Despite rumors that hinted otherwise, the LG G6 Mini doesn’t exist, and instead LG has launched the LG Q6, a smaller version of the excellent LG G6 released earlier this year. It is, in all but name, exactly what we would have expected an LG G6 Mini to be. That means a smaller screen, lower specs, and a more affordable price, too. LG has made three different versions of the LG Q6, all split by the amount of internal storage space and RAM they offer.
It’s the screen that will make you want to buy the Q6. Like the G6, it minimizes the bezels around it for a sleek, really modern style that LG calls FullVision. On the Q6 it measures 5.5-inches and has an unusual 2,160 x 1,080 pixel resolution — described as FHD+ — that’s longer than the standard 1,920 x 1,080 pixels we’re used to seeing on a midrange phone screen. The reason is the elongated 18:9 aspect ratio of the Q6’s screen, just like on the G6.
This makes watching some videos a really immersive, full-screen experience. Check out some of Netflix’s most recent original shows, such as Daredevil, for evidence, as there are no black bars around the screen. We love it on the G6, and the prospect of a cheaper phone providing a comparable experience is really enticing. Handling the phone and comparing it to the LG G6, the bezels around the sides of the bright and colorful screen appear slightly larger on the Q6.
Compact size, premium feel
The 8.1mm body is thicker than the G6, and the phone is lightweight at 149 grams. The chassis is aluminum, and the brushed metal effect on the curved-edge plastic rear panel has a high quality finish. But it’s the dimensions of the phone that impress, and make the phone really comfortable to hold. It’s 142mm long and 69mm wide, with a 5.5-inch screen. The OnePlus 5 has the same size display, yet is 155mm long and 74mm wide. The Q6 is very compact, even with a large screen.
The 18:9 aspect ratio also means the screen can be split into two perfect squares, which LG uses to its advantage in the LG UX 6.0 user interface, particularly in its Square Camera widget.
Square Camera previews pictures while shooting them, makes cool collages, and perfectly crops pictures for sharing them on Instagram. It’s paired with a 13-megapixel rear camera, and a 5-megapixel wide-angle selfie camera. The G6’s wide-angle rear camera isn’t featured on the G6, but selfie fans will get to enjoy a 100-degree lens on the front, for fitting more people into the final image. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor powers the phone, and a 3,000mAh battery is inside, with Android 7.1.1 hidden underneath the LG UX 6.0 interface. It was smooth and fast when we navigated through the operating system. Google Assistant is on board, along with NFC for Android Pay.
While it’s obvious the Q6 costs less than half the price of the G6, it’s still a desirable little phone, mainly due to the pretty screen which puts one of 2017’s must-have phone features into the hands of those without the budget for a G6 or Samsung Galaxy S8. It’s compact, powerful enough for basic everyday use, isn’t expensive, yet still has a premium look to it. We like that combination.
Where to buy an LG Q6
There are three Q6 models from which to choose. The regular Q6 comes with 32GB of storage space and 3GB of RAM, and will be sold in black, white, ice platinum, or terra gold. It’s joined by the Q6+ with 64GB/4GB, and the Q6ɑ (making it the Q6 alpha, rather than the Q6 A) with 16GB/2GB. The Q6+ comes in black, ice platinum, or marine blue, while the Q6ɑ substitutes the blue for terra gold.
The LG Q6 is available to buy in the United Kingdom now, where it costs 250 British pounds without a contract through Carphone Warehouse. Although we weren’t quite sure at the outset how long customers outside Asia would have to wait to receive the Q6, LG has stated the device will arrive in the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. The news comes from SlashGear, and is accompanied by another report from leaker Roland Quandt that the Q6 will land in Germany specifically on August 21 at a price of 349 euros. LG has said it will reveal release dates and prices for each territory independently on a local basis, so stay tuned. Asia was the first to see the Q6 when it was released in August.
LG says the Q6 is the first device in its Q series, so we should look out for more models in the future.
Update: Added in some general impressions of the LG Q6.
