So It has been a while since I posted anything on my phone collection, I really only have one updated to the collection and that would be the LG V60 which I picked up back in August and I have been using everyday since as a work phone.
I have already had a bit of a soft spot for LG devices as my first proper flagship from Android was a Mi 3… but that was promptly replaced by an LG G3 - a phone I really did love to use but alas it suffered a death fairly early into its live with weird screen glitching.
I was looking to add to my collection but also introduce a work device so I can keep my own device a little more personal and put the work device in the office and leave it on weekends! BUT! I wanted something I could collect and a new a cheap mid range device isn’t all that interesting from a “look how cool this device is” perspective.
I also planned to use the device on a new upcoming network which pretty much requires 5G to get up and running properly so my choices were limited from very new, to newish. It came down to 3 devices when I finished and all of them were from LG
The LG Wing was my first choice but it while its very odd and a weird and offers a cool party trick… it is a little lacking in terms of performance compared to the other two choices.
The LG V50 This one has 5G, is very easy to get hold of WITH the dual screen case but likely anything I get needs a battery swap.. which means I would go down the road of buying a heat gun because I would want to do it myself to ensure I get a decent battery not some junk that works for 3 weeks.
The LG V60 The superior option on paper to both of these, but the dual screen is impossible to get hold of (so far) unless I buy it with the device which doubles the cost.. for some reason?
As the title suggests I went with the LG V60 and managed to pick it up for about $220 USD at the time of writing, it like many others is a T-Mobile variant so as soon as I powered it on I could update it to Android 13.. sadly the last version this phone will see but still at the time I picked it up Android 14 had only been out for 1 month.
Aside from swapping out the launcher for the Microsoft one and disabling a few apps that no longer function (LG World) and no I have not run a de-bloater over the device… I probably should.
The reason I went with the Microsoft launcher over the LG default one came down to only two things so far as I recall, firstly I can blue the wallpaper to my own desire on the homepage and the folders support on top/on swipe options meaning I can default a tap into a folder or when swiped get into the folder…
All that said if I do manage to get an LG V60 dual screen case, I will run right back to the LG launcher and deal with whatever annoyances/lack of customisation that presents itself.
In terms of apps, I have as yet not found an app it stumbles upon, similar story for games it does very well, the DAC is also a nice thing to have but I mostly use wireless earphones even when at home so its a little underused but when I really want to isolate myself and listen to some tunes or a podcast - the DAC does improve sound quality and allow me to use wired headphones.
In addition to being still fairly modern in terms of android version, good DAC, built like a tank (it was dropped day one by a furry fiend) the device is very simple, very easy to use and everything works as expected - battery life however I’m a little unsure on, the way I use it.. it’s an all day device and I have never taken it out and come home with it dead but If I was to use it as I do my home phone … I am not quite sure that all day’ness would still be a thing… and I do want to do a battery swap.. which means I will likely be buying some equipment soon to make that happen.
Camera! everyone wants to know how compares hold up, in a nutshell is it a great snap and go device… no, but if you take the time to frame your shot, check settings yes its just as good as any other device, unless you want to use it at night in which case you may be disappointed.
I have really no concerns with the phone, I do enjoy the phone and the only device I would likely swap this device out for in my collection is the Pixel XL 2, in terms of devices that got old recently that I do not own but would purchase to swap to replace it as a work phone… Samsung Note 10 or 20 … I regret getting the Note 20 Ultra as my main device but as a work device for taking calls, making notes, checking on tasks … would have been great and a very good camera for ‘those situations’
So should you get the LG v60 in 2024 - yes, if you are considering a mid ranger in the $200 range, get the v60, if you are not interested in the latest device but want a decent powerhouse going forward - its perfect. If you want a decent camera without paying over the odds. - yes go for it,
If you want android version above 13, then no, if you need to flex your phone then of course not but as a flagship on a budget - its fantastic and I have no complaints I am curious how long it’ll remain before I give up on it.