neo Geo game

The Neo Geo served as a launchpad for a handful of influential fighting game franchises like The King of Fighters, but there may be one more masterpiece buried in the 26-year-old hardware. About a year ago, Neo Geo fan Brian Hargrove bought an unlabeled ROM board at a Japanese auction for about $600 in the hopes that it would contain leftover data he could play with, USgamer reports. After a few failed attempts to extract its secrets, he got it working and stumbled across an unknown, unfinished fighting game prototype that might tie into Dungeons & Dragons lore. Happily, he’s shared videos and images of the mystery title in action.

Until someone steps forward with insider information, there’s no way to know which studio made the game or what it was called. But, there are some clues. The board also contained data for the 1995 game Voltage Fighter Gowcaiser from Technos, though USgamer notes the mystery game looks more elaborate than that studio’s other Neo Geo titles. Plus, the game has an overall Dungeons & Dragons feel — each character can choose to be Chaotic, Neutral or Lawful, a system that mirrors the classic alignment choices in D&D.

The game clearly wasn’t finished, but it’s still fun to see what could have been, thanks to a handy hardware detective.

Via: USgamer

Source: Neo-Geo.com

President Obama will guest host on Science Channel this week

Just because President Obama is months away from leaving office doesn’t mean he’s done promoting science education. The American leader is guest hosting Science Channel’s Science Presents DNews every day this week (April 11th through 15th) — yes, the head of the country will be delivering the latest happenings in biology, space and technology while you’re settling down for the night. If you want to check it out, you can tune in at 9PM.

Officials aren’t shy about the reasons for the appearance. The annual White House Science Fair takes place April 13th, and this is a prime opportunity to drum up interest in science education right when it’s likely to get the most publicity. It’s easy to be cynical about this (President Obama no doubt wants to go out on a good note), but it could be justified if it gets even a few students interested in studying the world around them.

Source: Mashable

Ticketmaster will start selling tickets on Facebook this month

You can already buy things on Facebook, and later this month, you’ll be able to snag concert tickets without leaving the site, too. Ticketmaster VP Dan Armstrong told BuzzFeed in an interview that the ticket retailer would begin selling admission to live music and other events through the social network’s site and mobile app before April’s end. While Ticketmaster isn’t the first to coordinate purchases from Facebook, making tickets to events available on the social channel seems like a good move for both companies.

Facebook users already RSVP to events on the regular, so there’s certainly a convenience in having the tickets easily accessible there. You know, so you can catch up when one of your pals RSVPs to a show you either didn’t know about or forgot was coming to town. It also keeps you on Facebook longer rather than having to head elsewhere to complete the transaction. As you might expect, Ticketmaster is hoping the integration will lead to more ticket sales.

Details are scarce on exactly how the process will work, but BuzzFeed does mention that Facebook stands to collect “a standard affiliate fee” from each purchase. You won’t have to worry about paying extra to make a purchase on the social network, but you will still have to claim any tickets you buy from the Ticketmaster site after the initial transaction. To start, the option will be limited to a select few general admission events, so it could be a while before you can use the feature to grab all of your concert tickets. And when it’s time to head home afterwards, just fire up Facebook Messenger to hail a ride.

Update: Facebook clarified that the affiliate fee will in no way impact customers, so there won’t be any added fees just for purchasing via the social network. This post has been updated to reflect that clarification. Here’s what it had to say:

“Millions of people on Facebook connect with their favorite bands, artists and causes to find out about events happening in their community. We’ve heard feedback from venues and artists that Facebook is an important platform for them to update and connect with fans. We’re excited to help partners like Ticketmaster sell more tickets via Facebook and to make ticket purchasing easier and faster for people.”

Source: BuzzFeed

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.

Hardware

The G5 might be the most ambitious flagship I’ve ever used, but you probably wouldn’t guess that based on its looks. “Boring” is the single most common adjective I’ve heard used in conversation to describe the phone’s design. And that’s understandable; physically, there’s just not a lot going on here. For what it’s worth, I personally find the G5 kind of charming. Its all-metal body is softened by rounded corners and a curved glass forehead that also houses the earpiece and an 8-megapixel selfie camera. The device is pleasant to hold too, though I’d still give the comfort nod to the Galaxy S7, which is actually a hair thicker than the G5. Throw in a Snapdragon 820 chip, 4GB of RAM, a 5.3-inch IPS LCD display running at Quad HD resolution and a USB Type-C port on the bottom and you’ve got yourself a solidly modern (if forgettable) phone.

