Undoubtedly, LG G5 is the first smartphone to feature the ‘modular’ components, although many will agree that calling it a modular smartphone is an overstatement. Its predecessor G4 came slightly curved while the G5 is a more conventional candy looking bar shape, with two rear facing cameras, a fingerprint scanner and its 5.3 awesome HD display.
Moving on, let’s have a clearer understanding what a modular smartphone means; “A modular smartphone is a smartphone made using different components that can be independently upgraded or replaced in a modular design. This aims at reducing electronic waste, lower repair costs and increase user comfort”. This definition implies that the various parts of the smart phone can be upgraded or replaced alone, without having to do away with other parts of the phone. For many users, this is a breakthrough especially because it becomes rather expensive to repair a faulty phone or give it a little touch. A user that think his G5 is getting old can actually replace some parts of the phone without having to necessarily tamper with all the parts of the phone. Now, having used the G5, I understand that neither the camera, RAM, sensors nor ports can be replaced. The only accessory that has been built to be replaced or upgraded easily is the battery.
It is rather interesting because the battery is not so great as I find myself charging it most of the time, so if there is any accessory that needs to be modulated, it is the battery.
Truth is; a modular smartphone is definitely going to come in more handy than a non-modular smartphone, I can safely say the LG G5 is a semi-modular smartphone. It is described as semi modular because although it is detachable, most parts cannot be swapped. Only the battery can be easily swapped or upgraded. Even though this is true, it has helped me a great deal, as I only have to worry about the power on my phone much later than others would.
I must admit that using the G5 is pretty interesting because pressing a small button on the left hand side of the device automatically translates to the lower section of the phone becoming a little loser, in that instance, the phone reveals its true beauty. The battery is slipped out easily and it can be replaced or upgraded. Its ‘semi modular’ component means that it has given the G5 more longevity than other regular smart phones in the market.
It is however uncertain that the module components smartphones are here to stay, what is certain though is that the fact that you can press a certain button and it will feel like you are pulling off a scientific stunt makes the G5 an awesome device.
As I mentioned earlier, the 2,800mAh battery that comes with the G5 only lasts me 10 hours (fairly poor), it is important to let you know that the semi modular component of the device has changed the game. Having a G5 module at your disposal means you have approximately 20 hours of power; which is fair enough.
As much as LG should be praised for its creativity, I am definitely an Oliver twist who wishes that some other feature especially the camera can be swapped.
