New PlayStation VR bundle includes Astro Bot and Moss

You can pre-order right now!

Sony just announced it is releasing a new PlayStation VR (PSVR) bundle for you to get your hands on. Two games, that have been wildly loved in the VR community, will be included in this package. That’s Moss, and Astro Bot: Rescue Mission. You can find this amazing bundle on Amazon for $300!

See at Amazon

Everything you get in the bundle

Moss

Moss is the story of an adorable mouse, named Quill, that you get to help through her adventures. Dive into this story of fantasy and adventure to really get a taste of what true imagination means. This stunning game was created by Polyarc, who you can tell put a lot of love and effort into making it just as phenomenal as we were hoping it would be. If you already have your PSVR system, you can find Moss on Amazon by itself for $30.

See at Amazon

Astro Bot: Rescue Mission

This is a thrilling platformer that’s coming straight to you from Japan Studios. Everything about this title sparks a sense of childhood excitement that will have you on the edge of your seat, smiling, for each new level. If you already have your PSVR system, you can find Astro Bot: Rescue Misson on Amazon for $40.

See at Amazon

PlayStation VR kit

Naturally, this bundle includes a PSVR. Specifically, it includes the headset, PlayStation Camera, PlayStation Move controllers, earbuds, and the sync box you connect to your PlayStation 4. It’s everything you need to get started with any PlayStation, no matter if it’s the launch console or a shiny new PS4 Pro.

All together, this is a pretty sweet bundle. In fact, it’s easily the best bundle Sony has released so far. Moss and Astro Bot will give you plenty to do in VR for days, and gives you something fun to share with friends. If you’ve been considering the dive into VR, this is the best starting point around.

See at Amazon

PlayStation 4

• PS4 vs. PS4 Slim vs. PS4 Pro: Which should you buy?
• PlayStation VR Review
• Playing PS4 games through your phone is awesome

Amazon

LG V40 ThinQ Review

Research Center:

LG V40 ThinQ

The V40 ThinQ is LG’s fourth flagship smartphone of the year, and LG has clearly refined on its predecessors to make it the best of the lot. Why? It shares a lot of similarities with the V30S ThinQ, the V35 ThinQ, and the LG G7 ThinQ, but it’s the camera on the V40 that sets it apart. There are two extra lenses, bringing the entire system to a total of five cameras for a kind of versatility you don’t often see on a smartphone. The drawbacks? The V40 costs $900, and at that price you should expect the level of polish you get from an iPhone XS.

Refined design, good OLED display

The V40 ThinQ is an amalgamation of last year’s LG V30 and the LG G7. From the back, it almost looks exactly like the V30 but with the addition of a third camera on the horizontal module. The indented fingerprint sensor below is fast to react, and it’s in an optimal position, but it no longer doubles as a power button which LG first changed in the G7. The back is clean and simple, though the glass easily picks up fingerprint smudges, and we do think LG could have played around more with color, as the New Aurora Black option is a little dull (Moroccan Blue is available in other regions).

The glass curves into the edges, making the V40 supremely comfortable to hold — you never feel anything rough. LG also prides itself on its ability to make the V40 incredibly light at just 5.96 ounces. As a reference, the smaller iPhone XS weighs 6.24 ounces. To us, that just makes the V40 feel slightly cheap. It’s so light to the point that we’re concerned about the phone’s ability to withstand a single drop. Still, we do like how narrow the phone feels thanks to its 19.5:9 aspect ratio.

The phones power button is now on the right side, with a volume rocker on the left and the A.I. Key from the G7 makes a return below. The A.I. Key lets you call upon Google Assistant, and it works incredibly well. We have accidentally pressed it, but we’ve actually enjoyed using to the point that we’ll stop short of calling it a problem (unlike the Bixby Key). If you don’t want to use Google Assistant, there’s a way to turn it off, but sadly that means it will remain a useless key on your phone as you can’t remap it. The headphone jack is at the bottom, next to a USB Type-C charging port and bottom-firing speaker.

The V40 feels good in hand and minimizes looks — it doesn’t try to make a statement with a flashy design or eye-catching colors.

The V40’s OLED screen is bigger than ever before at 6.4 inches, with a 3,120 x 1,440 resolution (536.92 pixels per inch). The larger size isn’t too unwieldy, though it can be tough to reach the top of the phone without shuffling it down in your hand. To increase the screen to body ratio, the V40 has a notch, which is sure to split opinion. We’d have liked for the contents in the notch to look a bit more symmetrical (the speaker is off to the right and the two front cameras to the left), but this is a minor qualm.

Having used phones with notches for a better part of the year, we’re not bothered by its presence here, but there’s also a tool in the settings that lets you mask it through software if you can’t stand it. There’s a small bezel on the bottom, also known as a chin, but it’s not too noticeable.

The screen supports HDR10, and it looks sharp and colorful. It’s not quite on the level of the screens from the iPhone XS or the Galaxy Note 9 — it doesn’t get as bright, which means you really need to crank the brightness to the max to see anything in direct sunlight, and LG also doesn’t let videos cut past the notch, so it doesn’t feel as expansive or immersive when watching a movie (you might like this if you hate the notch). What we love is the OLED’s inky blacks. Throw a dark wallpaper on and it’s tough to tell where the bezel ends and the screen starts. It looks great.

LG V40 ThinQ Compared To

Samsung Galaxy Note 9

Moto E5 Plus

LG V30

HTC U11

Xiaomi Mi Mix

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge

YotaPhone 2

Sony Xperia Z3

HTC One Remix

Huawei Ascend Mate 2

LG Optimus 4X HD

HTC One S

Samsung Galaxy S II

Google Nexus S

T-Mobile myTouch 3G

The V40 feels good in the hand and it looks minimal. It doesn’t try to make a statement with a flashy design or eye-catching colors. It’s perhaps a little too subtle — we haven’t found ourselves yearning for it.

