So I'll do a mini-review of the G4, simply because I don't think the experience will change that much over the next week. I'll also focus more on my needs since this phone has been extensively reviewed.
Quick hits:
Pros: Camera, display, design (leather is the best choice), weight, removable battery, expandable storage
Cons: Battery life, processor at times has lag, speaker is useless
Meh: LG's UI, audio, not that much of an upgrade over the Maxx
LG G4 over Moto Maxx:
- Better camera, better base software support, expandable storage, lighter in hand, better screen to bezel ratio, removable battery
Moto Maxx over LG4:
- Slightly more useful OEM software add-ons, bigger battery (3900mah vs 3000mah), more compact design, Qi built in, better cellular radios (Nokia and Moto were always top 2 with this)
I wanted a nice phone with a good camera for a change. My trip to Miami with the GF highlighted my need for something with a more consistent point and shoog experience while i learned to be a better photog. I didn't want to pass 5.5" as screen size. Sony wasn't going to offer anything better than the Z3; Samsung I just don't buy anymore; HTC hasn't had a good camera in a while (the A9's battery woes and price makes it a no go); One plus Two wasn't appealing and the X 2015 was too big.
In the context of why I bought it, the G4 is a great compliment to my Moto Maxx. It improves on the camera big time, and for really high stress days, a swappable battery is a nice thing to have.
I'm using the unlocked H815 model on T-Mobile. I live in a notorious dead spot for unlocked phones in NJ. Data speeds on this thing in NYC are delightful and very good where I live, considering the conditions. I installed 6.0.1 and did a factory reset. So I'm only talking about my 6.0.1 experiences. I don't use Google Now on Tap. Don't have a reason why but I just haven't gotten around to it yet. I do love the Doze feature as it makes standby on this phone, especially when in flight mode, really get the most out of the battery. The leather back feels good in hand...so good that this is the first phone in a while I've owned (iPhone 4) using without a case and only a screen protector installed.
It took a while to remember how light this phone is (the Flex 2 was equally lightweight). The screen is gorgeous and is great to use at night because it doesn't get overly bright and wreck your eyes in the dark. The camera is top notch and delivers much more details than the Maxx. I'm really looking forward to using in the spring and summer here in NYC.
To mitigate the UI some, I'm using Nova as my launcher. Arrow and the latest Xperia home concept launcher are also on board but Nova is doing a nice job. I don't think LG's UI is bad, they just need to pair it back some.
Bottom line:
I'd recommend the G4 to anyone at the current prices especially. The phone is very solid and I think the only things held it back are LG's UI (an acquired taste that has some serious gems in it), the processor itself (more importantly the GPU pushing the display), and most importantly the battery life. 6.0.1 has made a huge difference but when you start to use the phone it can be a gas guzzler. Still, like the Flex 2 before it, one of the best price to ratio phones currently and I'd argue it was the phone of the year in 2015 (outside of the Note line of course).
Problem was LG hasn't found the secret sauce to get the phone to really sell.
G4 Approved