LG's latest smartphone isn't trying to compete with Apple and Samsung

When it comes to smartphones, LG has typically tried to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Apple and Samsung, positioning its devices as worthy alternatives to top-of-the-line flagships. As most of us know, that didn't work out.

While top-tier LG smartphones have been host to plenty of interesting ideas such as second-screen accessories, leather backs, modular parts, and more, the mass market has never been too interested in dropping top dollar on them.

This makes the LG Velvet all more the more interesting. Instead of competing directly with the smartphone world's top dogs, the Velvet is more of a "semi-premium" affair. While the phone has its share of high-end features like water-resistance and wireless charging, these are balanced out by a mid-tier processor and a lower resolution screen than you'd find on some rivals.

Key specifications include a 6.8-inch 1080p+ display, a 5G-ready Snapdragon 765 processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage, and a 4,300mAh battery. On the back you'll find three cameras: a 48MP primary lens, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro lens.

Local pricing and availability have yet to be confirmed, but the LG Velvet will cost ?899,800 in South Korea. That translates to just over $1,100 at current exchange rates. For the Velvet to make a proper impact locally, we'd love to see it come in under $1,000. If LG can draw a clear line in the sand between in it and its traditional rivals, it might just have a fighting chance.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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