LG G5 in 2024: Still Magical or Just an Old Trick?

Remember the LG G5? The phone with the pull-out chin, the one that promised a future of endless customization through snap-on modules? It landed back in 2016 like a bold, almost sci-fi experiment, a stark departure from the smartphone norms of the time.

Maybe you owned one back in the day, fondly recalling its unique wide-angle camera or the satisfying click of swapping the battery. Perhaps you’re browsing the used market now, eyeing its rock-bottom price tag and wondering if it’s a hidden gem. Or maybe you’re just a tech enthusiast, curious about the fate of one of Android’s most ambitious – and ultimately, flawed – flagships. Whatever your reason, you’re likely asking the same core question: “Is the LG G5 actually usable, let alone worth buying, in 2024 or 2025?”

Let’s take a deep dive. We’ll revisit the G5’s past promises, confront its present-day realities, and determine if this modular maverick still holds any magic, or if it’s simply an interesting relic of smartphone history. We’ll cover everything from its groundbreaking (and controversial) design and versatile camera system to its aging performance, critical software limitations, and notorious hardware quirks.

Rewind to 2016: When the G5 Was the Future (or Tried to Be)

In early 2016, the smartphone landscape was fiercely competitive. LG, facing intense pressure from Samsung and Apple, needed a game-changer. Their answer, unveiled in February and launched globally around April 1st, was the LG G5. It wasn’t just another iteration; it was a radical reinvention.

The Pitch: The G5 combined a premium, all-metal unibody design – a first for LG’s G series – with the high-end specifications expected of a flagship. But the real headline-grabber was its revolutionary modular “Magic Slot”. By pressing a small button and pulling, the entire bottom “chin” of the phone, along with the battery, could be removed and replaced with specialized modules, promising enhanced functionality. This, combined with features like a dual-camera system and a removable battery (a rarity even then), was LG’s bold bet on innovation.

Key Specs & Features (Launch): The G5 arrived packed with competitive hardware for its time:

(Note: Some Latin American markets received a G5 SE variant with a Snapdragon 652 chipset and 3GB RAM)

Initial Reception: The G5 certainly generated buzz, but the reception was immediately polarized. The core innovation – the modularity – was widely praised as ambitious and refreshing. However, the execution drew significant criticism right out of the gate. The phone’s design was frequently described as “bland,” “uninspired,” or even “boring” compared to the sleeker Galaxy S7 or the more characterful, leather-backed G4 it replaced. A major point of contention was the finish; despite being metal, the aluminum body was coated in a thick layer of primer and paint that made it feel disconcertingly like plastic to many reviewers.

Furthermore, early concerns surfaced about the modular implementation itself. Reviewers noted visible gaps between the main body and the removable chin module, raising questions about build quality and long-term durability. The actual process of swapping modules was also flagged as potentially cumbersome.

On the positive side, performance powered by the Snapdragon 820 was generally considered excellent, keeping pace with competitors. The dual-camera system, particularly the novel wide-angle lens, was lauded for its versatility. However, battery life from the relatively small 2800mAh cell was flagged as a potential weakness unless augmented by modules.

The G5 was inevitably compared to the Samsung Galaxy S7, which launched around the same time. The S7 offered a more conventionally premium design, a highly-rated AMOLED display, and water resistance (which the G5 lacked), but didn’t have the G5’s wide-angle camera or removable battery.

This mixed initial reaction highlighted a fundamental tension in LG’s strategy. The company gambled that the radical innovation of modularity would be compelling enough to overlook compromises in design polish and the inherent complexities of the system. However, the immediate criticisms suggested that these compromises were significant, potentially overshadowing the modular benefits for many potential buyers and hinting early on that the “Magic Slot” might struggle to find its audience.

The Curious Case of the “LG Friends”: Modules Demystified

LG dubbed its ecosystem of modular add-ons and companion accessories the “LG Friends”. The core idea was ambitious: allow users to augment the phone’s capabilities for specific tasks – better photography, enhanced audio – without needing an entirely new device. It was a step towards the long-held dream of the customizable phone.