Peer a little closer, though, and you’ll start to see key signs that not all is normal here. LG broke with tradition by moving the phone’s volume keys to the left side, instead of fitting them above and below the rear power button/fingerprint sensor. (That sensor, by the way, seems much more finicky than the one on the Nexus 5X.) Meanwhile, the signature lump on the back plays host to not one, but two cameras: one for wide-angle shots and another for your more traditionally framed photos. Additionally, there’s one more button on G5’s left edge; pressing it releases a latch and frees the phone’s battery/chin combination. Congrats! You’ve found what makes the G5 such a marvelously crazy phone.

You’ll be doing this a lot if you want to swap between your G5’s additional “Friend” modules, and the process can involve a certain amount of terror. See, swapping Friends sometimes involves removing the G5’s 2,800mAh battery from one module and snapping it onto another. The best way I’ve found is the “removing-a-band aid” approach — a quick, decisive jerk while holding the battery in your left hand and the module in your right. Don’t think about it — just do it. It took me a good 15 minutes to figure out the process because I was so worried I’d break something, but so far I’ve managed to avoid destroying either of our review loaners. Still, I’m curious about how long these things will last before some poor piece of plastic snaps. Beyond that, I’m frustrated that the G5 doesn’t have some tiny, auxiliary battery inside so that it doesn’t have to restart every time you want to start using the camera grip or the audio DAC.

The G5’s modular ambitions are lofty, but there are some obvious sacrifices that had to be made to get them all working. There’s a pretty noticeable gap between the bottom of the screen and the top of the phone’s chin, which doesn’t exactly do much for the G5’s fit and finish. LG obviously couldn’t make this thing modular and waterproof, so be sure to keep the G5 away from your toilet. At least we still have some of LG’s long-held niceties, like a microSD card reader (you can add on up to 2TB of additional storage) and a surprisingly handy IR blaster.

Display and sound

Last year, the G4 gave us our first look at LG’s so-called Quantum displays — screens that sought to portray a wider, more accurate color gamut. LG didn’t rewrite the book with the 5.3-inch IPS screen on this year’s G5; it just improved a few things here and there. First off, the smaller Quad HD display makes the device a little easier to hold, and it’s a hair sharper as well; it has a pixel density of 554 ppi while the G4’s 5.5-inch screen had 538 pixels per inch. The G5’s display is a little brighter too, which will certainly come in handy as we head into summer. Images look the same here as they do on the G4, but accuracy claims aside, colors still lack the sort of punchy, visceral appeal you’ll get on rival devices. Hues here feel subdued and understated, but hey: That might be your thing and for my part, I got used to them quickly enough.

The G5’s screen also has an always-on mode, inspired by the secondary display on last year’s V10. It’s impossible to dodge comparisons between the G5 and the approach Samsung took with the Galaxy S7 family, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Quick recap: The G5 uses an LCD screen, and you can’t light up just part of it like you can with a Galaxy’s AMOLED display. That means the G5’s entire screen is lit up (if only a little), which can make it somewhat distracting in the dark. LG’s approach is valuable since it displays notifications from all your apps, not just a select few. Most importantly, it manages to tax the battery less than the GS7’s always-on screen did.

Meanwhile, the G5 has a single speaker wedged into its bottom, and it’s one of the better ones I’ve listened to My Brother, My Brother and Me through lately. It’s surprisingly loud and does a fine job keeping the soundstage clear. You’ll need some headphones (and maybe one of LG’s HiFi audio modules) for long-term listening, but the G5 is a more capable audio machine out of the box than you might expect.

“Friend” modules

As far as LG is concerned, the G5 isn’t just a flagship — it’s a foundation for a new kind of phone experience. With a little help from its Friends (in this case, an eclectic mix of accessories), the G5 could offer a better camera experience, or the sort of sound quality audiophiles have been dreaming of. By virtue of its modular design, the G5 could become the right smartphone for any situation! Other companies have talked up the promise of modular smartphones for years now, but LG is the first major player to bring that a taste of flexibility to the masses. That’s enough to earn some kudos from me, but here’s the rub: None of the Friends I’ve used so far make the G5 significantly better.

Take the $70 LG Cam Plus, a chunky grip that gives the G5 physical camera controls and an extra 1,200mAh worth of juice. Having a secondary battery and a two-stage shutter button is nice, but it’s otherwise forgettable as a camera accessory. And in addition to being awkwardly positioned on the grip’s corner, the zoom dial doesn’t have any tension or friction — that makes it lousy for precision zooming. It’s far from terrible, but really, its biggest draw is the extra battery inside.

Then there’s the Hi-Fi Plus module, which LG developed in tandem with Bang & Olufsen (and doesn’t seem to be coming to the US). Audiophiles will appreciate the fact that it upscales just about any audio — be it from Spotify, YouTube, whatever — to 32-bit quality. I’m currently on the hunt for the perfect earbuds, but none of the in-ears I tried with the Hi-Fi Plus sounded dramatically better than before. Best-case scenario, a track I had listened to hundreds of times in the past felt a little deeper. Other times, songs just sounded different. Not better, not worse, just different. In fairness, music buffs with more elaborate rigs will probably get more use out of this DAC than I did, especially since you can hook it up to other audio devices with an included cable.