Loud boombox speaker

LG has added one of the G7’s signature features into the V40: The Boombox speaker. This is no small feat, because it requires completely changing the way the phone’s internals are organized. It’s only a single, bottom-firing speaker, but the whole phone acts as a resonance chamber, which helps push out incredibly loud audio with decent bass that also sounds good.

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

That means you can feel the phone’s vibrations when you play music or watch a video, but it’s not too distracting. The audio quality is still impressive. We played music outdoors at the park, and we were just able to make it out in the midst of all the various noises. It’s a decent alternative to carrying a Bluetooth speaker, though you will likely still want one if you want to make sure you can hear the V40 in loud environments like parties. If you often play music through your phone’s speakers, you’ll love the Boombox on the V40 — just make sure it’s placed on a flat wooden or metal surface for optimal sound.

Strong performance, no Android Pie

Like most Android flagship smartphones this year, the V40 ThinQ is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 processor with 6GB of RAM. There’s 64GB of internal storage, and a MicroSD card slot lets you add more if you need it.

We have yet to run into any performance issues: Apps open quickly, moving throughout the Android operating system feels fluid, multi-tasking posed no problems, and games like Alto’s Odyssey ran without a hitch.

Here are a few benchmark results:

• AnTuTu 3DBench: 223,287
• Geekbench CPU: 2,310 single-core; 8,653 multi-core
• 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme: 2,370 (Vulkan)

These scores are in line with several other smartphones with the same processor, though the V40 does seem to score on the lower end. The Galaxy Note 9’s AnTuTu score of 273,992 trounces the V40, and so does the cheaper OnePlus 6, which scored 269,191. Benchmark results aren’t a good measure of real-world performance, and you’ll be able to throw most tasks at the V40 without running into problems.

One of our biggest disappointments is how the V40 ThinQ runs Android 8.1 Oreo instead of Android 9 Pie, which Google released early August. LG once was the first manufacturer to launch a phone with a new version of Android before anyone else (the V20), so it’s sad to see its flagship phone launching without the latest version of Android. LG hasn’t provided any details as to when you can expect it either.

Otherwise, the software experience on the V40 is decent. It’s not our favorite Android skin layered over, but there are a good deal of customization options to tweak the interface to your liking. Don’t like LG’s Smart Bulletin to the left of the home screen? We haven’t found it to offer any meaningful information, and thankfully you’re able to turn it off.

Our V40 is a Verizon model and it included a ton of bloatware, most of which are un-installable, except for carrier apps and a few others.

Versatile camera

LG’s new five-camera system on the V40 makes it the most versatile camera LG has ever produced. The main three cameras are on the back: A standard 12-megapixel lens with f/1.5 aperture and optical image stabilization; a wide-angle 16-megapixel lens with f/1.9 aperture; and a telephoto 12-megapixel offering 2x optical zoom with f/2.4 aperture. The ability to go for a closer shot, swap to a wider one, or stick with the standard lens immediately makes this camera fun to play around with creatively.

Previous

Next

1 of 25

Standard Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Telephoto Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Standard Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Super Wide Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Super Wide Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Super Wide Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Telephoto Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Telephoto Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Standard Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Super Wide Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Standard Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Telephoto Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Standard Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Standard Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Standard Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Standard Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Standard Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Telephoto Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Telephoto Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Super Wide Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Telephoto Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Telephoto Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Super Wide Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Super Wide Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Super Wide Lens Sample Image Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Photos are well-detailed, colorful, and often have excellent white balance. We have noticed that photos can sometimes look too processed, with a lot of sharpening or simply oversaturation. The skies in some of these photos look unnaturally blue, for example. Also, only the standard lens’s pixel size is 40 percent larger over the V30 (with a 15 percent larger image sensor) — that means the standard lens delivers the best image quality and low-light photographs. We wish LG had enhanced the other two cameras as well so that photos could look more consistent.

For example: In low light, the standard lens is quite capable, delivering photos that can match up against the iPhone XS or even the Galaxy Note 9. Swap to the telephoto or wide-angle lens, however, and the image quality declines. Photos are grainier, white balance is a mess, and it simply makes us not want to use those two cameras in these lighting conditions.

LG V40 ThinQ sample photos (left) vs iPhone XS Max sample photos (right) Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

We’ve also noticed the telephoto lens isn’t really utilized in low light, as the aperture in the image file suggests it’s the standard lens doing the work zooming in digitally. Regardless, we’re glad to see there are substantial improvements to low-light performance here as it was one of our primary complaints with the LG G7.

What’s neat is if you press and hold on one of the three buttons to swap between the lenses, you can get a preview of what your photo will look like from all three cameras in real time. There’s also a new feature called Triple Shot. It takes three consecutive photos with all three lenses — that’s actually handy, because you can easily get three different perspectives at the push of a single button. This doesn’t happen immediately, though; it takes about three seconds for Triple Shot to complete.

Sample clip of the V40’s Triple Shot mode

The video effect the V40 uses to stitch together all three photos is a little gimmicky. It’s a strange effect, and nothing we ever would want to share.

A.I. Cam is back again, and we still think it’s still something you won’t need to use. It recognizes scenes and adjusts the photos to what it thinks is best, which generally just means it cranks up the saturation. It works in some scenarios, like food photography, but it can make photos look unnatural. You’re better off ignoring it.

A.I. Cam sample photos. The top row features the original shots and the bottom row features A.I. adjusted photos. Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The V in V40 stands for video, and while there’s no noticeable improvements to video capture, LG’s latest added feature is called Cine Shot, which lets you take cinemagraphs. Cinemagraphs are a hybrid between photos and videos — a part of the photo is still, but there’s some motion thrown in. It’s a feature we’ve seen before on phones — most recently the Moto Z3. You need to frame your photo really well to get something worth sharing (and stay incredibly still when capturing). Then you’ll need to mark the area of the video you want to keep in motion. You can pinch and zoom to be precise. It’s a neat feature that’s fun to use, but the image quality sometimes suffers (the resolution is 1,920 x 1,080).

