LG G5 vs G4 vs. iPhone 6s vs. GoPro: Camera shootout

One thing is for sure, LG didn't play it safe - the LG G5 turned V10's dual-camera setup 180°. Unlike previous dual-camera setups, this one allows users to capture photos with a traditional FoV, wide-angle shots or both at the same time. We did an impromptu shootout with both G5 cameras, pitting them against various well-respected opponents.

First, here's a quick comparison of the FoV of both cameras on the G5.

Before we continue, we should note that we used an LG G5 unit from the Barcelona grounds and this may not be the final state of hardware or software that ships out to actual consumers.

Main camera test: LG G5 vs. LG G4 vs. Apple iPhone 6s

We begin with the LG G5 against its predecessor, the LG G4, and the Apple iPhone 6s. We'll use what we consider the "main" camera on the G5. That's the 16MP shooter that captures Main of the scene. It has an f/1.8 aperture, Optical Image Stabilization and autofocus (with Laser assistance), plus the Color Spectrum sensor that the G4 debuted. It is very much like the excellent camera on the G4 and V10.

Main shots: LG G5 • LG G4 • Apple iPhone 6s

Main shots: LG G5 • LG G4 • Apple iPhone 6s

Main shots: LG G5 • LG G4 • Apple iPhone 6s

Main shots: LG G5 • LG G4 • Apple iPhone 6s

Main shots: LG G5 • LG G4 • Apple iPhone 6s

Main shots: LG G5 • LG G4 • Apple iPhone 6s

Main shots: LG G5 • LG G4 • Apple iPhone 6s

Main shots: LG G5 • LG G4 • Apple iPhone 6s

Main shots: LG G5 • LG G4 • Apple iPhone 6s

Main shots: LG G5 • LG G4 • Apple iPhone 6s

The main camera feels very similar to the G4 camera. We will need more testing - with hardware we know is final - before we talk about any specific improvements in the quality. And in some shots it seemed like the G5 topped its predecessor, which was one of the very best mobile cameras to come out of last year.

Wide camera test: LG G5 vs. Go Pro Hero 4 Black

LG's innovation in the camera department is this - an Ultra Wide Angle camera, all Wide of it. This, LG says, is closer to how our eyes see the scene. This camera also enables an interesting feature - zooming out! This is a secondary camera though, it has an 8MP sensor, f/2.4 aperture, but more importantly it doesn't even have autofocus, let alone image stabilization.

For this test we picked the GoPro Hero 4 Black as it was the widest camera we had on hand.

Wide shots: LG G5 • GoPro Hero 4 Black

Wide shots: LG G5 • GoPro Hero 4 Black

Wide shots: LG G5 • GoPro Hero 4 Black

Wide shots: LG G5 • GoPro Hero 4 Black

Wide shots: LG G5 • GoPro Hero 4 Black

Wide shots: LG G5 • GoPro Hero 4 Black

Wide shots: LG G5 • GoPro Hero 4 Black

Wide shots: LG G5 • GoPro Hero 4 Black

Wide shots: LG G5 • GoPro Hero 4 Black

Wide shots: LG G5 • GoPro Hero 4 Black

We were a little put back when we heard "8MP," but this camera produces some good looking shots. The processing seems more heavy-handed compared to the main camera and in low-light the wide camera takes a bigger hit. Not surprising given all the differences in sensor, aperture and stabilization. Compared to the GoPro, each camera has its ups and downs depending on lighting conditions.

LG G5 video samples

Despite the difference in optical and image sensor hardware, both cameras on the LG G5 record 2160p video. The files come out with 48Mbps overall bitrate, audio is 156kbps, 48kHz.

In 2160p video mode the 135° camera feels much closer in quality to the main camera. You can legitimately post Ultra Wide Angle videos to YouTube, which are usually done with action cams (since no other phone comes close in terms of FoV). The GoPro is wider than the LG G5 wide-angle cam, even despite the difference in aspect ratio. This gives a slight edge to the G5 in terms of sharpness (and if you need a specific object to be in perfect clarity, you can always shoot with the main cam).