As it turns out, that cable would be crucial to my testing. See, the FCC hadn’t certified this particular module, so it absolutely refused to work with my T-Mobile G5. I had to use the cable as a pass-through to even get the phone to boot normally, so please: Make sure you have all the facts before you buy a Hi-Fi Plus from overseas for your personal G5. This hiccup also raises some curious questions about the future of the Friends program: Will we see other modules launch only in certain markets? And will they refuse to play nice with the US G5 too?

Obviously, this is just the tip of the iceberg for the G5’s Friends. Two add-ons I’ve encountered in the past — the curious VR headset and Rolling Bot — will be ready for primetime soon. Still others, like LG’s new Tone Bluetooth earbuds, don’t excite much since they work fine with any modern smartphone. Still, an ever-updating selection of Friends could mean the G5 is that rare device that actually gets better with time. What’s more, LG has mentioned that it’s opening its foundation to third-party modules, and Friends released for the G5 are expected to work with next year’s flagship too. The only way to ensure LG’s Friends have a future is to pay for existing ones, and no one could blame you for being hesitant right now.

Software

The G5 ships with Android 6.0.1, and by now you’re probably familiar with what Marshmallow brings to the table. (If not, be sure to check out our full review of the OS.) Standout features include Now on Tap, which offers extra context and information about whatever’s currently on-screen. Separately, Marshmellow highlights app permission requests so you’ll always know what your software is trying to do. As always, LG has painted over Android with its custom LG UX, now at version 5.0. One of the company’s big software priorities over the past few years has been to tone down its interface to let more of Google’s work shine through, and indeed this year we’re seeing LG’s UX at its most restrained.

The most jarring tweak to the Android formula is the app launcher: It’s gone by default. All your apps get splayed out across your homescreens, iOS-style. If that’s a deal-breaker for you — and I’m sure it will be for some — your only options are to switch into LG’s included “Easy Home” launcher, or install a new one entirely.

The Smart Bulletin page that mashed features like LG Health, Calendar and the company’s custom music player onto a single homescreen panel is off by default now. You can’t have two apps running split-screen either, probably owing to the smaller screen here. (I never used it anyway, and I’m curious how many of you will actually miss it.) LG also ditched the the G4’s darker interface in favor of a white-and-teal color scheme.

To handle those myriad modules and add-ons, there’s also a Friends Manager app that gives you a full list of the accessories currently connected to the phone (… as well as a link to LG’s Friends store). My review unit was on T-Mobile, and so there were seven magenta-hued preload apps as well. Since you can’t delete them, the best you can do is pop into the settings and disable them. Still, considering how some carriers go overboard with the bloatware, T-Mobile has a relatively modest bloatware load.

All told, I’m not sold on some of these changes, but I still appreciate LG’s willingness to pare down on the software cruft that gets in the way while we’re trying to do things. For those who liked the G4’s software experience, you’ll fall into the G5 routine very easily. If you didn’t, though, nothing here is going to change your mind.

The cameras

When LG first revealed the G5 would have two rear-facing cameras, I scoffed. It sounds like gimmick central, right? Well, this is the part of the review where I have to eat some crow. While not perfect, LG’s dual-camera setup is actually one of its most valuable (and fun) features. The 8-megapixel camera is fitted with a wide-angle lens that gives you a 135-degree field of view. LG says that’s slightly more than what your eyes can take in, making it a solid choice for spacious landscapes. Next to it is a more traditional 16-megapixel camera with an f/1.8 aperture lens — a more suitable option for portraiture. It’s hard to describe the differing results in words, but thankfully we’ve got some visual aids. Here’s a shot from the National Zoo with the wide-angle camera:

And one with the traditional camera:

Switching between the two takes a single tap, but you can also pinch and expand to zoom in and out; zooming past a certain point makes the G5 switch cameras. Minor gripe: This “hybrid zoom” isn’t seamless. There’s about a one-second pause while the phone makes the switch. I suspect there wasn’t much more LG could do to ease the transition. Don’t worry, though: LG didn’t lean on a gimmick to cover for some lousy cameras. The 16-megapixel camera is a very good shooter and the better all-around choice; it seems slightly more adept at saturating shots and there’s much more detail to be spotted.

It’s too bad you can’t get that same level of performance out of the wide-camera; photos are still bright, but softer and less nuanced than shots taken with its sibling. If nothing else, though, those wide shots are used to great effect by some of the G5’s shooting modes: “Pop-out” overlays a narrow shot over a wide one, and “multi-view” mashes up photos taken with the front, narrow and wide cameras.