We’d have like to see bigger improvements to video capture here, such as a super slow-motion option like on the Galaxy S9 Plus, or the ability to capture 4K HDR content like the Sony Xperia XZ2 Premium.

While the camera system is impressive on the whole, we do have few qualms to share. It can be quite buggy and sometimes slow. When we wanted to quickly snap a picture in the moment, the app just showed a black screen and wouldn’t launch the camera. We had to force close the app and relaunch the camera, but we had missed the photo opportunity — this happened on at least two occasions. There’s also occasionally a little shutter lag, which doesn’t necessarily produce blurry photos, but there’s a noticeable delay from when the photo has been captured. Our device is a pre-production unit, so these bugs may be worked out for the final version.

Portrait Mode is also extremely frustrating. It takes ages to register a face, and if it does, it loses it instantly. It’s a test of patience not just for you, but the subject as well who has to stay still as you move the camera around their face trying to get the feature to work. When it does work, the results look good. The camera does a solid job of accurately identifying the areas it needs to blur out, and the bokeh effect is strong. We just wish it worked reliably.

Portrait mode camera sample photos Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

LG’s cameras still aren’t up to par with the competition in terms of dealing with high-contrast scenarios. There’s an HDR option, but it’s not nearly as good as what you’ll find on last year’s Google Pixel 2, the iPhone XS, or the Note 9. This applies even in Portrait Mode, as you can see how blown out the sky looks in some of the photos above.

There are also two more cameras on the front of the phone — an 8-megapixel standard lens with f/1.9 aperture; and a 5-megapixel wide angle lens with f/2.2 aperture. The latter lens is better used for group shots, or when you just want more background in your selfie, however it’s only a 10-degree difference which is a little disappointing.

Front camera sample photos Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

We’d have liked to see a wider second camera. The photos from these cameras are decent. They look grainy with fuzzy details in anything other than good lighting. We do like the selfie portrait mode, though.

The camera takeaway

Overall, the V40 ThinQ has a versatile camera system that takes good photos in a variety of lighting conditions, but it’s not as polished as we’d like. Photos can look inconsistent between all three cameras on the back, and results in general can look a bit too processed. We love the ability to swap from the telephoto to the wide angle, and in that way, it certainly is a camera that makes us want to be creative with the photos we take.

Day-long battery life

The V40 ThinQ has a 3,300mAh battery inside, and we’ve found it to last just about a full day of use and no more. On a light to medium day of usage, including using social media, snapping photos, playing games, and watching videos, we took the phone off the charger at 7:30 a.m. and ended with 22 percent by 8 p.m. On a heavier day of usage including running benchmark apps, we ended the day with 15 percent by 8:30 p.m. We averaged about four hours of screen-on time.

It’s satisfactory battery life, but we’d really like to see LG push the envelope here and try adding a bigger battery so we can take the phone into a second day without worrying about having to charge it.

Wireless charging is available, and so is support for Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging technology. We plugged in our device at 1:32 a.m. with 22 percent remaining, and it hit 100 percent by 3 a.m.

Price, availability, warranty information

The LG V40 ThinQ costs $900, and it’s available through various carriers including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and US Cellular (pricing varies). You can pre-order it now, and retail availability starts on October 18.

LG offers a standard 1-year warranty for its mobile devices that covers manufacturing defects from the date of purchase.

Our Take

The LG V40 ThinQ isn’t inspiring, but it has a creatively fun camera, and it nails many of the fundamentals that make it a good phone. Considering we’ve seen three other flagship phones from LG this year, we’d have liked to see more improvements happening at a faster pace, such as a larger image sensor for the wide-angle camera for better low light photos, a bigger battery, a wider front-facing camera, and more.

Is there a better alternative?

Yes, but before recommending anything, we’re going to say you should wait if you’re unsure about the V40. There will be a plethora of devices being unveiled this month, from the Google Pixel 3 to the Razer Phone 2. You’ll be spoiled for choice, and we think it’s worth waiting to see what other manufacturers have in store before shelling out $900 for LG.

If you can’t wait, take a look at the Galaxy S9. It costs less, has a strong camera that’s on par with LG’s V40, excellent performance, slightly better software, and it’s cheaper. The Google Pixel 2 or 2 XL will also likely become a lot cheaper within the next two weeks after the Pixel 3 is unveiled, and it’s an excellent phone with a camera that outmatches the V40. If you don’t mind iOS, go for the iPhone XS. It has stellar performance, a great camera, and fluid software.

How long will it last?

The LG V40 ThinQ will likely last you around three years, maybe more if you take care of it. You should nab a case to protect the Gorilla Glass 5 body, but the phone is IP68 water resistant, so it should be able to survive underwater up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. LG is trying to improve its track record with delivering software updates in a timely fashion, but the fact that the V40 launches without Android Pie isn’t promising. Expect to get updates for two years, and no more.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It’s a little pricey, but you’re getting an overall good phone.

LG V40 ThinQ vs. V35 ThinQ vs. V30: Which of LG’s big phones is best for you?

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

LG hasn’t had the success it wanted or deserved in the smartphone market over the last couple of years and so it seems to be switching tactics to a smartphone update policy that sees it roll out relatively small improvements more often. We’ve seen new V Series phones three times in just over a year and spotting the differences can be a challenge. In fact, the LG V30 and V30S ThinQ are so similar that we’ve just included the V30 here.

The new LG V40 ThinQ has some very clear and definite advantages over its predecessors, but you always pay a premium for the latest devices. Is it worth paying the extra or should you snag a bargain? Which of LG’s big video phones is the best for you?