Meet the Modules (and Accessories): While the “Friends” concept was broad, only two were true “modules” that physically integrated via the Magic Slot. Others were standalone peripherals.

The LG Cam Plus aimed to provide a better photography experience with a dedicated grip, physical shutter and zoom controls, and a welcome 1140-1200mAh battery boost. However, reviews found the grip itself wasn’t particularly comfortable or chunky enough, the zoom dial lacked precision, and crucially, it didn’t improve the actual image quality. Its primary redeeming feature was the extra battery life. At around $70-$86, it was deemed underwhelming by many.

The LG Hi-Fi Plus, developed with Bang & Olufsen, was an external 32-bit DAC designed for audiophiles. It promised upscaled, high-resolution audio output and could even function as a standalone DAC for other devices. However, it wasn’t officially released in the US market, carried a hefty price tag (around $250 bundled with B&O earphones), and reviews suggested the audio improvements were subtle and mainly noticeable with high-end headphones and source files. Setup issues were also reported, limiting its appeal to a very niche audience.

The other “Friends,” like the 360 CAM, 360 VR headset, Rolling Bot, and Tone Platinum earbuds, were essentially standalone accessories that connected via USB-C or Bluetooth, rather than utilizing the phone’s signature modular slot.

Why the Dream Died: The G5’s modular system, despite its initial fanfare, quickly fizzled out. Several factors contributed to its failure:

1. Inconvenience: The most critical flaw was the swapping process itself. Because the battery was integrated into the removable chin, swapping any module required powering down the phone completely, waiting for it to reboot, and then potentially reconfiguring settings. This made on-the-fly module switching impractical and time-consuming. The physical act of swapping could also feel fiddly, tight, or precarious.
2. Lack of Compelling Modules: The two core modules available offered limited real-world benefits that didn’t justify their cost or the inconvenience of swapping. They felt more like proofs-of-concept than essential upgrades.
3. Poor Execution & Support: The modules themselves felt somewhat “half-baked” and lacked polish. More importantly, LG failed to release additional compelling modules or foster a strong third-party ecosystem. The concept was effectively abandoned with the launch of the non-modular LG G6 the following year.
4. Cost: The modules represented a significant extra expense on top of an already flagship-priced phone.

The cascade of these execution failures – an inconvenient core mechanism, underwhelming and overpriced initial offerings, and a lack of sustained commitment – meant the modularity never transitioned from a novel gimmick to a genuine value proposition.

Finding “Friends” Today: You can still find modules like the Cam Plus on marketplaces like eBay and Amazon, often for very low prices (under $10-20 in some cases). However, they remain curiosities. Their limited original utility is even less relevant today, making them more collector’s items than practical accessories.

Using the LG G5 in 2024/2025: A Reality Check

So, stripping away the hype and the failed promises of modularity, what’s it actually like using an LG G5 nearly a decade after its launch?

Performance: The Aging Snapdragon 820 In 2016, the Snapdragon 820 paired with 4GB of RAM made the G5 a powerhouse, easily handling the apps and games of its time and competing well against rivals like the Galaxy S7. Fast forward to 2024, and that chip is significantly outdated.

While it can likely still manage basic tasks – browsing, social media, messaging, simple apps – with acceptable speed, don’t expect a smooth experience across the board. Pushing it with demanding modern applications, multitasking heavily, or attempting to play graphically intensive games will likely result in noticeable lag, stuttering, and potentially significant heat generation. Benchmark comparisons show it’s easily surpassed by even modern budget processors like the Snapdragon 750G found in phones like the Moto G 5G. Some long-term user reports mention general slowdowns, keyboard lag, and occasional freezes becoming more common over time. Heat, in particular, seems to be a recurring complaint.

Display: Sharp but Imperfect One area where the G5 holds up reasonably well on paper is screen resolution. Its 5.3-inch Quad HD (1440 x 2560 pixels) IPS LCD panel remains very sharp, boasting a pixel density of around 554 ppi. Text and images still look crisp and detailed.

