Editor's note:
LG stopped manufacturing and selling smartphones in 2021. You may still be able to find the LG Q70 from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
LG Q70L Verdict
Released in 2020, the LG Q70 is a great phone for those who don’t mind using their smartphone with two hands. The screen is big and beautiful, and the battery can last a couple of days. However, the large size will make it unattractive for many people. Even so, many popular carriers sell this device for just a few hundred dollars on 2-year contracts. At these prices, it’s worth a second look.
What we love
- Massive display for photos and videos
- Large battery can last you well into a second day without charging
- Intelligent camera software
- Home screen layout is great for seniors
What we don't like
- Large size doesn’t fit in one hand
- Onboard storage is only 64GB
- 3D gaming performance is mediocre
- LG has a poor history of offering regular security updates
81/100
Is the LG Q70 a good phone?
The LG Q70 is an affordable phone that doesn’t skimp on features. It has an oversized screen, intelligent camera software, and midrange hardware. Buying it outright costs over $500, but you can find it for hundreds of dollars cheaper on 2-year carrier plans. This is your best bet if you’re shopping for a big screen without premium prices. However, the LG Q70 may be unattractive for those who want something that fits comfortably in their hand.
It’s a good smartphone for seniors too. The EasyHome interface makes it easy for casual smartphone users to read text, access the most popular apps and call their favourite contacts. As of its release in 2020, it's been sold by Telus, Bell, Koodo, Virgin Mobile, SaskTel, and Videotron.
LG Q70 specs
- Performance: Snapdragon 675 (SM6150), 4GB RAM, Android 9.0 (Pie), 64GB storage (MicroSD expandable)
- Cameras: 32 MP rear camera, 5MP FF depth camera, 16MP selfie camera
- Display: 6.4” FullHD+ (2310 x 1080 pixels)
- Battery: 4000 mAh, 15W Quick Charge 3.0
- Connectivity: USB Type-C, headphone jack, 4G LTE, 802.11ac wifi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
- Features: Rear fingerprint reader, IP68 water/dust resistance, Google Assistant button
LG Q70: Performance
The Snapdragon 675 that powers the LG Q70 is used in a number of other midrange smartphones including the Samsung Galaxy A70 and Motorola moto z4 . The popular Google Pixel 3a uses an older Snapdragon 670. The CPU features an excellent balance between cutting-edge technology and power efficiency.
There’s 4GB of RAM in the LG Q70, which is enough for quickly adding effects to photos and running the newest games. Gameplay on a screen this big is awesome, but 3D games like Fortnite or Pokémon Go can stutter when there’s a lot of action. The LG Q70 is equipped with Android 9.0 (Pie), which is good enough to support any new apps out there. It might receive an update to Android 10 in the future, but LG has a poor history of software updates so don’t hold your breath.
LG Q70: Cameras
The LG Q70’s 32MP camera takes great high-resolution photos and is assisted by a 5MP depth-finding camera. The intelligent software built into the camera app is where this phone really shines. AI (Artificial Intelligence) features have been a part of LG’s flagship smartphones for a couple years now, and it's nice to have it in a midrange phone now. Your preview is analysed in real-time, and photo settings are adjusted to take the best photo. For example, point your LG Q70 at your plate in the restaurant and the camera software identifies it as “food.” The software automatically warms the white balance and saturates the colours. Your photo is ready for Instagram without any tweaks.
The 16MP front-facing camera takes beautiful pictures too. The AI software recognizes portrait photos and applies a “bokeh” effect to the image, meaning it blurs the background and simulates an effect normally only found on expensive professional cameras.
LG Q70: Display
The LG Q70’s screen is huge. There’s no other way to describe it. Even the newest flagship phones from LG, Samsung, and Apple have smaller displays than this 6.4” behemoth. The display reaches to almost all four corners. The front-facing camera is visible through a “hole punch” at the top left side.
The LG Q70’s display is bright enough to see clearly when you’re outside and dims automatically when you go back inside. The LG Q70 features an IPS LCD screen to keep the price down, but colours are still rich, and images are sharp. Even people with large hands may find it difficult to navigate one-handed, but this is a great device if you normally use a smartphone with two hands.
LG Q70: Battery Life
One advantage to a larger smartphone is a bigger battery. Most new smartphones will get you through the day without the need to charge. However, the 4000 mAh battery in the LG Q70 is large enough to take you well into a second day unless you’re a heavy user. Frequent video streaming or gaming will reduce how long you can go without a charge, but even then, the phone is long-lasting—it only sipped power while WhistleOut was testing the LG Q70.
Quick Charge 3.0 up to 15W is supported through the included USB charger. This is handy when you’re running low, since a 20-minute charge can often get you through the rest of the day. The LG Q70 doesn’t support wireless charging.
LG Q70: Connectivity
The LG Q70 supports a great mix of new and old technology. Even though it features high-speed wireless connectivity with 4G LTE, 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, there’s a USB Type-C port and good ol’ analog headphone jack. Just about any way you want to listen to music, the LG Q70 will accommodate your preference.
Plugging in your favourite set of headphones will enable LG’s DTS:X 3D software, which simulates a 7.1 surround sound environment. I had a hard time feeling the simulated surround audio, but the DTS technology clearly made music sound richer. There’s a single loudspeaker on the bottom with bold sound when place on a flat surface like a table. However, holding the phone up results in a tinny sound that’s just not as clear.
LG Q70: Additional Features
The dedicated Google Assistant button on the side of the LG Q70 gives you quick access to one of the best digital assistants on the market with just a single tap. A fingerprint reader on the back is tightly integrated with the Android security system. Unlocking your phone or NFC-powered digital wallet is as easy as a touch on the back sensor.
The LG Q70 has an IP68 dust/water resistance, which typically means it is water resistant for at least three feet and up to 30 minutes. There are no specs provided for screen durability so you will want to look into getting a protective case. The phone is quite large and could easily slip out of even the largest hands.
Is the LG Q70 a good phone for seniors?
LG smartphones offer a home screen replacement called "EasyHome." The newest version of EasyHome on the LG Q70 makes app icons larger and increases the text size in all apps that support it. It also lays out a simplified one-page home screen with common apps and four customizable contacts.
The new EasyHome screen makes the LG Q70 an especially good solution for seniors whether you want to take a photo, open a browser window, call your kids, or see the weather at a glance. It’s easy to recommend the LG Q70 to seniors with its affordable price and easy-to-use technology.
In conclusion: LG Q70
The LG Q70 is one of the most capable midrange smartphones on the Canadian market. It retails for over $500, but there are 2-year contracts offered through nationwide carriers that let you get the LG Q70 for between $10 to $20 per month.
The large screen might not be to everyone’s liking. It’s bigger than many smartphones on the market and certainly larger than any phone in its price range. If you often use two hands to navigate your smartphone and prefer having large and easy-to-read text with a simplified interface, then the LG Q70 is your best choice.
Camera samples
Click image for original quality photos
WARNING: Full-resolution photos are up to 10MB each
Find a better phone plan
Thousands of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
Related Articles
Find Better Phones and Plans
Hundreds of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.
