On February 21st when LG executives take the stage in Barcelona just hours to the official start of the 2016 Mobile World Congress, it won’t be just the anticipated G5 smartphone being showcased. The company has, in addition to that premium Bluetooth headset, made it clear that it will also not leave behind the budget smartphone.
LG is introducing a new smartphone lineup to join its existing V, G and K lineups: the X lineup.
The strangely-named LG X Cam and LG X Screen will be the first devices in the X lineup that will focus on budget users looking for just either one of two things: a good camera experience or a good-enough screen.
The LG X Cam has 13 and 5-megapixel sensors at the back and another 8-megapixel sensor on the front, as its main standout features. LG calls it the “most advanced camera experience in a mass-tier smartphone.” Whether the device actually lives up to that billing is up to the users to find out when the device eventually hits the market next month.
The LG X Screen, will live up to its name by having its screen as its biggest differentiator from its sibling. Not only is the display noticeably smaller at just 4.93-inches, it is also unique. The LG X Screen has a secondary “Always On” display, a concept borrowed from the premium V10 smartphone released in October last year. The upcoming LG G5 is also expected to have an always-on display if frequent teasers by the company on Facebook are anything to go by.
The secondary display is useful for quickly accessing favourite applications, displaying notifications, checking time, weather and battery status without requiring users to turn on the device.
Here are the specifications of the LG X Cam and the LG X Screen:
| LG X Cam | LG X Screen | |
| Size | 147.5 x 73.6 x 5.2mm~6.9mm | 142.6 x 71.8 x 7.1mm |
| Display | 5.2-inch Full HD |
|
| Processor | 1.14GHz Octa-Core | 1.2GHz Quad-Core |
| Memory |
|
Same |
| Camera |
|
|
| OS | Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | Same |
| Battery | 2,520mAh | 2,300 mAh |
| Network | 3G, LTE | Same |
| Colour | Titan Silver / White / Gold / Pink Gold | White / Indigo / Gold |
Both devices are expected to be available in Europe, Latin America and Asia in March. Pricing details are yet to be revealed.
LG’s efforts to provide devices for every segment of the market and taking into account unique user needs is one of the several means it is employing as its mobile division seeks a return to profitability after not-so-impressive results last year. It also plans to introduce another flagship smartphone other than the G5 this year. Its consolidation of its product lineup has seen the introduction of new lineups like the K lineup and the exit of others like the L lineup which has since been replaced by the K smartphones.