Specs

LG V40 ThinQ

LG V35 ThinQ
LG V30

Size
158.7 x 75.7 x 7.7mm (6.25 x 2.98 x 0.30 inches)
151.6 x 75.4 x 7.4 mm (5.97 x 2.97 x 0.29 inches)
151.6 x 75.4 x 7.4 mm (5.97 x 2.97 x 0.29 inches)

Weight
169 grams (5.96 ounces)
158 grams (5.57 ounces)
158 grams (5.57 ounces)

Screen size
6.4-inch P-OLED
6-inch P-OLED
6-inch P-OLED

Screen resolution
3,120 x 1,440 pixels (537 pixels per inch)
2,880 x 1,440 pixels (537 pixels per inch)
2,880 x 1,440 pixels (537 pixels per inch)

Operating system
Android 8.1 Oreo
Android 8.0 Oreo
Android 7.1.2 Nougat

Storage space
64GB
64GB, 128GB
64GB, 128GB

MicroSD card slot
Yes
Yes
Yes

Tap-to-pay services
Google Pay
Google Pay
Google Pay

Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835

RAM
6GB
6GB
4GB

Camera
Triple lens 12MP (with OIS) and 16MP wide and 12MP telephoto rear, dual 8MP and 5MP wide front camera
Dual lens 16MP (with OIS) and 13MP wide rear, 8MP front camera
Dual lens 16MP (with OIS) and 13MP wide rear, 5MP front camera

Video
4K at 60fps, 1080p at 240fps
4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, 720p at 120fps
4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps, 720p at 120fps

Bluetooth version
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0
Bluetooth 5.0

Ports
USB-C 2.0
USB-C 1.0
USB-C 1.0

Fingerprint sensor
Yes (back)
Yes (back)
Yes (back)

Water resistance
IP68
IP68
IP68

Battery
3,300mAh

Fast charging (Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0)

Qi wireless charging

3,300mAh

Fast charging (Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0)

Qi wireless charging

3,300mAh

Fast charging (Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0)

Qi wireless charging

App marketplace
Google Play Store
Google Play Store
Google Play Store

Network support
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint
T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint

Colors
Aurora black, Moroccan blue
Aurora black, Platinum gray
Aurora black, Cloud silver, Moroccan blue, Lavender violet, Raspberry rose

Price
$900+
$850
$600+

Buy from
N/A
Amazon
Amazon

Review score
3.5 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5 stars

Performance, battery life, and charging

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Considering the V40 and the V35 both have Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 processor inside with 6GB of RAM and you can immediately see that we have our work cut out separating these phones. Based on our early benchmark testing, the V35 ThinQ is a slightly better performer than the V40. Though it’s no slouch, we can easily eliminate the V30 here as it has the older Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB of RAM, which means it can’t keep up with the newer devices. All three come with 64GB of storage and offer expansion via a MicroSD card slot.

There is no help in the battery and charging department because all three of these phones have batteries rated at 3,300mAh with support for fast charging and wireless charging. We could argue that the V40 has the biggest display to power and the V30 has a less efficient processor, so it’s likely that the V35 will last the longest between charges, but we’re not expecting to see a big difference.

Winner: LG V35 ThinQ

Design and durability

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The LG V30 sports a minimalist design. A curved metal chassis is sandwiched by glass front and back. Small bezels flank the display, while a fingerprint sensor sits below a protruding dual lens camera module on the back. It’s an attractive phone, if a little lacking in personality. The LG V35 ThinQ is physically identical.

The LG V40 ThinQ is obviously bigger, as it has to accommodate a larger display, but the bezels have been shrunk down and there’s a notch for the front-facing camera, so it isn’t much bigger. On the back, a third lens has joined the camera module, but it’s still clearly part of the same family. All three are surprisingly light when you pick them up, which is great if you find larger phones a bit too heavy but can also detract from the premium feel.

These phones all offer IP68 water resistance, which means they can be submerged in shallow water for up to 30 minutes without suffering permanent damage. They are all going to pick up scratches, scuffs, or even cracks if you drop them, so pick a good case for whichever model you opt for.

Winner: LG V40 ThinQ

Display

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

With identical 6-inch OLED screens with 18:9 aspect ratios and 2,880 x 1,440-pixel resolutions, the V30 and V35 ThinQ cannot be separated here. The V40, however, expands the OLED screen to 6.4 inches and adopts a 19.5:9 aspect ratio. It has a 3,120 x 1,440-pixel resolution, which makes it slightly sharper than its predecessors, though the notch means that not all of the extra screen real estate is usable all the time.

All these displays look great for watching movies, reading, or gaming on. OLED technology is superior to LCD, especially with regard to contrast, as switching pixels on and off individually, instead of relying on a backlight allows you to get true blacks. Though we’re not fans of the notch, we’re going to give the V40 the win here for the bigger display.

Winner: LG V40 ThinQ

Camera

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

The LG V30 has a dual-lens camera that pairs a 16-megapixel lens with a wide-angle 13-megapixel lens. While it’s a decent camera setup, there are plenty of phones on the market with better cameras, and we’ve been a little disappointed with the results, especially in low light. The V30S ThinQ added some A.I. smarts to the camera, which are also in both the newer phones, but they won’t make a big difference to your experience with it. The V35 has the same camera module as the LG G7, which still suffered in low light, but it did bring a slight improvement to the front-facing camera which jumped from 5 megapixels to 8 megapixels.

Major improvements in the LG V40, at least on paper, see the addition of two lenses. The main camera is a triple-lens affair that combines a 12-megapixel main lens with optical image stabilization, a 16-megapixel wide angle lens, and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens for zooming in on subjects. It should be much better at capturing shots with sharp subjects and blurred backgrounds than its predecessors. We’re also pleased to hear that the pixel size in the standard lens is larger for better low-light performance (with a slightly larger image sensor as well). Round the front, LG has added a 5-megapixel wide lens to the standard 8-megapixel lens, which should be ideal for group selfies.

