LG G6 to swap removable battery for water-proofing, pre-loaded Google Assistant

As we approach MWC in about a month’s time, we’re hearing more and more about the devices which are set to debut. One of those is the LG G6, which we got our first look at earlier this month. Now CNET has obtained more new information about LG’s new flagship, and it gives reason to be excited…

Over the past couple of years, LG has been one of the few remaining manufacturers who let removable batteries stick around in its devices, such as the LG G5 and LG V20. That has come with a trade-off, though. In the G5, it was build quality as the modular system made the device feel a bit cheap. On the V20, the removable battery meant no water-proofing. Now it seems that LG is going to give in and seal the battery inside in exchange for water resistance.

The addition of water resistance should certainly help out LG in terms of competing with Samsung, especially considering LG is sticking with older processing power with the Snapdragon 821. We first heard about this decision last week, but CNET’s report further confirms that news.

The biggest news out of LG’s report, though, is that Google Assistant will be pre-loaded on the G6. Outside of the Pixel and Pixel XL, the G6 would be the first phone to ship with Assistant if this turns out to be true, but it may also be the first to feature two different assistants. CNET reports that LG has a strong relationship with Amazon and intended to include Alexa on the G6, but didn’t feel the assistant was ready yet. Apparently, Alexa may arrive on LG phones later in the year.