Is it Safe to Buy an LG G4?

As a former LG G4 owner and frequent user of Android devices, I take a detailed look at the reliability and safety of buying an LG G4 in South Korea. Despite having experienced significant problems with the main board, leading to an unfixable bootloop issue, I share my personal experience and expert opinions.

Personal Experiences with LG G4

My journey with the LG G4 began last February in South Korea. Despite only paying around 70 dollars for it, I faced numerous issues, particularly with the main board which led to an endless rebooting cycle. After visiting the AS center four times, I had to replace it at a significant cost, which was not covered under the original warranty. While the phone's initial purchase price is relatively low, the need for constant repairs means it's not worth the hassle or investment in the long term.

Reliability Concerns

Ownership of the LG G4 has been marred by a string of hardware faults. I've gone through four LG phones, three of which were flagship models, and out of those, only two operated properly. The specific issues have ranged from bootloops to screen unreliability. For instance, my G3 experienced a bootloop problem and went through two exchanges, while my G2 had battery and screen issues within a few months. These persistent hardware issues and customer reviews of other flagships, including the V20, led me to distrust LG's product quality and reliability.

Recommendations for Alternatives

Given the reliability concerns and personal experiences, I strongly advise against purchasing an LG G4. Instead, I recommend considering other smartphones with comparable specifications. Some noteworthy alternatives include:

OnePlus 3/3T: Known for exceptional build quality and performance. Nexus 6P: Offers a balance of performance and affordability with a stock Android experience. Samsung Note 5: Durable and reliable with a large screen and excellent battery life. Moto X Style: Provides a very good stock Android experience and a solid build at a reasonable price.

For those on the market looking for a unique option with similar specifications, the NextBit Robin is also a commendable choice. Although it might be slightly more expensive at around 200/￡160 on Amazon, you get similar hardware with a unique pedigree.

Alternative Opinions

Several other users have shared their experiences with the LG G4. Some report the bootloop issue as a common problem, while others share positive experiences, citing the device's comfortable use without issues. One user noted they had purchased theirs used from T-Mobile and had used it for 5 to 6 months without any significant problems, leading them to believe the chances of encountering such an issue are rare.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

While an LG G4 might be a reasonable purchase for some with a preference for other aspects of the phone, the recurring hardware issues and personal experiences shared by multiple users indicate significant unreliability. The alternative recommendations provided above, including the Moto X Style, offer a more dependable and safer choice for Android users.

From a safety and reliability standpoint, it is advised to avoid the LG G4 and consider more reliable models or brands. The primary concerns are centered around the bootloop issues and overall hardware durability.