LG took a unique approach to foldable smartphones with its LG G8X ThinQ. While Samsung and Huawei were looking at flexible screens that could unfold to turn a smartphone into a tablet, LG simply slapped on a case with a second display to double the screen real estate you get. This had a few advantages, such as cost saving and the lack of a complex mechanism which made the G8X ThinQ a lot less delicate than folding phones. Now, the company has taken this approach yet again with the LG Velvet, also known as the LG Velvet 4G in international markets. The Velvet is a little different from the LG G8X ThinQ, which it’s inspired by, but does it offer the same kind of value? Check out my review to find out.

LG Velvet design
The LG Velvet has a bigger primary screen than the LG G8X ThinQ (Review). It measures 6.8 inches and has a taller 20.5:9 aspect ratio, which makes the LG Velvet tall but narrow. As a result, holding this smartphone isn’t a problem but reaching the top of the display definitely is. The Velvet is relatively thin, measuring 7.9mm in thickness, and light, tipping the scales at 180g. Its display curves around the sides, reminding me of some Samsung Galaxy S series smartphones. The back is curved at the edges as well. The frame of the device is made of metal and is thin on the sides. The LG Velvet does feel premium, overall.

The LG Velvet sports a dewdrop notch that houses a 16-megapixel selfie camera

The bezels on the LG Velvet are quite thin but the presence of a dewdrop notch is surprising considering that hole-punch displays are the flavour of the season. You do get an in-display CMOS fingerprint sensor. It is well-positioned, making it easy to unlock the smartphone. I quite like the button placement on the LG Velvet – the power button is on the right side while the volume buttons and the dedicated Google Assistant button are on the left, and they’re all easy to reach. The SIM tray is on the top along with the secondary microphone, whereas the USB Type-C port, loudspeaker, and 3.5mm headphone jack are at the bottom.