LG announces three new budget phones with 'AI' cameras and Google Assistant buttons

As is tradition, the release of a new LG flagship is usually accompanied by budget phones sharing a similar design language. The 'Q' series is made up of mid-range devices, while the 'K' lineup is composed of entry-level phones. LG today announced three new budget models — the Q60, K50, and K40.

LG Q60

Not to be confused with 2017's LG Q6 family, this phone has a 6.3-inch 19:9 'FullVision' display (presumably IPS) and an unspecified "2.0GHz Octa-Core" processor. It looks very similar to renders of the upcoming LG G8, but with a smaller notch and a larger chin.

SPECS

Processor	2.0 GHz Octa-Core
Display	6.26-inch 19:9 HD+ FullVision Display
Memory	3GB RAM
Storage	64GB + microSD (up to 2TB)
Rear camera	16MP with PDAF / 2MP with Depth Sensor / 5MP with Super Wide Angle
Front camera	13MP
Battery	3,500mAh
Size	161.3 x 77 x 8.7mm
Other features	DTS:X 3D Surround Sound / AI CAM / MIL-STD 810G Compliance / Fingerprint Sensor / Google Assistant Button

On the software side, LG didn't mention what version of Android this has, but the phone is equipped with the G7's 'AI Cam' feature. Also, there's a hardware button for opening Google Assistant, which is something I'd definitely like on my phone.

LG K50

The K50 is a tier below the Q60. It's nearly identical to the Q60, but with only two rear cameras, half the storage, and a slightly taller display (19.5:9 vs 19:9). You still get the AI camera feature, dedicated Assistant button, and all the other goodies from the Q60.

SPECS

Chipset	2.0 GHz Octa-Core
Display	6.26-inch 19.5:9 HD+ FullVision Display
Memory	3GB RAM / 32GB ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
Rear camera	13MP with PDAF / 2MP with Depth Sensor
Front camera	13MP
Battery	3,500mAh
Size	161.3 x 77 x 8.7mm
Other features	DTS:X 3D Surround Sound / AI CAM / MIL-STD 810G Compliance / Fingerprint Sensor / Google Assistant Button

LG K40

At the bottom of the barrel is the LG K40. It has a smaller 5.7-inch 18:9 screen (with no notch), less memory, only one rear camera, and a smaller battery. There's still an Assistant button, though.

SPECS

Chipset	2.0 GHz Octa-Core
Display	5.7-inch 18:9 HD+ FullVision Display
Memory	2GB RAM / 32GB ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
Rear camera	16MP with PDAF
Front camera	8MP (LED Flash)
Battery	3,000mAh
Size	153.0 x 71.9 x 8.3mm
Other features	DTS:X 3D Surround Sound / AI CAM / MIL-STD 810G Compliance / Fingerprint Sensor / Google Assistant Button

LG hasn't revealed what any of these phones will cost, or in what markets they will be sold. More details will be announced at next week's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

PRESS RELEASE

SEOUL, Feb. 20, 2019 — At MWC 2019, LG Electronics (LG) will reveal three new consumer-friendly smartphones designed for those seeking advanced mobile devices without compromising usability. The LG Q60, LG K50 and LG K40 boast premium features, advanced technologies and stylish design, all without breaking the bank.

Redefining Usability

With these new mid-range beauties, LG is offering large, high-quality displays and AI-powered functionality to consumers who traditionally had to settle for less. Each device features LG’s HD+ FullVision displays – 6.26-inch for the LG Q60 and LG K50 and 5.7-inch in the LG K40. The front-facing camera in the LG Q60 and LG K50 is located in a water drop cutout to make maximum use of the FullVision display for comfortable viewing, playing and communicating while slim bezels make all three phones comfortable to hold and use one-handed.

To ensure superior user experience, the LG Q60, LG K50 and LG K40 all feature AI functions typically found in flagship smartphones. AI CAM magically recognizes objects it sees and recommends the ideal shooting mode for the best results. And a dedicated Google Assistant button gives users immediate access to the most widely-used virtual assistant on smartphones today.

Advanced Audio with DTS:X

With DTS:X 3D Surround Sound delivered through quality earphones, all three devices are sure to please even diehard audio aficionados. This high-end audio technology convincingly simulates a 7.1-channel surround sound system to make any content more immersive when playing games, streaming movies or enjoying today’s top hits.

Solid Fundamentals and More

To maximize everyday usability of the Q and K series, LG engineers focused on maximizing the two basics features that today’s smartphone customers covet the most: battery life and camera performance.

In addition to its impressive 13MP front camera, the LG Q60 sports three rear cameras: 16MP with Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF), 5MP with Super Wide Angle and a 2MP shooter with Depth Sensor that captures a sharp image of the subject while leaving the background blurred. With four unique lenses at their disposal, Q60 owners can take perfect shots every time, no matter how challenging the subject or the environment.

Both the LG Q60 and LG K50 are powered by a 3,500mAh battery for longer sessions of news reading, gaming or content streaming. At 3,000mAh, the battery in the smaller LG K40 is more than robust enough to provide a full day of use between charges.

Visitors to LG’s booth at MWC from February 25-28 can experience the new Q and K series smartphones along with other exciting mobile innovations for themselves.

Key Specifications:

LG Q60

Chipset: 2.0 GHz Octa-Core
Display: 6.26-inch 19:9 HD+ FullVision Display
Memory: 3GB RAM / 64GB ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
Camera:– Rear: 16MP with PDAF / 2MP with Depth Sensor / 5MP with Super Wide Angle– Front: 13MP
Battery: 3,500mAh
Size: 161.3 x 77 x 8.7mm
Network: LTE / 3G / 2G
Others: DTS:X 3D Surround Sound / AI CAM / MIL-STD 810G Compliance / Fingerprint Sensor / Google Assistant Button

LG K50

Chipset: 2.0 GHz Octa-Core
Display: 6.26-inch 19.5:9 HD+ FullVision Display
Memory: 3GB RAM / 32GB ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
Camera:– Rear: 13MP with PDAF / 2MP with Depth Sensor– Front: 13MP
Battery: 3,500mAh
Size: 161.3 x 77 x 8.7mm
Network: LTE / 3G / 2G
Others: DTS:X 3D Surround Sound / AI CAM / MIL-STD 810G Compliance / Fingerprint Sensor / Google Assistant Button

LG K40

Chipset: 2.0 GHz Octa-Core
Display: 5.7-inch 18:9 HD+ FullVision Display
Memory: 2GB RAM / 32GB ROM / microSD (up to 2TB)
Camera:– Rear: 16MP with PDAF– Front: 8MP (LED Flash)
Battery: 3,000mAh
Size: 153.0 x 71.9 x 8.3mm
Network: LTE / 3G / 2G
Others: DTS:X 3D Surround Sound / AI CAM / MIL-STD 810G Compliance / Fingerprint Sensor / Google Assistant Button