While having a pair of cameras affords smartphone photographers more flexibility in the field, the main 16-megapixel sensor doesn’t usually fire off photos that are nicer to look at than shots snapped with a Galaxy S7. In more than a few cases, the G5 was slower than the GS7 at focusing and capturing images, which can be frustrating when trying to nab those crucial action shots. You can take matters into your own hands with the camera app’s manual mode but while there are plenty of settings to play with (white balance, ISO, shutter speed, etc.), most people probably won’t bother.

Low-light performance is mostly respectable, though I’d still rather take the GS7 into a dive bar; the G5’s results were grainier and moving subjects were more prone to ghosting. You can also shoot 4K video (making an additional microSD card a must for some), which usually came out well-saturated in bright situations. This is where the G5’s optical image stabilization really comes in handy: It’s good at smoothing out some of the jitters that come with on-the-go filming.

Performance and battery life

We’re starting to see Qualcomm’s quad-core Snapdragon 820 chipset pop up all over the place, and with good reason: It’s a blazing-fast bit of silicon. Here it’s paired with 4GB of RAM and the results are just as snappy — maybe even snappier — than you might expect. Whipping through pages of apps is easy, as is actually launching them. Graphically intensive games like Asphalt 8, Dead Trigger 2 and Mortal Kombat X pose no issue for the G5 either. That’s largely thanks to the high-powered hardware, but LG’s relatively light touch with the software seems to help too. I noticed occasional pangs of slowness and stuttering while reviewing the Galaxy S7, but never with the G5.

If benchmarks are more your speed, well, have at them:

Samsung Galaxy S7
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
LG G4
AndEBench Pro
14,152
14,168
13,030
N/A
Vellamo 3.0
4,104
4,285
4,152
N/A
3DMark IS Unlimited
26,981
28,529
26,666
27,542
SunSpider 1.0.2 (ms)
640
1547
942
220
GFXBench 3.0 1080p Manhattan Offscreen (fps)
47
45
47
18.2
CF-Bench
36,488
51,227
46,290
N/A
SunSpider 1.0.2: Android devices tested in Chrome; lower scores are better.

Alas, something had to give — the G5 is purely middle of the road when it comes to battery life. Thankfully, what passes for “middle of the road” these days is still a big improvement over phones from a few years ago. The G5 routinely stuck around for full 12-hour workdays (complete with the requisite Slack messages, emails, podcasts and some occasional hotspot duty) with around 10 percent charge remaining.

Things were less peachy when it was time for our standard video rundown test. The G5 looped a 720p video with screen brightness set to 50 percent for ten and a half hours. That’s slightly less than what I squeezed out of the G4 last year, and notably less than the 13-plus hours I got on the Galaxy S7. At least you can easily swap dead batteries for new ones, a feat that’s nearly extinct in high-end phones. And, even if you don’t want to buy (or carry and keep track of) a separate battery, the G5 support’s Qualcomm’s QuickCharge 3.0 tech — it’ll get you from fully dead to 50 percent full in about 30 minutes.

The competition

I’ve invoked the name several times already, but how could I not? Samsung’s Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are the G5’s biggest competitors, and they’re arguably the smarter choices if you don’t care about swapping modules. They both have Snapdragon 820 chips and 4GB of RAM like the G5, not to mention more saturated screens, better battery life and sleeker designs. These are some seriously worthy packages, but the occasional performance hiccups (which seemed more prevalent on the S7 Edge) mean the G5 generally feels a little snappier.

The Nexus 6P is also a phenomenal option, and while it lacks some of the power seen this new batch of flagships, its pure Android experience and first-rate build make the G5 seem unfocused by comparison. If you’re intrigued by the G5’s modular aspirations, though, there’s not much else out there to scratch that itch. Google’s Project Ara team has been awfully quiet lately, and the modular Fairphone 2 is only meant for use in Europe. Still, with its easy-to-disassemble body and respectable performance, the latter might be a fun choice for all you European tinkerers out there.

Wrap-up

Let’s be honest: Did the G5 ever really have a chance at living up to its own hype? Amid a sea of incrementalist competitors and me-too devices, LG’s plan for a more-or-less modular smartphone was a lungful of fresh air. And I fell into the hype. After a week of testing, though, I’m stuck staring the reality of this phone dead in the eye.

The G5 isn’t a bad device by any stretch: Its remarkable power makes the experience of using it surprisingly smooth and I hope the dual-camera gimmick sticks around a little longer. Still, it feels like LG had to give up a lot of polish to make the G5 the sort of standout it wanted. And even then, the first batch of connectable modules wasn’t really worth writing home about. If you’re thinking about buying a G5, you’ll probably find yourself weighing its current value present versus its potential value. For some, the G5’s ability to grow with extra hardware might be worth the trade-offs. For everyone else — and this will be most people — the G5 may be a little too bold for its own good.