The LG Velvet is about to launch in the US, although your choice of carrier will dictate when you can get it.
LG has announced that the Velvet 5G will be available through AT&T on July 22 for $599, or well below the $900 you’d pay for an up-to-the-minute flagship like the V60. However, you’ll have to wait to buy it through T-Mobile or Verizon (disclaimer: this author also writes for Verizon-owned Engadget), both of which will make the Velvet available later this summer. Verizon’s model will offer access to both ultra wideband and low-band 5G.
The phone maker didn’t mention availability of a carrier-independent model through its website, but did say that US customers will get a range of colors including Aurora Grey, Aurora Silver, Aurora Red, and Pink White. Not all carriers will carry the same color options.
The underlying hardware will be the same, at least. LG is focusing on the audiovisual experience with a 6.8-inch, 1080p P-OLED screen and stereo speakers with a sound-enriching 3D Sound Engine. It’s in other areas where LG trims costs. The Velvet is using an upper mid-range Snapdragon 765G chip with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage. The 4,300mAh battery is average for the size. You’ll also find a 48MP primary rear camera, an 8MP wide-angle cam, a 5MP depth sensor, and a 16MP front shooter for selfies.
We found that the phone wasn’t as responsive as high-end phones and had merely adequate camera quality. However, the outstanding display, strong audio quality, and eye-catching design made up for those shortcomings. And at $599, you’re getting quite a lot from a mainstream, 5G-capable smartphone. With that said, the base OnePlus 8 offers faster performance and improved battery life for $100 more — it’s worth considering if your budget has a little more room. You also might want to consider the OnePlus Nord, which undercuts the Velvet, though isn’t readily available in the US.
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