The LG G5 is not just any phone, it's the first smartphone with interchangeable modules that arrives on the market. But it seems it won't be the last, and it will probably be the beginning of the modular mobilesAnd there are several compelling reasons which leads us to believe that this will be the case.
The start of a modular mobile
First of all, let's be realistic and say that the modularity of the LG G5 isn't exactly revolutionary in its initial version. After all, it's about... the lower unit can be replaced for other reasons, and that ports have been enabled so the smartphone can have additional functions. This is in addition to LG I didn't want to give up the removable battery, something increasingly less common in unibody metal bodies.
It's the first modular phone; we weren't expecting to be able to replace components like the screen or the processor, were we? But oh well, at least it's the first commercial modular smartphone, and a small advance that opens the door to new categories of accessories and a different way of understanding hardware.
There will be more modular phones from LG
The news mainly concerns LG, as the head of design for the LG G5, Lee Jung-Moon, has confirmed that they will be coming. More modular smartphones in the style of the LG G5And these phones don't necessarily have to be high-end; they can also be mid-range phones. This means that modular smartphones won't be available only to users who buy the most expensive phones, but also to those who buy cheaper phones.
This broad-range approach makes sense when we think about an ecosystem of accessories that They add value across the board.By extending compatibility to several product families, LG isn't just selling a phone: it's promoting a catalog of modules that can accompany you when you change phones without needing to reinvest in everything.
Compatible modules?
From here, questions begin to arise whose answers won't be available until these new phones are launched. One of them could be: will the LG G5's modules be compatible with those of this supposed new mid-range modular phone? Because if so, LG would be achieving create a parallel product line to smartphones that have their own market. LG G5 users who have a module could sell it to a user with a mid-range phone, for example, if they've realized they don't use it or find it useful.
Actually, that would be the most logical thing to do. LG has introduced new SDK and HDKSoftware and hardware development platforms for these modules exist, so it's very likely that the module development guides have established standards that will allow the modules, currently only compatible with the LG G5, to be used in other smartphones in the future. In fact, the Bang & Olufsen Hi-Fi audio moduleFor example, it can be used with other mobile phones. It doesn't fit perfectly with other smartphones, but it can be used. Something similar, though much more advanced, could happen with LG phones.
In this way, a new section would be created in the world of mobile phones, the modular peripheralsWhat if the The camera is a peripheral device. What if you could switch phones? A photographer could have a top-of-the-line 23-megapixel camera and use it on any phone they wanted. They might have spent a considerable amount of money on the camera module and then use a mid-range smartphone because they don't want to use it for playing video games, for example.
Samsung and modular mobiles
To this we should still add one last thing, and that is that there has been talk about the possibility that Samsung will also launch something similar to a modular phone. Samsung is the world's largest mobile phone manufacturer. Thanks to that, they can design and manufacture any phone they want. They have the ability to release a phone that imitates iPhones and another that imitates LG, while also having a phone with its own unique personality. And it wouldn't be surprising if Samsung is already working on some kind of modular phone, in case LG's strategy is more successful than expected. If so, it wouldn't just be one company with modules, but two.
And to take it a step further, we could talk about a future module platform adapted to Androidwhich is what it was Project AraPerhaps you can't fully modularize a mobile phone, but you can modularize some of its components, like the camera or speakers. If these modules were a Google standard for Android, Samsung could manufacture its own modules, LG its own, and Sony its own, and they could even be compatible with each other across different smartphones. This future seems much more complex, because manufacturers will try to make the accessories exclusive to their phones. Perhaps Google should have launched its modular phone before LG to avoid this, but regardless, modular modules are already a reality, and they may play a very important role in the future.
How the LG G5 modular system works
The key to the G5 is its “Magic Slot” lowerA robust tab prevents accidental release: pressing it extracts the base module along with the battery. The locking system is secure, although it requires some effort. forceful closing so that it fits perfectly.
An important detail regarding real-world use is that Each module change triggers a restart. of the terminal. There is no secondary internal battery to keep the system active during the swap, which limits the idea of ​​swapping modules on the fly.