In case you have been wondering, the V stands for video and all three of these phones are adept at capturing it. If you dig into the video apps, you will find a laundry list of filters and other customization options. The V40 has some extras, like the option to shoot cinemagraphs, which allow you to capture a scene and then choose to animate just part of it, so a subject can be moving while their surroundings are frozen in time like a photo.

Winner: LG V40 ThinQ

Software and updates

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

It’s disappointing to see the LG V40 ThinQ ship with Android 8.1 Oreo when Android 9.0 Pie is available. We’re sure it will be updated, but you might be waiting a while. The V30 shipped with Nougat, but has since been updated to Android 8.0 Oreo. Your experience on these devices is going to be pretty similar, with LG’s interface over Android, but with the newest version of Android, a handful of extras, and the greatest likelihood of being supported for updates for longer, the V40 wins here.

Winner: LG V40 ThinQ

Special features

The V Series is all about video and that’s where you find the features that set these phones apart from the rest of the market. As the newest of the bunch, it will come as no surprise that the LG V40 ThinQ has the most video tricks up its sleeve.

Winner: LG V40 ThinQ

Price

As top-of-the-line devices, the V Series tend to be expensive. You can pick up an LG V30 for $600 now, whereas an LG V35 ThinQ will probably cost you $850. Obviously, these prices will continue to fall, especially now the V40 is out, so it’s worth shopping around. The LG V40 ThinQ starts at $900 and you can pre-order now for the October 18 release. All three offer support for all the major carriers, provided you buy the right model.

Overall winner: LG V40 ThinQ

It would be a sign that there was something seriously wrong if the V40 wasn’t the best phone here and it comfortably is. If you opt for it, then the extra outlay will net you a much more versatile camera and a bigger screen. If those things aren’t important to you, then the V35, or even the V30, could save you quite a lot of money without any major compromises.

Editors’ Recommendations

• LG V40 ThinQ: Everything you need to know
• LG V35 ThinQ review
• LG V40 ThinQ Review
• iPhone XS vs. LG G7 ThinQ: Can LG swing past Apple?
• LG G7 ThinQ review

AMD just confirmed its 7nm processor and graphics cards for CES 2019

AMD

Some roadmaps from earlier this year had us anxiously waiting for more detailed information about AMD’s upcoming processors, and now there’s even fuel to go about. Today, AMD officially announced that it would be using CES 2019 as the opportunity to reveal more about their much-anticipated 7nm processors.

The announcement promises that AMD President and CEO Dr. Lisa Su will deliver a keynote address at the annual trades show, but it also teases some high hopes for the 7nm processors.

“AMD will catapult computing, gaming, and visualization technologies forward with the world’s first 7nm high-performance CPUs and GPUs, providing the power required to reach technology’s next horizon,” reads the release.

CES 2019 runs from January 8-11, 2019 in Las Vegas, so the timing is just right and confirms previous talks of a 2019 release for the 7nm series.  If that holds up to be true, we’ll likely hear more about the Ryzen 3rd Generation CPUs and Vega GPUs. That’s pretty important, as even the president of the Consumer Technology Association thinks that AMD has big things to go about.

“AMD is transforming the future of computing in our ever-expanding digital world and revolutionizing the $35 billion gaming industry,” said Gary Shapiro in the announcement.

With delays still apparently facing the Intel Cannon Lake chips, this could be a good chance for AMD to make a leap over Intel in gaming. There are still lots of questions and rumors on what both companies will offer at CES, but we’ll find out soon enough. The release ends by mentioning that other CES keynote will be announced in the coming weeks.

In either case, AMD seems to have wakened up Intel. Intel is now stepping up packaging and pricing to resemble the competition, most . The Intel’s Core i9-9900K comes in a cool 12-sided box translucent box and costs a nice $580. That is Intel’s first eight-core, sixteen-thread desktop processor, and feels like a direct response to AMD Threadripper, which comes in some truly world-class packaging. We’ll be keeping an eye on the CES news as January steadily approaches, and as things have gone, they could likely be more leaks before then.

Editors’ Recommendations

• AMD’s new gaming-ready Athlon processor starts at just $55
• Arm’s future CPU designs may finally catch up with Intel in laptops by 2020
• AMD vs. Intel
• AMD’s Ryzen desktop CPUs for 2019 may double the core count
• The best processors for gaming

Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 vs. Dell XPS 13

Microsoft

Microsoft just released an updated version of its traditional notebook, the Surface Laptop, with 8th-gen Intel CPUs and a new black color scheme. The Surface Laptop 2 is otherwise very similar to its predecessor, raising the question of whether improved internals are enough to compete with today’s strong group of 13-inch competitors.

Enter the Dell XPS 13, which received its own refresh earlier this year and remains one of our favorite notebooks. The Surface Laptop 2 looks good, but is it enough to take on the king of the hill? Read on to find out.

Design

The Microsoft Laptop 2 looks a lot like its predecessor, meaning that it’s a relatively thin notebook with an excellent all-aluminum build. It maintains the Alcantara fabric covering on the keyboard deck that both gives the notebook one solid color to match its metal chassis and also provides for a soft, luxurious feel. Overall, the Surface Laptop 2 is an attractive notebook that won’t be mistaken for any other.

Dell’s XPS 13 received a more significant design update in its latest iteration, with some millimeters shaved from both the chassis and the bezels. That results in pretty much the smallest 13.3-inch notebook available, and Dell’s use of some new materials, like Gore insulation, ensures that the notebook keeps up the performance without melting down. Its new white and rose gold color scheme adds some panache to an otherwise conservative aesthetic, while the woven texture material in the palmrest and keyboard deck offers a luxuriant feel that’s even better than the carbon fiber lining the deck of the black and silver version.