However, the panel had shortcomings even when new. Reviewers noted its color temperature could lean cool or bluish, and colors lacked the vibrancy and punch of the AMOLED displays found in competitors like the Galaxy S7. Maximum brightness was also a point of criticism, often described as adequate but dimmer than expected for an IPS panel, potentially making outdoor viewing difficult. While contrast ratios were good for an LCD, the overall visual experience might feel somewhat muted compared to modern OLEDs.

The G5 also featured an always-on display mode, showing the time, date, and notification icons when the phone was asleep. Unlike AMOLED implementations, this required lighting up part of the LCD backlight (reportedly the top third), which could make it somewhat distracting in dark environments. It was also criticized for being quite dim and hard to read, especially in bright light, and offered less customization than Samsung’s version. Its power consumption was relatively low, estimated at around 0.8-1% per hour.

A more significant issue that emerged over time is screen ghosting or image retention. Users report faint outlines of previously displayed elements persisting temporarily on the screen, which can be annoying.

Camera: A Tale of Two Lenses The G5’s dual-camera system was a standout feature in 2016. It paired a solid 16-megapixel main sensor (f/1.8 aperture, with optical image stabilization) with an 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor (f/2.4) offering a very wide 135-degree field of view. This setup also included helpful features like laser autofocus and a color spectrum sensor for better accuracy. The front housed an 8-megapixel selfie camera.

At launch, the main camera was considered excellent, capturing sharp, detailed photos with good color reproduction in favorable lighting. The wide-angle lens was widely praised for its unique perspective, allowing users to capture expansive landscapes or fit more into group shots. Camera operation was generally fast, though some comparisons noted its autofocus could occasionally stutter compared to the Galaxy S7.

In 2024, the G5’s camera system is understandably dated but retains some utility. In bright daylight, the 16MP main camera can still produce decent, usable photos suitable for social media. The ultrawide camera remains a fun and genuinely useful feature, offering a perspective still not common on phones in the ultra-budget used category. However, expect significant limitations. Image quality will degrade rapidly in challenging conditions, especially low light, where it will be vastly outperformed by even modern budget smartphones. Dynamic range will be limited, noise reduction less effective, and overall image processing far less sophisticated than current standards. Video capabilities max out at 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. The 8MP selfie camera is merely functional by today’s standards.

Battery: The Achilles’ Heel (with a Silver Lining) Battery life was a concern for the G5 from day one. Its 2800mAh capacity was smaller than many rivals, and benchmark endurance ratings were lower than competitors like the Galaxy S7 or even its predecessor, the G4. Reviews consistently highlighted mediocre or poor battery life, especially without the extra capacity provided by the Cam Plus module. Long-term user reports confirm this, describing short screen-on times and rapid draining under load.

Compounding this, any original battery from 2016 will have significantly degraded by now due to age and charge cycles. Expect abysmal battery performance from a used G5 with its original battery.

However, this is where the G5’s unique design provides its single biggest practical advantage today: the battery is incredibly easy to replace. Thanks to the modular system, swapping in a fresh battery takes seconds – just pop the chin off, slide the old battery out, and slide a new one in. Furthermore, replacement batteries (both OEM BL-42D1F models and third-party options, some claiming higher capacities) are widely available online from retailers like eBay and Amazon, and they are remarkably cheap, often costing between $10 and $25. This ability to easily and affordably restore battery performance is a significant plus point, virtually unique among smartphones from this era or even many modern ones.

Build Quality & Design Longevity: The G5 featured an aluminum frame and back panel, with Gorilla Glass 4 protecting the display. However, as mentioned, the metal was coated in a way that made it feel more like plastic, potentially diminishing the premium feel.

The modular mechanism itself introduces potential long-term durability concerns. The visible gap between the module and the main body, noted even on new units, could potentially worsen with repeated swapping or wear. While some users found the phone surprisingly robust despite drops, the complexity of the design inherently adds more potential points of failure compared to a solid-body phone.

