Overview

When LG released the G8S ThinQ in mid-2019, it was pitched as a slightly more accessible variation of the main G8 flagship, retaining core high-end features while adjusting screen dimensions and camera hardware. Built around the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 platform and a 6.21-inch G-OLED display, it launched during a transition period for smartphone design—pairing traditional rear fingerprint sensors and 3.5mm headphone jacks with experimental front-facing Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors for hand gesture controls.

From a modern perspective, the LG G8S ThinQ represents an interesting legacy device. Though LG officially exited the mobile phone market, the G8S received updates through Android 12 before reaching software end-of-life. For current owners or those considering one on the secondary market, you can check full specifications and original hardware details on the LG G8S ThinQ device page.

Design and build

The LG G8S ThinQ adheres to the classic glass-sandwich formula of its era, utilizing Gorilla Glass 5 on the front, Gorilla Glass 6 on the back, and a sturdy aluminum frame binding the structure together. At 181 grams, it feels solid and premium in the hand, though the smooth glass back makes it remarkably slippery on flat surfaces without a protective case.

Up front, the phone features a wide top display notch housing the earpiece, selfie camera, and LG's proprietary 'Z Camera' (a ToF sensor setup). Around the perimeter, you'll find a dedicated Google Assistant button, volume rockers, and a reliable, traditional rear-mounted capacitive fingerprint sensor. A major highlight for media purists is the retention of the 3.5mm headphone jack along the bottom edge alongside the USB-C port, preserving high-quality wired audio connectivity.

Everyday performance

At the core of the G8S ThinQ is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset paired with 6GB of RAM. In daily operation, this processing hardware holds up surprisingly well. Navigating system menus, web browsing, streaming high-definition video, and handling routine messaging applications remain fluid on Android 12.

The 6.21-inch G-OLED display remains a strong point of the experience. It delivers deep blacks, excellent contrast ratios, and vibrant color reproduction that easily outshines modern budget LCD panels. The triple camera system—comprising a 12 MP main lens with OIS, a 12 MP telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, and a 13 MP ultrawide sensor—produces natural, detailed photos in well-lit conditions. However, low-light photography lacks the advanced computational processing of newer devices, and the 'Air Motion' gesture features powered by the Z Camera remain largely uninspired and difficult to trigger consistently in daily use.

Battery, durability, and longevity

Equipped with a 3550 mAh non-removable Li-Po cell, battery capacity was considered average even at launch. After years of charge cycles, original batteries suffer from noticeable capacity degradation. Modern app demands and OS overhead push this modest power supply to its limits, often requiring mid-day top-ups unless the battery has been recently replaced.

Durability-wise, the structural aluminum frame holds up well to minor drops, but the exposed rear glass is susceptible to thermal shock cracks and impact damage. Additionally, internal adhesive seals that originally provided IP68 water resistance degrade over time, making older units far more vulnerable to liquid ingress through the SIM tray, buttons, and speaker grilles.

Common issues owners hit

Long-term owners of the LG G8S ThinQ frequently report a few characteristic hardware and software issues:

• Severe Battery Degradation: Rapid charge dropping, unexpected shutoffs at 15–20% charge, or localized swelling behind the back cover.
• USB-C Port Wear: Loose cable fitment leading to slow charging warnings or frequent disconnects during data transfer.
• False Moisture Detection Warnings: The charging port sensor can trigger liquid warnings even when dry, preventing normal cable charging.
• Rear Glass Fractures: Cracks extending from the camera bump edges down the back panel after minor impacts.

If you are attempting to diagnose charging glitches or performance throttles on an aging unit, consulting technical write-ups in our common problems hub and step-by-step tear-down tutorials in our repair guides hub can help you isolate hardware faults safely.

Who it's for

The LG G8S ThinQ is best suited for budget-conscious buyers seeking an inexpensive secondary phone, audio enthusiasts who rely on wired headphones without needing dongles, or retro tech collectors interested in LG's unique hardware era. It is less suited for primary daily users who require modern security patches, all-day battery life without portable chargers, or advanced low-light camera capabilities.

Bottom line

While LG's phone division is no more, the G8S ThinQ remains a solid testament to the brand's feature-packed design philosophy. Its vibrant OLED screen, capable Snapdragon 855 chip, and legacy headphone jack offer genuine value, provided you are comfortable managing an aging 3550 mAh battery and an operating system frozen at Android 12.

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