Regarding input options, the Surface Laptop 2 offers a lot to like. First, there’s the keyboard, which provides more than enough travel and a satisfying click that provides a for a very precise feel. Then there’s the Microsoft Precision touchpad and its smooth support for Windows 10’s full suite of gestures. The touch display is one of the best on a clamshell notebook thanks to Microsoft’s Pixelsense panel technology, and it also supports the Surface Pen. It’s a dubious distinction for a traditional notebook, but it’s there if you want it.

The Dell’s keyboard has a relatively shallow keyboard that nevertheless provides a snappy, precise typing experience, and its own Microsoft Precision touchpad that works as well as any you’ll find on a Windows notebook. The XPS 13 allows its user to log in with Windows 10 Hello through either a fingerprint reader or facial recognition.

Performance

Bill Roberson/Digital Trends

Both the XPS 13 and the Surface Laptop 2 can be equipped with Intel’s 8th-generation Core CPUs, which are fast and efficient. They’re both likely to provide more than acceptable performance for any productivity user. We haven’t tested the Surface Laptop 2 yet, but the XPS 13 was a fast performer in our testing and managed to keep its heat in check. We expect the same with the Microsoft notebook. We’ll note that the original Surface Laptop used slower SATA solid-state drives (SSDs) compared to the PCIe versions used in the XPS 13, and so unless Microsoft upgraded storage as well then the Dell is likely to be faster at accessing and saving data.

In terms of its display, the Surface Laptop 2 stands out among similarly sized notebooks. It utilizes a 13.5-inch IPS display running at a very sharp 3,000 x 2,000 (267 PPI) resolution in the productivity-friendly 3:2 aspect ratio that Microsoft champions. If it matches its predecessor, then it should offer the usual high contrast and brightness enjoyed by other Surface PCs. That compares to the XPS 13’s choice of Full HD (1,920 x 1,080 or 165 PPI) or 4K UHD display (3,840 x 2,160 or 331 PPI) resolutions that both offer good but not great contrast, slightly higher color gamut, and decent brightness.

Portability

The Surface Laptop 2 isn’t the thinnest and lightest machine around, but it’s competitive at just 0.57 inches thick and roughly 2.76 pounds (depending on the CPU). It’s certainly not hard to carry around. It also offers 47 watt-hours of battery life, which isn’t terribly impressive, but the original Surface Laptop  still did well enough in our suite of battery life benchmarks. It managed 12 and a half hours when looping our test video, and it lasted for over eight hours of web browsing. Those results placed the Surface Laptop among the better notebooks we’ve tested, and we expect better results with the Surface Laptop 2 thanks to its more efficient 8th-gen CPUs.

The Dell XPS 13 is an even thinner notebook, though, at 0.45 inches, and it leverages ultra-thin bezels to be as small as possible in its other dimensions. It’s the smallest 13.3-inch notebook on the market, in fact, although it’s also a bit dense at 2.68 pounds. That’s not heavy, and it beats out the Surface Laptop 2, but it’s not the lightest machine around either. The XPS 13 also does well in terms of its battery life, where the Full HD version lasted over 13 and a half hours playing video and over 10 hours browsing the web. The 4K version lasted a less impressive 10 hours or so on our video test but outlasted the Surface Laptop 2 when browsing the web at around nine hours.

Dell’s XPS 13 wins out for packing lots of power in a smaller chassis

Bill Roberson/Digital Trends

Both of these are premium notebooks, coming in at $1,000 or more. The Surface Laptop 2 starts out at $1,000 for a Core i5, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB SSD in its Platinum color scheme, and maxes out at $2,700 for a Core i7, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. The XPS 13 also starts out at $1,000 for a Core i5 and a 128GB SSD, but RAM fails to impress at 4GB the display is the lower-resolution Full HD version. You’ll spend $2,100 for a Core i7-8550U, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a 4K display.

Both of these notebooks are good representatives in the 13-inch or so premium market. But the Dell XPS 13 is smaller and packs all of its power — and battery life — into a smaller chassis, making it the winner of this shootout.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Microsoft Surface Pro 6 vs. Surface Laptop 2
• Asus ZenBook S vs. Dell XPS 13
• Asus ZenBook S review
• HP Spectre 13 (2017) review
• Asus ZenBook Pro 15 vs. Dell XPS 15

Here’s how to buy the new five-camera LG V40 ThinQ flagship phone

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

LG has a new phone — the V40 ThinQ — and it has five cameras, flagship specs including the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, and a nice big 6.4-inch display. Check out our review for our impressions of the phone, but read on if you’re ready to buy it and want the best deals and prices.

The LG V40 is available in two colors, Aurora black and Moroccan Blue, but there is only one 64GB storage option. Thankfully, there is a MicroSD card slot if you want more space. Official retail sales for the phone won’t begin until October 18, though availability varies from carrier to carrier. Pre-orders kick off on October 12.

LG also announced a few “nationwide” deals that may be available through your carrier. For example, if you pre-order the LG V40 ThinQ, you get a DJI Osmo Mobile 2 gimbal, and a SanDisk 256GB MicroSD card with an adapter. Combined, that equates to more than $250 of added value. Here’s everything you need to know about getting the LG V40 ThinQ for yourself.

Unlocked

Some retailers are listing the LG V40 ThinQ for $949 unlocked. Currently, B&H is listing the black version of the device, though we will update this article if we find more retailers listing the phone.

Carriers

Julian Chokkattu/Digital Trends

Not interested in getting the phone unlocked from LG? Perhaps ordering through a carrier is a better option for you.