When you install a compatible module, the G5 detects it and adjusts its software accordingly. fast and quite transparentIn addition, the modules replicate the microphone, speaker, and charging port, so the phone It does not lose functions when they are coupled.
Available modules and real-world experience
LG launched its modular proposal with two main options aimed at improving the multimedia experience:
- LG Hi-Fi Plus (B&O): Audio module with 32-bit DAC and dedicated amplifier. It is designed for those looking for hi-fi sound with demanding headphones, and can also be used as an external DAC with other devices.
- LG Cam Plus: photographic grip that provides physical controls (shooting, video, zoom wheel and camera power) and Additional 1.200 mAh to compensate for intense photo and video sessions.
In practice, the Cam Plus improves grip and allows for safer one-handed shooting. The zoom wheel is not optical, but rather... switches between the two sensors and it applies digital zoom. Part of its charm is quick access to the wide-angle lens.
There's room for improvement: the video button is small and very close to the shutter release; also, the camera power button could be in a more accessible position. 100% one-handed useEven so, integration with the system is simple and stable.
Regarding cost, the modules fall within a range that may be high for some usersespecially when compared to traditional, non-modular accessories. The value lies in the integration and the addition of features without cables or dongles.
The LG Friends ecosystem and other accessories
LG expanded the concept with its "Friends" family, not all of which are physically dockable, but all designed to expand phone usage:
- LG 360 Cam: External camera for 360 photos and video controlled from the G5. Records in 2K, includes its own battery and expandable storage via microSD, and facilitates share immersive content on supported platforms.
- Rolling Bot: sphere with an 8 MP camera that can be used as surveillance device or entertainment, controlled from your mobile phone.
- Energy solutions: options for carrying a second battery pack or bases that allow extend autonomy without being physically connected to the mobile phone at all times.
The strategy makes sense if the "Friends" catalog expands with truly distinctive offerings. Otherwise, the modular system risks becoming stagnant. niche curiosities versus universal accessories.
Screen, cameras and multimedia
The LG G5 opts for a Quantum IPS display 5,3-inch screen with QHD resolution. high sharpness and good blacks for an IPS display, with competent outdoor visibility thanks to automatic brightness boost when direct light hits it.
Includes the mode Always OnIt keeps part of the screen on to display the time, date, and notifications, using very little power by activating only the necessary pixels. It's practical and configurable, and doesn't significantly impact daily battery life.
The 8MP front camera handles selfies and video calls well, and LG's photo software integrates manual controls, creative modes and a smooth transition between the standard and wide-angle sensors.
In terms of sound, the device features a powerful speaker and support. aptX HD via Bluetooth and, depending on the configuration, an infrared port for controlling devices. The experience is significantly improved with the Hi-Fi Plus module if you prioritize listening with high-impedance headphones.
Performance, battery and charging
The heart of the G5 combines a Snapdragon 820 with 4GB of RAM and 32 GB of expandable storage via microSD (up to very high capacities), offering smooth performance in apps, games and multitasking, without stability issues.
The 2.800 mAh battery is removable thanks to the modular design, allowing you to bring spare parts Or you can use the Cam Plus for an extra 1.200 mAh. Fast charging via USB-C 3.1 speeds up charging times and makes intensive use more bearable.
One important point: the G5 is not WaterproofThis compromise stems from its modular design and removable battery. In return, it offers a level of power versatility and repairability that is no longer common in metal bodies.
In the design, LG moved the volume buttons to the side and kept the power button at the back. fingerprint reader Integrated. The sensor is fast and requires no pressing; simply place your finger on it, even with the screen locked.
The LG G5 marked a turning point: a high-end smartphone that He opted for modules Without sacrificing key features, with a versatile screen, a truly useful dual camera, and solid performance. The challenge lies in consolidating a rich and compatible ecosystem that makes modules more than just curious accessories, and that encourages more manufacturers to join in so that the modular market takes off.
