Comparison: Xiaomi Mi 5 vs LG G5 vs Samsung Galaxy S7

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So just in case you missed the trash talk by LG at Samsung on Twitter (which was taken down already) during the first day of MWC 2016, initially, we wanted to do a comparison between the Samsung Galaxy S7 and LG G5 to see which one is better. That was until Xiaomi Mi 5 came along and kind of dropped the mic by showing a high AnTuTu score (142084 points) which surpasses both of them, with 133054 points (G5), followed by 116668 (Galaxy S7). Although the Mi 5 comes up on top with the score, it doesn't mean that it's better. So which one is better? Let's find out in this comparison between the three flagships

Tech Specs and Performance - All are good, but...

So first of all, all three flagships are kind of similar in some ways, but still different. Take the chipset for example, both the G5 and Mi 5 have the Snapdragon 820 processor inside the hood; supposedly the Galaxy S7 will have one too but only in the USA, so internationally, the S7 is getting the Exynos 8890 Octa that was shown in MWC 2016. Each of the devices are clocked in differently as well, with Mi 5 being the “weakest” with quad-core (1.8GHz + 1.6GHz dual, standard edition, of course), the G5 clocks in at quad-core (2.15GHz + 1.6GHz dual), and this leaves S7 being the strongest with an octa-core (2.35GHz +16.GHz quad) and quad-core (2.15GHz + 1.6GHz dual). This isn't entirely a good thing though, as higher clockspeeds usually result in hotter smartphones.

Next, the Mi 5 (reminder, we're using the standard edition) only has 3GB RAM which is not too shabby, but the other two have 4GB RAM that obviously processes faster. All three have 32GB internal storage, with expandable slots available – 200GB extra space for S7, 2TB extra space for the G5, and...oh wait, the Mi 5 doesn't have an expandable storage. In terms of battery fuel, the mAh capacity are similar with 3000 mAh for both the S7 and Mi 5, while the G5's one is 2800 mAh. Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS is running inside their hood too. 

Also, lets not forget that it was the Mi 5 Exclusive version that made over 140000 points on AnTuTu. I think the S7 could have came up on top in the AnTuTu benchmark score if it wasn't for the Exynos 8890 Octa chipset, but since we'll be getting the international version, it can't be helped. 


Design and Features – The innovation of G5

In the features corner, I think the G5 easily takes the cake with this one. But before we get to that, let's take a look at the features each phone has. First up, the S7 features a 12MP, f/1.7, 26mm, dual-pixel autofocus, OIS and LED flash for the rear camera, while the front is only 5MP, f/1.7, 22mm and Auto HDR. G5's camera however, is a lot better with 16MP (f/1.8) rear camera + 8 MP (f/2.4, laser autofocus, OIS, LED flash) for selfie. Meanwhile, the Mi 5's camera is pretty good too. It stands at 16MP (f/2.0, phase detection autofocus, OIS, dual-LED (dual tone) flash), but the front is only 4 MP (f/2.0, 1/3-inch sensor size). 

The G5's display is actually bigger at 5.3-inches, followed by the Mi 5 (5.15-inches) and the S7 (5.1-inches). Even though it has the bigger display, the resolution says otherwise as it only carries 1080 x 1920 pixels, while the latter two have the same Quad HD pixel resolution of 1440 x 2560. Not to mention, both are also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 4 and has an Always-on display that lets users know there are incoming notifications without having to turn on the smartphone, the Mi 5 is lacking that.

In addition, the S7 has a wireless charging function and can stay under water (1.5 meters) for 30 minutes. The G5 on the other hand, has completely redesigned their device in a smart way. If you check out the video above, I think the G5 really outdid themselves there. This includes a modular camera grip with extra 1200 mAh battery, which also gives a nice shutter camera and dual lens; while the normal one gives a 78-degree vision, and a wider picture shot that has a 135-degree wide angle lens (talk about innovation). There's also a LG Hi-Fi Plus attachment which features Bang and Oluffsen (B&O) PLAY for 32-bit Hi-Fi DAC upsampling audio, which supports 32-bit 384 KHz high-definition audio playback. This innovative battery swapping design is really cool and adds a lot of convenience which is a plus. So cool!! 

Also, design wise I think in terms of outlook the S7 looks better because of its curved back design. The G5 is probably the most normal looking one, while the Mi 5 is quite elegant looking with curvy 2.5D glass and an option for a ceramic back. 

Price and Conclusion – To each their own

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So far, the Mi 5 seems to be beaten down by the other two because it lacks a lot of cool stuff. But it's still not a bad device. Besides, if you know Xiaomi's reputation of having affordable phones, that's where the Mi 5 finally shines. In Chinese currency, the standard edition costs 1999 Yuan (around RM1293) which is really cheap for a flagship phone (that's just an estimation though). The other two don't have an official price tag yet, but we do know that Samsung is planning to release the S7 on 18 March next month and Malaysians can start to pre-order ir in their website from 7-11 March. 

In the end, it's actually hard to pin point which one is better. On one hand we have the Mi 5 which offers some of the latest tech specs at a value price while the Galaxy S7 maintains its premium look, feel and performance along with a wider range of features at a much higher price (based on previous pricing). The G5 pushes the boundries of innovation, offering modular features and companion devices that the other two don't offer at all. I guess what I'm trying to say is depending on your preference and taste, each flagship caters to different groups and their needs. 

As for me, I would pick the G5 because of its innovative and convenient battery swapping, along with the camera and music add-on which I like. What about you? Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more news at TechNave!