Overall, the G5’s usability in 2024 is a study in compromises. Performance is strictly for basic use. The display is sharp but carries potential flaws in brightness, color, and image retention. The camera system offers a unique wide-angle perspective but is otherwise dated. Battery life is inherently poor but easily and cheaply remedied thanks to the removable design. This swappable battery stands as its most compelling practical feature today, weighed against significant drawbacks elsewhere.

The Software Situation: Stuck in the Past?

Perhaps the most significant hurdle for using the LG G5 today is its software situation.

The End of the Line: Android 8.0 Oreo The LG G5 began life with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow. It received updates over time, eventually landing on Android 8.0 Oreo as its final official operating system version, rolled out in late 2018. LG subsequently confirmed that the G5 (along with the V20) would receive no further OS upgrades or security patches. This means the phone is running software that is now several generations old, missing out on years of Android feature advancements, UI refinements, performance optimizations, and, most critically, security updates. The last security patch level for most models dates back to mid-to-late 2018.

App Compatibility: A Ticking Clock? For now, many popular applications available on the Google Play Store likely still function on Android 8. Developers often maintain backward compatibility for several OS versions. Basic functionalities like messaging, calendars, and media playback should generally work, and some specific services might still list compatibility.

However, this compatibility is not guaranteed to last. Google requires developers to target newer Android API levels for their apps to remain fully available and updated, especially for users on newer Android versions. As time goes on, more developers will likely cease support for older operating systems like Android 8 to reduce development complexity, leverage newer OS features, or meet security requirements.

Users may increasingly encounter apps that refuse to install, fail to receive updates, or lose functionality over time. Anecdotal reports already mention issues with apps like YouTube, and even core apps like Google Chrome have shown compatibility warnings or failures on Android 8/9 devices. Modern apps relying heavily on the latest OS integrations or security protocols might not work correctly or at all. While the Snapdragon 820 is a 64-bit chip, broader compatibility issues related to outdated OS versions are the primary concern.

Security Risks: The Elephant in the Room This is the most serious consequence of the outdated software. Running an operating system that hasn’t received security patches since 2018 leaves the LG G5 dangerously vulnerable to known security exploits that have been discovered and patched in newer Android versions. Using the G5 for any sensitive activities – such as online banking, shopping, accessing work email, or storing private photos and data – carries a significant and inadvisable risk.

The Custom ROM Lifeline (For Experts Only) For the technically adventurous, there was a potential workaround. LG initially supported bootloader unlocking for certain G5 models, which allowed users to install custom ROMs – alternative versions of Android developed by the community. Projects like LineageOS brought newer Android versions (reportedly up to Android 13) to the G5, offering updated features and security patches.

However, this path is fraught with challenges. Firstly, LG shut down its official developer website for bootloader unlocking codes in late 2021, making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to unlock the bootloader on a G5 that wasn’t unlocked before the shutdown. Secondly, installing custom ROMs requires significant technical expertise and carries the risk of bricking the device. Furthermore, custom ROMs might introduce their own bugs or instability, and often lack support for manufacturer-specific features like LG’s camera app or specialized audio enhancements. This is a niche solution suitable only for experienced enthusiasts, not a practical option for the average user.

The reality is stark: the LG G5 is stuck on an old, unsupported, and insecure version of Android. While many apps might limp along for a while longer, the declining compatibility and, more importantly, the gaping security vulnerabilities severely limit the phone’s practical usefulness, especially for anyone prioritizing safety and reliability.

Warning Signs: Common LG G5 Ailments

Beyond the software limitations, prospective buyers of a used LG G5 must be aware of several well-documented hardware issues that plagued the device. Buying one today is essentially entering a reliability lottery.

The Infamous GPS Failure: One of the most widely reported problems is poor GPS performance. Users described the GPS struggling to acquire a satellite lock, frequently losing the signal, or being wildly inaccurate. This rendered navigation apps unreliable for many.

