The "1-Minute" Review
Verdict
While LG pushes expectations of what display quality to expect in the budget market, it falls short in other more important aspects—such as the camera and overall performance. Due to this, you’re likely better off looking at other options unless you absolutely must have an 18:9 screen on a budget.What's good
- Affordable pricing
- Great display
- Sleek design
- microSD card support
What's bad
- Scratch-prone rear cover
- No fingerprint scanner
- No water/dust resistance
- So-so battery life
- No fast charging
- Inconsistent camera
Dubbed the “Mini LG G6 ” by many reviewers, the Q6 attempts to take much of what make the G6 great and cram it into a smaller, more affordable package. But good budget phones are about making smart compromises—something that LG isn’t always great at.
We see an example of this in the phone’s design. While the metal frame, plastic back, and near-invisible bezels make an attractive-looking phone, reviewers all had problems with scuffs and scratches. If you like a spotless phone, a case is a must.
The front of the phone sports a 5.5-inch LCD panel running at 2160-by-1080. This means it’s a slim, tall phone—much like many of 2017 and 2018’s flagship releases. While the tiny bezels make for a more immersive media experience, some reviewers had trouble finding a good place to hold the phone when using two hands. One-handed use is made easier though thanks to the trim profile of the phone.
The screen offers decent brightness and color. However, some reviewers noted a blue shift to whites, and many mentioned issues with glare and reflections in direct sunlight.
One of the biggest compromises made with the Q6 is the processor. The 1.4Ghz octa-core Snapdragon 435 processor had just enough pep to keep things moving—though many reviewers noticed issues with slow down and stuttering when pushing the phone too hard. It also failed to impress for all but the most casual of games.
LG has released multiple variants of the phone with 2, 3, or 4GB of RAM. If you’re planning on multitasking, having more RAM will help. But, the processor isn’t built for this kind of use.
Storage also depends on the variant you choose. Options range from 16 to 64GB. They all support microSD cards up to 256GB. This offers plenty of space for the average user.
The phone ships with Android 7.1.1 Nougat. We could not find confirmation of future software updates from LG.
The 13MP rear camera with 5MP front-facing lens seem to be a mixed bag. While many reviewers had trouble in both bright outdoor scenes and low-light, others praised it for the detail it captured in moderate indoor lighting. However, the phone’s camera is a barebones affair. You won’t find the optical image stabilization, phase-detection autofocus, or other goodies in some of the competition.
The phone’s 3,000mAh battery would seem a good match for the processor, but the high-resolution display can eat through a charge fairly fast. Reviewers noted that a 90-minute video took as much as 16% of the battery. So if you are media streaming or social app fanatic, you might need to mind your usage to make it a full day. This is aggravated by the lack of rapid charging. A full charge takes nearly an hour and a half.
Ultimately, most reviewers recommended passing on the LG Q6. While it’s not a bad phone, there are better options for the money. GSM Arena says, “In day-to-day use you are bound to notice a few hiccups here and there, the various slowdowns constantly reminding you of the chipset's limitations.” Android Authority summarized thoughts well, saying, “The lack of a fingerprint reader, unimpressive cameras, and other minor issues just make it tough to justify over competing options. Unless you really want a near bezel-less display for a cheap price, you will probably be happier with something else.”
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Ajay Kumar, PC MagazineBrings the stylish tall-and-narrow form factor and a drop-resistant design to the unlocked phone market for an affordable price.
- GSMArenaEven for those who have fallen in love with its modern design, the Q6’s performance may not be anything close to adequate in all scenarios, and unfortunately the same goes for its camera.
- Cameron Faulkner, TechRadarUnofficially titled the “LG G6 mini”, the Q6 is an impressive midrange phone on its own. While it lacks certain flagship features and annoyingly, a fingerprint sensor, the FullVision display and rear-facing camera are stand-out inclusions that you probably won’t find elsewhere for...
- Dean Daley, Mobile SyrupThe LG Q6 is a beautiful device and looks like a modern day flagship, but it doesn't feel like one. During my time with the phone, I was constantly reminded that I was using a mid-range device with its lack of notification light and fingerprint sensor, its over-sharpening camera, its mediocre batter...
- Scott Plowman, AusdroidFor anyone who wants a well designed phone that looks stylish for a small price and isn’t fussed by the occasional bit of lag.
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the LG Q6 user manual here.
LG backs up the Q6 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your Q6 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact LG support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find LG's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- LG Q6 Manual (PDF)
Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.
