LG G4c unboxing and G4 head-to-head comparison [Video]

In many ways, the LG G4c is a mini version of the LG G4. Sadly, unlike Sony’s Compact series smartphones, it’s not a small phone with flagship specs. It’s less powerful, has a lower resolution screen and a smaller battery than the high-end G4. But all of that is reflected in the price difference. We’ve unboxed the device and filmed a brief comparison between the G4c and the LG G4…

On the display front, it’s a 5.5-inch screen vs. a 5-inch panel. The G4c’s screen isn’t just smaller, it also has far fewer pixels on it. With a 720×1280 display, it has 4 times fewer pixels than the larger Quad HD display. It also appears a little dimmer, and colors aren’t quite as vibrant.

There’s quite a difference internally too. The LG G4 has 3GB RAM and 32GB storage, that’s three times the memory and four times the storage. What’s more, it has a powerful Snapdragon 808 hexacore chip versus the G4c’s quad-core 410 series processor. While the G4 has a 3,000mAh battery, the G4c’s battery has a capacity of 2,450mAh. Let’s not disregard the fact that a lot of the G4’s extra power on the processor and battery side is to deal with the plethora of pixels on the screen.

At their thickest points, the two phones are virtually the same thickness. There’s about half a millimeter difference between them. But the G4 is clearly bigger in hand, and heavier too. It’s about 9mm taller and more than 6mm wider. The G4c feels much more like a one-handed device than the super-powered flagship. But I have to say, the G4 does look and feel better made. The tell tale sign is in the feel of the buttons when you press them. But then, when you compare the finish of the leather back, the placement and design of the rear-facing loudspeaker grille and the chrome edges, it’s clear which one of these is the more premium device.

The LG G4 has one of the best cameras on the market. It’s 16MP with laser autofocus, OIS, and a dual-tone LED flash. Its smaller sibling has an 8MP, with a single LED flash and no fancy sensors or image stabilization.

Looking at prices for the G4c in the US is a little deceptive, since it goes for roughly the same price as the G4 on Amazon, that’s around $470. In the UK, the price difference is a more accurate representation of the gulf in specs and features. The G4c goes for £217, while the G4 starts at £370 for the plastic model and increases for the leather-backed options.

The real question for the G4c isn’t whether it’s a match for the LG G4, but whether or not it can compete with the newly announced Moto G. Motorola’s device is more widely available, customizable and starts at a lower price point.