The cause was consistently identified as a hardware flaw, specifically related to poor electrical contact between the GPS antenna points on the main phone body and the corresponding points on the removable chin module. Wear and tear, or perhaps manufacturing tolerances, could lead to these contacts not mating properly. Some reports also linked the issue to the combined Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module housed within the chin section.

While some users attempted DIY fixes involving cleaning the contacts or inserting shims to improve pressure, these required disassembly and weren’t guaranteed solutions. LG could repair affected units under warranty, but this is no longer relevant. A used G5 carries a significant risk of having this defect with no straightforward fix available. (An unusual suggestion involved removing the SD card, but this was widely disputed and likely coincidental).

Screen Ghosting / Image Retention: As mentioned earlier, temporary image persistence, often called ghosting or burn-in (though technically retention on LCDs), is another common complaint. Faint outlines of static UI elements or previously viewed images can remain visible for a period. This seems to be an inherent characteristic of the G5’s specific IPS display panel, possibly aggravated by heat. While generally temporary and more of an annoyance than a critical failure, it can detract from the viewing experience. Software tweaks using KCAL adjustments (requiring root access) were reported by some users to mitigate the effect.

Reliability Roulette: Bootloops & Other Gremlins: LG’s reputation took a major hit from widespread bootloop issues on models like the G4 and V10, often attributed to faulty soldering or component connections failing under thermal stress. While the G5 wasn’t as notorious as the G4, it was included in class-action lawsuits related to these defects and users definitely reported experiencing bootloops or similar failures.

Relatedly, some G5 owners experienced random reboots, often coinciding with the phone becoming excessively hot. This could stem from degraded batteries, but might also point to the same underlying motherboard instability or heat dissipation issues linked to bootloops.

Other reported hardware gremlins include intermittent Wi-Fi connectivity, camera app crashes, keyboard lag, and even physical button failures like the volume rocker ceasing to work.

The takeaway is clear: the LG G5 demonstrated a higher-than-average propensity for hardware failures stemming from its design and manufacturing. Purchasing a used model means accepting a significant gamble on its long-term reliability, particularly concerning the GPS functionality.

LG G5 vs. The World (of Budget Phones)

How does the LG G5 stack up against other options you might consider in 2024/2025, both from its own era and against current budget offerings?

Blast from the Past: Era Competitors (Used Market)

• vs. Samsung Galaxy S7: Often seen as the G5’s main rival in 2016. The S7 offered a more refined glass-and-metal design, a superior AMOLED display, water resistance, and arguably more polished software. Performance was comparable (both used Snapdragon 820 in many regions), and the main camera was excellent, though it lacked the G5’s wide-angle lens. The S7’s major drawbacks compared to the G5 were its non-removable battery (now likely heavily degraded) and lack of a microSD card slot in some variants initially (though later added). Reliability might be slightly better, but it’s still an old phone. Both are stuck on Android 8 officially.
• vs. Google Pixel (1st Gen): Google’s first Pixel offered a cleaner Android experience with longer software support (up to Android 10), and its camera, powered by Google’s HDR+ processing, was widely considered best-in-class for the time. It also had an AMOLED display. However, performance was similar (Snapdragon 821 vs 820), it lacked a microSD card slot, and its battery was non-removable and relatively small. The G5 wins on storage flexibility and battery replaceability.

Modern Contenders: New Budget Phones (~$150-250)

• vs. Moto G Series (e.g., Moto G 5G / Power): A typical modern budget phone like a recent Moto G offers substantial advantages. You’ll get vastly superior battery life (often 5000mAh+ vs. the G5’s 2800mAh), a much newer version of Android (Android 13 or 14 vs. 8) with guaranteed future updates and security patches, and potentially smoother everyday performance thanks to newer, more efficient (even if mid-range) chipsets. They might also include features like higher refresh rate displays. The G5, however, retains advantages in raw screen resolution (QHD vs. typically FHD+), the unique ultrawide camera, the IR blaster, and, of course, the removable battery. Build quality might also feel more substantial on the G5’s metal frame compared to budget plastic constructions.
• vs. Samsung Galaxy A Series (Entry-Level): Similar trade-offs apply here. New entry-level Galaxy A phones provide modern software, long update support, and good battery life within a contemporary design. However, they typically feature lower resolution displays (FHD+ or even HD+), less versatile camera systems (though image processing might be decent), plastic builds, and non-removable batteries.

