LG V30 release date, news and features

Update: LG has unveiled the V30 at IFA 2017. The new flagship smartphone isn't much different than what we heard through the many leaks leading up to its announcement, but there's still plenty to be excited about. Read on below for every bit of info that we know about the LG V30.

The LG V30 is the latest smartphone from the South Korean firm and it's set to take on the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S8 in terms of performance. But when it comes to the sheer amount of features inside, it's peerless.

Like the the LG V10 and LG V20, the V30 is in search for a unique feature that sets it apart from the competition. But given that the same competition has yanked just about everything that was noteworthy of LG's previous attempts, LG is shooting for the moon here.

As such, we have the first LG smartphone with an OLED display in years built into a well-crafted device with an Full Vision Display. It might not have the familiar second screen, but it looks to make up for it with Google Daydream compatibility.

Building onto its dual-camera legacy, the V30 is introducing some nifty software features atop of its impressive camera hardware, including the f/1.6 aperture rear-facing camera.

There's a lot more to break down about this phone, so let's get to it.

Cut to the chase

What is it? LG’s third take on its feature-rich phone
When will it be out? August 31 launch confirmed, still awaiting confirmation
How much will it cost? Not cheap. Likely over $700 (about £537, AU$942)

LG V30 release date and price

The LG V30 has officially launched, yet we're still waiting for details surrounding its global availability.

We say global because LG is finally bringing this multi-talented smartphone to more shores than just those in North America and select countries in Asia. We've been told that this one will be widely available and we expect to hear more information soon.

An internal document supplied to Android Authority suggests the phone will launch in Europe on September 28, and the same source claims you'll be able to pre-order the V30 in the US from September 17.

As far as price goes, this smartphone won’t be cheap. Though this isn’t a flagship in the typical sense, you can expect to shell out flagship prices for the V30.

LG V30 news and confirmed features

As the rumors suggested, the LG V30 is a phone most capable. In terms of specs, LG's latest features a Snapdragon 835 (a first for LG) along with 4GB of RAM.

Judging on its looks, the V30 is definitely a chip off the old LG G6 block. You'll find its Full Vision display, which pushes the bezels out to a minimum and widens the screen to make more room for your viewing pleasure.

Around the phone, you'll find a USB-C charging port, 3.5mm headphone jack to supply Hi-Fi sound through, and a fingerprint charger in the same place as you'll find it on the G6. But the V30 is definitely not just a larger G6.

Its 6-inch OLED display is fit into a surprisingly thin and light chassis that is waterproof and meets military standards for durability. Not just that, it supports wireless charging. All of these little implementations make for a very well-rounded smartphone.

We have even more information on the LG V30 display and cameras though, which we've detailed in their own sections below.

Two screen or not two screen?

6-inch QHD+ OLED Full Vision display
Second screen is no longer a hardware feature

To date, one of the key features of LG's V-series smartphones have been their second screen displays which sit atop the main smartphone display.

However, for the LG V30 this hardware feature has been replaced by some new software called "floating bar".

Once the floating bar is switched on, you can move its location at will wherever you'd like across the screen.

It's certainly not the same as having a dedicated second display, but during our hands-on time, it's been swell to have basically the same functionality at will as well as the ability to tuck it away when it's not needed, which likely lends to extending the life of its 3,300mAh battery.

The Gorilla Glass 5-covered OLED display offers more than vivid colors and deep contrast levels, it also comes with the side benefit of offering Google Daydream compatibility – a first for LG.

LG V30 camera

Dual camera setup with world's first f/1.6 aperture
Impresses with smart camera software features like Point Zoom

LG has been busy in the lead-up to the V30 launch teasing that its camera will be a show-stopper, and at least on paper, it does seem to be.

The LG G6 and LG V20 both boast dual rear facing cameras, and the LG V30 will follow suit with a couple of snappers on its rear. But the cameras within its array will be even more capable, with one of them capable of an industry-leading f/1.6 aperture, which should take low-light shooting to a whole new level for smartphones.

In addition to its boost in hardware, we're delighted by LG's commitment to adding clever, new features to its cameras. Standing above all is the Point Zoom option, which instead of a jagged zoom, gets closer to your subject smoothly. It's more akin an effect to something that you've seen used in TV or in a movie.

There's way more to parse through in this department, so check back with our review to see how we're taking advantage of all the new features.