AT&T

AT&T said it will be carrying the LG V40 ThinQ. The device will be up for pre-order starting on October 12, and users will be able to get it for $31.67 per month for 30 months on the AT&T Next plan. Full availability for the phone starts on October 19.

Sprint

Sprint will be offering the LG V40 ThinQ, but it doesn’t look like you’ll be able to pre-order it through the carrier. The V40 ThinQ comes at $960, or $40 per month for 24 months, or you can get it on a Sprint Flex lease for $20 per month for 18 months. Of course, through a lease, you’ll have to return the device and upgrade at the end of the term. Sales of the LG V40 ThinQ begin on October 19.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile announced that it will be offering the LG V40 ThinQ, with pre-orders starting on Friday, October 12, and full sales on Friday, October 19. Pricing for the phone comes at $30 per month for 24 months with a $200 down payment, on the T-Mobile Equipment Installment Plan.

Verizon

On Verizon, the LG V40 ThinQ will be available starting on October 11, but before we dive into pricing there are a few sweet deals to consider. For example, those that activate a Verizon device payment plan will get $200 off the LG V40. If you’re switching to Verizon or activate a new line, you also get up to $300 off when you trade in an old phone. Last but not least, like some other carriers, those that buy the LG V40 ThinQ on Verizon are eligible for a free SanDisk Ultra 256GB MicroSDXC card, as well as a DJI Osmo Mobile 2 gimbal.

Pricing for the LG V40 ThinQ comes at $40.83 per month for 24 months — or a total of $980. That is significantly more than, for example, U.S. Cellular, which offers the phone for a total of $900.

U.S. Cellular

U.S. Cellular announced its availability for the new LG V40 ThinQ. On the carrier, the device will be up for pre-order starting on Friday, October 12. Those that do pre-order the phones and open a new line on the carrier will get $150 back in bill credits, as well as a V40 ThinQ case for an extra penny. Full sales for the phone on U.S. Cellular will begin on Friday, October 19. On top of that, anyone who pre-orders the phone between October 12 and October 18 will be eligible for a free SanDisk Ultra 256GB MicroSDXC card, as well as a DJI Osmo Mobile 2 gimbal.

When it comes to actual pricing, the LG V40 ThinQ comes at $30 per month for 30 months on U.S. Cellular. That equates to a total of $900.

We’ll update this article as we hear more about LG V40 ThinQ pricing and availability.

Updated on October 3, 2018: Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, U.S. Cellular, and unlocked availability details added.

Editors’ Recommendations

• LG V40 ThinQ: Everything you need to know
• LG V40 ThinQ vs. V35 ThinQ vs. V30: Which of LG’s big phones is best for you?
• LG V35 ThinQ review
• LG V40 ThinQ Review
• iPhone XS vs. LG G7 ThinQ: Can LG swing past Apple?

A pocketable Surface PC remains a dream for Microsoft exec

Ryan Smalley | Behance

Even though Microsoft did not launch its much anticipated dual-screen Andromeda tablet at the Surface Event on Tuesday, October 2, the company may still be pursuing its dream of creating the ultimate pocketable computing device. Microsoft was previously rumored to be working on the dual-screen device, which has been leaked numerous times this year, for at least two years.

“We will invent and we will create when products are right,” Microsoft Chief Product Designer Panos Panay told The Verge. “We can’t bring new categories into the world and not be a place where customers need it.”

The device was previously rumored to launch under the Surface brand and likely take on the name of Surface Phone. Unlike other dual-screen PC concepts that we have seen earlier this year from the IFA trade show, Microsoft’s design calls for a more pocketable device. However, more recently and ahead of the October 2 event, industry insiders speculated that Microsoft had shelved Andromeda, claiming that Microsoft may not have found a use for the device. Now, it looks like Panay confirmed those speculations.

This makes sense, given that Microsoft claimed that it established the Surface brand to push the industry forward. When the company launched the Surface Pro, it proved it could make a unique and functional tablet. Though initial versions of the tablet didn’t gain mass appeal, the device inspired numerous copycats in the PC industry. Likely, to launch Andromeda, the device must offer a unique selling point to get consumers to covet the premium hardware. Prior leaks and patents reveal that Microsoft had explored different user interface concepts, like an alarm clock when the device is placed in a tent position. But those ideas seem more like a novelty.

Yet, despite being reserved about finding a market for Andromeda, Panay seems passionate about such a device. “It’s absolutely my baby,” he said. The dream for Andromeda happened long before Microsoft launched the first Surface product. Even though Panay’s team may have begun development two years ago on this device, Microsoft teased a dual-screen tablet that could replace a notebook nearly a decade ago in a concept known as Courier.

If the Surface Phone is canceled before launch, it wouldn’t be the first time that Panay’s Surface team canceled a device because it thinks that there is not enough demand. Panay revealed in the past that his group was working on a 7-inch Surface Mini tablet that could be used like a Moleskin notebook. Ultimately, however, the tablet never launched because Microsoft didn’t feel like it was different enough from other competitive offerings.

Editors’ Recommendations

• Everything we know about Microsoft’s ‘Andromeda’ Surface Phone device
• Microsoft’s foldable ‘Andromeda’ pocket device may never surface
• Fans petition Microsoft to save the Surface Phone from cancellation
• Microsoft’s two-screen Andromeda may arrive in 2019 with Productivity Mode
• Microsoft patent points to a 2-screen device for 3-way video calls

Fantastical 2 for iPhone and Apple Watch Gains Support for Siri Shortcuts, New Watch Faces

Popular calendar app Fantastical 2 for the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch, was today updated to version 2.10, introducing full support for the recent iOS 12 and watchOS 5 updates.

