Skip to main content

LG G5’s Hi-Fi Plus audio module is like an ammo clip for astounding audio

Making its first appearance here at MWC in Barcelona, the G5 is poised to be a revolutionary leap forward for LG — and smartphones in general. That’s because it’s the first phone from any major brand to introduce a modular design, allowing you to personalize the handset to suit your daily needs. And, as an audioholic, it’s no surprise that the component I’m most excited about is the G5’s new high resolution module, the Hi-Fi Plus with B&O Play, a dedicated chunk of hi-res audio circuitry that can be locked in and out of the bottom of the phone like an ammunition clip.

LG has crafted plenty of audio devices in the past, including its own dedicated multiroom audio system, MusicFlow. But the Hi-Fi Plus has some serious pedigree because it was designed in partnership with high-end audio company Bang & Olufsen. That’s a name that carries real weight in audiophile circles thanks to speakers like the mind-blowing Beolab 90 speakers (priced at a cool $80,000).

There have been other companies that have released smartphones with hi-res audio support in the past but many have been a half-baked effort, while others (like the Sony Xperia) are pretty hard to come by in the United States. The G5’s new module comes with neither of those caveats and plenty of reasons to be excited about this new turn for LG’s flagship phone.

The goods

Modular design aside, the Hi-Fi Plus’ most intriguing features are its 32bit Sabre ES9028C2M DAC (digital to analog converter), and its Sabre9602c amplifier, which will allow the device to playback 24bit/192kHz hi-res tracks. A trusted name in hi-fi, ESS’ Sabre components are in a wide array of high-end receivers and other audio components for brands like Pioneer, Yamaha, and others. That kind of quality circuitry is something audiophiles have been looking for in a smartphone for years.

The system also comes with a headphone upgrade in Bang & Olufsen’s H3 in-ear headphones, which will run you around $200 on their own. That leads us to wonder what it will cost you to buy the module for your G5 — all LG is saying at present is that the pricing will be “reasonable,” but there’s no telling what that will translate to in dollars and cents. Then again, even a modest hi-res portable audio player will usually cost around $500-1,000, so anything under that healthy sum may be worthwhile considering.

Performance

While listening through the provided H3 in-ears, I was relatively impressed with the system — and more enamored with clipping the module in and out of the phone than I’d like to admit.

That kind of quality circuitry is something audiophiles have been looking for in a smartphone for years.

But when I auditioned it through my Westone W40 balanced armature in-ears, things really opened up. Though LG only provided a modest collection of hi-res tracks to audition at the press conference, they sounded wonderful in my short time listening. Bass was rich and full, while drums had a smooth, textured thump that really grabbed hold. The dynamic expression wasn’t mind blowing, but the system offered a crystal clear exposure of the instrumentation, and sparkling details in the vocals that exposed subtle nuances like the soft puff of lip movements in the mic.

It’s hard to give a full endorsement after such a short time with the system — especially when we haven’t seen the price yet. But suffice it to say that, for audio lovers, this is one of the most exciting products to hit smartphones in a long time — who wants to take both phone and a portable audio player along every where they go?

I’m very much looking forward to spending more time with the G5 and its new Hi-Fi Plus module, and even considering looking into it as a possible upgrade. And, as a stalwart iPhone owner, that’s saying something.

Ryan Waniata
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Waniata is a multi-year veteran of the digital media industry, a lover of all things tech, audio, and TV, and a…
4 things Android phones still do better than the iPhone 15
Clockwise from top: natural titanium iPhone 15 Pro, Nothing Phone 2, green iPhone 15, and Obsidian Black Google Pixel Fold.

The Apple iPhone 15 lineup is here, which includes the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The Dynamic Island and USB-C are now available across the lineup, the standard models get a big camera boost to 48MP, the Pros get the new Action button, and the Pro Max even has a fancy new tetraprism telephoto lens for 5x optical zoom.

While all of this sounds impressive, Apple’s iPhone lineup is still behind the competition. Android phones have had some of these features for a while now — and even do some things a lot better.
Faster USB-C charging

Read more
Flash deal gets you an Apple Watch Nike Edition for just $129
The Apple Watch SE 2 with Nike Bounce watch face.

If you’ve got your eye on one of the best smartwatches we feel like you can get something comparable with some big time savings. The Nike Edition of the first generation Apple Watch SE is seeing a massive price drop at Walmart today. This flash deal brings the price down from $279 to just $129, which makes for a total savings of $150. The Apple Watch Nike SE is available in 40mm and 44mm sizes, and Walmart is including free shipping with a purchase.

Why you should buy the Apple Watch SE Nike Edition
When the Apple Watch SE was first released we called it the best Apple Watch for most people. And while a second generation Apple Watch SE has since been released, the original Apple Watch SE still holds up well today. This is particularly true with this Nike Edition model, as it makes the Apple Watch SE comparable with the best fitness trackers. It has the Nike Run Club app built into the watch, allow you to track your workouts and listen to guided runs directly from the watch. You can also listen to music from the Apple Watch Nike SE, as well as choose from exclusive Nike watch faces and bands.

Read more
Does the iPhone 15 have an overheating problem? Here’s what we know
Someone holding the Natural Titanium iPhone 15 Pro Max.

The Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 series have been launched with much fanfare, but it seems that not all users are completely satisfied with the new handsets. Despite the many improvements and new features that come with these phones, users of both the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 have taken to social media to complain about overheating issues.

While this may not be a cause for immediate alarm, it is certainly something that Apple and its team of engineers will need to monitor closely, assuming there is a system-wide problem, which there might not be. The last thing anyone wants is for the new phones to become a safety hazard or for users to suffer damage to their devices.

Read more