Tried LG Velvet, Slim and Pretty... Price Is a Bit Disappointing

First Impressions of LG Velvet Released on the 15th: "Slim and Beautiful"
Large Screen Operable with One Hand... Reduced Camera Bump
Useful Video Features but Lacks Optical Image Stabilization
Over 300,000 KRW More Expensive Than Cost-Effective Models

The LG Velvet features a 20.5:9 aspect ratio, making the width longer and providing a more immersive experience when watching videos or playing games.

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] The first impression of the LG Velvet is that it is pretty and sleek. Despite its large 6.8-inch screen, the thickness is slim. Thanks to the gently curved '3D Arc Design' on the left and right edges, it can be easily operated with one hand. The core feature of the LG Velvet, the raindrop camera, has lenses embedded in glass except for the main camera part. Compared to the induction design, the inconvenience of the camera bump causing one side to lift has disappeared.

The LG Velvet's aspect ratio is 20.5:9, which makes the horizontal screen longer when laid sideways, enhancing immersion when watching videos or playing games. It is equipped with Qualcomm's 5G chipset, the Snapdragon 765, which has been criticized for its lower performance relative to price. However, when running high-definition racing games, it operates smoothly without buffering. Instead of the high-quality audio chip 'Quad DAC,' a hallmark of LG phones, it includes AI sound that optimizes audio for content and stereo speaker functionality.

Features specialized for video shooting are useful for those who enjoy social networking services (SNS) like YouTube or Instagram. When the reporter turned on the 'Voice Out Focus' function that blocks external noise at Hongjecheon, adjacent to a basketball court and a road, the sound of the ball bouncing or car noise was barely audible while recording video. The 'Time Lapse' function, which speeds up the video, can adjust playback speed from 5x to 60x, allowing videos to be recorded at the desired speed.

LG Velvet Aura Gray Front and Back

A close-up photo of Gyeongui Line Forest Park (left) and a flowerpot (right) taken with the LG Velvet

The camera is equipped with a main camera (48MP), ultra-wide camera (8MP), and depth camera (5MP). It captures nearby objects in more detail and blurs the background for portrait photos. Since there is no telephoto camera, digital zoom supports up to 10x only. There is no optical image stabilization (OIS), so shaking occurs when zooming in to shoot distant videos. Instead, LG explains that it compensates for this drawback by including digital image stabilization (EIS) and a 'Steady Cam' function that reduces shaking by correcting the angle of the video.

The 3D Arc Design is an essential element for achieving a slim design but can be divisive. This is because it increases the risk of display damage and the curved screen somewhat interferes with immersion. Samsung Electronics has recently been easing the curvature of its edges as well. The LG Velvet is a suitable alternative for those who prioritize design and enjoy internet, videos, and SNS. The price is 899,800 KRW. It is cheaper than premium products priced in the low to mid 1 million KRW range but more than 300,000 KRW more expensive than recent cost-effective mid-range models.

The previous model was equipped with the Snapdragon 855, but the Velvet uses the Snapdragon 765. Perhaps for this reason, it received lower scores in Geekbench performance tests compared to the iPhone SE 2nd generation or Galaxy A series. It is also disappointing that accessories such as the LG smartphone's strengths like the 'Dual Screen' and Wacom stylus pen are not provided by default.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.