Table: LG G5 (Used, 2024) vs. Competitors (Simplified)

The comparison makes it clear: the LG G5’s unique selling points from 2016 have largely diminished or become irrelevant. The modularity failed, performance is dated, and while the main camera was good, it’s easily surpassed now. Its primary remaining practical advantages over both similarly priced used flagships and new budget phones are the easily replaceable battery and the ultrawide camera. However, when weighed against the massive disadvantages in software support, security, reliability, and out-of-the-box battery life compared to new budget alternatives, these niche benefits are unlikely to tip the scales for most users.

The Verdict: Is the LG G5 Still Worth Your Money in 2024/2025?

We’ve journeyed back to the G5’s ambitious launch, dissected its flawed modular dream, evaluated its current-day performance and software status, and confronted its alarming hardware reliability issues. Now, it’s time for the final judgment.

Pros & Cons Summary:

Who SHOULD Consider the LG G5 Today?

• The Tinkerer/Hobbyist: Someone who genuinely enjoys experimenting with older, unique technology. They understand and accept the inherent risks, might be capable of attempting DIY repairs or navigating the complexities of custom ROMs (if they can even unlock the bootloader), and values the phone’s historical significance or novelty over practical daily use.
• The Collector: An individual specifically seeking out examples of early modular smartphone attempts or quirky Android devices for a collection.
• The Ultra-Budget Battery Swapper: This is a very specific, narrow niche. If your absolute, number one, non-negotiable priority is having a user-replaceable battery in an Android phone for under $100, and you are willing to accept every single other compromise – outdated and insecure software, high risk of hardware failure, sluggish performance, mediocre display – then the G5 might technically fit the bill. You must factor in the immediate cost of a replacement battery.

Who Should DEFINITELY Look Elsewhere?

• Average Smartphone Users: Anyone needing a phone for reliable daily communication, apps, and services. The G5 is simply too unreliable and outdated.
• Security-Conscious Users: The lack of security updates since 2018 makes it unsuitable for handling any sensitive data or online accounts.
• Users Needing Good Battery Life (Out of the Box): It requires immediate battery replacement to be usable for more than a short period.
• Gamers or Power Users: The Snapdragon 820 cannot keep up with modern demands.
• Anyone Expecting a Polished, Hassle-Free Experience: The potential for hardware issues, software limitations, and general sluggishness makes the G5 the antithesis of a smooth experience.

Final Recommendation:

The LG G5 stands as a fascinating monument to ambition in the smartphone world. It dared to be different, offering a glimpse into a modular future that, ultimately, failed to materialize due to flawed execution.

Today, it’s primarily a tech curio. While the incredibly low used prices and the undeniable appeal of an easily swappable battery might tempt a few, the reality is harsh. The severely outdated Android 8 operating system poses significant security risks and growing app compatibility issues. The well-documented hardware failures, particularly the crippling GPS problems, make buying one a substantial gamble. Performance is sluggish by modern standards, and the modular system it was built around is now little more than a historical footnote.

For these reasons, the LG G5 is impossible to recommend for most people in 2024 or 2025. It’s a high-risk purchase with significant drawbacks that overwhelmingly outweigh its few remaining niche advantages. Unless you fall into the very specific categories of tinkerer, collector, or someone who values battery swapping above literally everything else, your money is far, far better invested in a reliable, secure, and capable modern budget smartphone. The G5’s magic, sadly, has faded.

Join the Conversation!

Are you still rocking an LG G5 in 2024? How’s it holding up for you? Did you ever buy into the “Friends” modules, and what was your experience? Share your stories, tips, or any lingering questions you have about buying a used LG G5 in the comments below! We’d love to hear from fellow enthusiasts and those brave enough to keep this modular relic alive.