LG V30 Review: The Best Video Phone (With One Big Exception)

LG didn’t do itself any favors by waiting until October to release its V30 smartphone in the US, after first announcing it back in August. But it’s telling that, in the intervening weeks, I haven’t been able to go a day without someone on Twitter asking for an ETA on my LG V30 review. This is a smartphone that’s got people stoked.

Part of that is the natural demand for an underdog alternative to Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8, or curiosity about how much of the V30’s DNA made it into the LG-made Google Pixel 2 XL. But comparing the V30 to either of those competitors misses the point. The V30 isn’t just LG’s higher-end model for the fall; it’s one of the only three smartphones in recent memory designed specifically for shooting near-professional-quality mobile video. (The other two were its immediate predecessors, the LG V10 and V20.)

The V30 packs updates to the styling and specs of its forerunners, while tossing in more cinematography features like in-camera color grading and support for the Cine-Log format. It also brings its own version of the super-wide-angle dual-camera system that kept the LG G6 in my pocket for much of this year, and includes a 32-bit Hi-Fi DAC and 3.5mm headphone jack for the audiophiles in the audience. But with a price point starting at $800 and a selfie camera that falls far behind the quality of the primary shooter, will the LG V30 be able to live up to the hype created by its long road to release? Check out MrMobile’s LG V30 review to find out, and then hit up Android Central's LG V30 Review for the deep dive!

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[ABOUT THE LG V30 REVIEW]

MrMobile's LG V30 Review was produced following seven weeks with a pre-production LG V30 review unit, and ten days with a production-ready LG V30 review unit, both provided by LG. The retail unit was an AT&T branded LG-H931 tested in Greater Boston and New York City, paired with an LG Watch Sport.

Some footage courtesy Alex Dobie/Android Central.

[EXTERNAL REFERENCES]

LG V30 Review [Android Central]:

LG V30 Review [Android Police]:

[MUSIC]

“Home Organ” by Zach Nicita, available at Premium Beat:

“Boosted” by Cymatix, available at Premium Beat:

[SOCIALIZE]

[DISCLOSURE]

[TheMrMobile]

Hey y'all! Lots I wasn't able to cover in this review due to timing, etc. BUT if you have followup V30 questions that I didn't get to in the video, reply to this comment! I'll be hanging out for about an hour after upload and I'll answer what questions I can.

EDIT: Hey that was fun! Will duck back in as I can but thanks for all the questions. Also: weird how YouTube can't figure out something as simple as threaded replies, innit?

[walterclements]

The review that made me buy the V30... It's on its last legs now but I enjoyed every second of it. Thank you, Michael :)

[Kable]

The LG V30 *headphone jack* is the greater insult to Apple and Google's self-esteem.

[shawnorjiakor]

V30 is a audiophile's dream as well. It's too hard to pick a phone these days.

[ValenNitto]

Michael Fisher *puts second earphone in*

[twopercentgaming]

Thank you for another phenomenal review! The main reason you're my favorite tech reviewer is how skilled you are in writing. I just love listening to the reviews of new tech, and I'm greatful for your skillful and comprehensive script writing.

[AsdfnikosCy]

I'm a simple man. I see Mr Mobile has uploaded a video, I stop whatever im doing and I watch the video..

[TTI]

Was feeling stressed out, feeling calm after watching your video. Your videos are so amazing that I watch reviews of phones /gadgets that I know are too expensive or not available. Love your videos!❤️

[EnglishDanReviews]

The V30 selfie cam... Is still better than the Essential dual Camera lol

[hmohsin]

Sometimes one gets so lost amidst the eloquent and flent delivery of your talk that one has to watch the video all over again... This time just to focus on the video content now... 4 years of following you... Amazing bro

[joshuamawango]

Hi Mr Fisher, i like your journalism, it's on point 👌👌

[ignaciorodriguez]

That moment when Michael asks you to subscribe even though you've been subscribed since MrMobile's inception

[vinnieti]

Nice review. Got my V30 2 weeks ago, upgraded from HTC 10 due to an unfortunate drop. I'm happy with the V30 so far but did notice the shutter lag when shooting in RAW. I'm glad I'm not the only one, I didn't read much about camera app performance on other reviews.

[El-Scorcho]

I appreciate that you always mention call quality in your reviews. It's, ironically, an overlooked aspect of phones these days. Most reviews don't cover them!

[RUS-dvsm]

I think the problem with the front facing camera is the physical space. It is very difficult to put a big camera sensor and large lens aperture in this limited space on the top bezel...

[KrishnaChaitanya]

I love the way how tell a compelling story in your reviews.. it’s more like a movie, a short one though with as much info in a crisp video.. 👌🏼👍🏼

[beanie]

Yet another on point review MR MOBILE always reccomend customers come watch your reviews as I work in a phoneshop and can't wait to see your mate 10 pro review . Feels like the mate 10 pro review is ages away though

[AndrewSchuld]

My subscription to PocketNow left with Mr. Mobile and ended up on his channel immediately. His videos are simply the best and I am constantly left scratching my head as to why he's not up to a million subscribers yet. This was another EXCELLENT review Michael

[bryans]

Honestly I think that the LG V30 is one of the best Android phones, if not the best. I used the Note 8 for awhile, but it is pretty heavy and the battery never got me through a whole day. The LG V30 battery keeps on surprising me as it's holding out through the day with incredible Screen on time. The video that this phone can do is amazing. One thing you didn't mention was the Haptic feedback and how good it is!

[hamartime]

I love this guy. Anytime he uploads any kind of content, you can bet your bottom dollar you are getting a QUALITY video review! Fascinating...