Starting today, Fantastical 2 offers Siri Shortcuts that are designed to let you add new calendar events, view upcoming events and reminders, and more. Some examples of Fantastical Shortcut options:

• Set a phrase such as “Hey Fantastical” to automatically open Fantastical to quickly begin creating a new event or reminder using Fantastical’s parser
• Show upcoming events or reminders as part of a custom shortcut using the Shortcuts app
• Jump to a specific reminders list by creating a button on the home screen with the Shortcuts app

All of the available Fantastical Shortcuts can be viewed in the Settings app under Siri & Search > Fantastical after updating to the latest version.

With support for interactive notifications, Fantastical 2 will allow you to snooze alerts for events and reminders right from your iOS notifications list.

On the Apple Watch, Fantastical 2 will work with the Siri watch face, letting you get Fantastical 2 Siri suggestions for upcoming events and reminders on your wrist.

It also supports the new Infograph watch faces with Fantastical 2 complications. There are two complication styles available for the Infograph face and one available for the Infograph Modular face. Complications can be customized in the Fantastical app by going to Settings > Apple Watch.

Fantastical 2.10 now requires users to be running iOS 11 or later on iOS devices and watchOS 4 or later on the Apple Watch.

Fantastical 2 for iPhone and Apple Watch can be downloaded from the App Store for $2.99. [Direct Link]

Fantastical 2 for iPad can be downloaded from the App Store for $4.99. [Direct Link]

Tag: Fantastical 2
Discuss this article in our forums

OnePlus Bullets Wireless review: Cheaper BeatsX for Android

The OnePlus Bullets Wireless design mimics that of the more expensive BeatsX.

The contentious OnePlus 6T rumor mill continues to churn, spitting out word of an in-display fingerprint sensor in lieu of a headphone jack. Rather than focusing directly on the anticipated flagship, we turn our attention to the scarce, aptX-supported OnePlus Bullets Wireless.

Read SoundGuys’ in-depth review

What are the earbuds like?

Editor’s Pick

Android smartphones with the best battery life (September 2018)

Some people might think that the most important feature in a smartphone is its display size. Others believe it comes down to a phone’s processor performance, or the amount of RAM, or how much storage …

The aluminum alloy housings look nice but sport a dubious build; the right earbud panel of our review unit dislodged itself, and I used tape to remedy this. Once the earbuds were reconstructed, the auto-play and pause controls worked flawlessly.

While OnePlus states that listeners can run but not swim with the earbuds, I was cautious about exercising in them because the OnePlus warranty states that the company “makes no guarantees” about water-resistance and that liquid damage isn’t covered.

While you can exercise in it, OnePlus’ warranty doesn’t cover liquid damage.

Although these look like a copy of iOS-compatible BeatsX, the sound reproduction benefits from greater clarity and a more neutral bass response. Again, to dive into how the response affects the sound signature, read the full review.

Should you buy the OnePlus Bullets Wireless?

By charging for 10 minutes via the included USB Type-C cable, listeners are afforded five hours of playback.

Yes, if you’re a OnePlus user who isn’t bothered by the fact that the OnePlus 6T is lacking a headphone jack. It’s just $69 and the aptX compatibility is a huge plus and allows for CD-like streaming quality. That said, the durability is disappointing and it’s a hard product to come by, but if you happen upon it when it’s in stock, grab it because it sells faster than hot-cakes.

Get the Bullets Wireless at OnePlus!
Affiliate disclosure: We may receive compensation in connection with your purchase of products via links on this page. The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. See our disclosure policy for more details.

iPhone XS Max vs. LG’s Newly Announced V40 ThinQ

LG today debuted its next-generation smartphone, the LG V40 ThinQ, equipped with an all glass body and a display notch for housing camera equipment, much like the iPhone XS and XS Max.

We were able to get one of LG’s new V40 ThinQ smartphones ahead of their launch, and we’ve got the first V40 ThinQ vs. iPhone XS Max comparison that highlights the differences between Apple’s flagship device and LG’s new flagship device.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.
The LG V40 ThinQ features an all glass body with an aluminum frame, while the iPhone XS Max has an all glass body with a stainless steel frame. Apple has done away with the headphone jack, but the V40 still has one, and instead of a Lightning port, it features a USB-C port.

In the hand, the LG V40 ThinQ feels lighter than the iPhone XS Max, but due to the size, it’s still a two-handed device.

The V40 measures in at 6.4 inches with a high-quality HDR OLED display that is as sharp and vibrant as the 6.5-inch HDR OLED display of the iPhone XS Max.

Both devices have a front-facing notch, and while the V40’s notch is somewhat less obtrusive, it’s also housing lesser equipment. The V40 ThinQ features two front-facing cameras, one with 8 megapixels and the second with 5 megapixels. The cameras enable a fast and efficient facial recognition feature for unlocking the device, but as with most Android implementations, it’s not using 3D facial mapping and is less secure.

Because of the weaker facial recognition implementation, LG’s new device continues to offer a fingerprint sensor at the back.

The back of the LG V40 ThinQ is outfitted with three horizontal cameras, while the iPhone XS Max uses a dual camera system. In the V40, there’s a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 12-megapixel telephoto lens, and a 16-megapixel wide-angle lens.

The three cameras enable a range of useful features like Triple Shot for three photos at once from different angles, a Cine Shot for creating a photo with one part of the image in motion, and slow motion and portrait features similar to what you’ll find in the iPhone XS Max.

We think the LG V40 is a solid iPhone XS Max competitor with its light weight and its impressive camera equipment, and in a future video, we’ll delve further into the triple-lens camera system as rumors have suggested it’s something we might see in next year’s iPhones.

What do you think of the new LG V40 ThinQ? Does it measure up to the iPhone XS Max? Let us know in the comments.

Related Roundup: iPhone XSTag: LGBuyer’s Guide: iPhone XS (Buy Now)
Discuss this article in our forums