Recent leaks of the LG V50 have several tech pundits convinced that the device will be unveiled at MWC 2019 next week. Leakster, Evan Blass shared a pretty damning image of a device with an LG V50 ThinQ logo, Sprint branding, and auspicious yellow 5G stamps. Additionally, the date on the device is February 24, which is when LG will host its pre-WMC press conference to announce its latest consumer products.
We’re already expecting to see the LG G8 ThinQ announced at this event. There have been no clues that the device will be 5G compatible. However, LG has stated that it plans to showcase its upcoming 5G smartphone at MWC, which lends credence the recent leak and subsequent
Looking closely, the image is a fairly rough render and the logos and branding do not blend seamlessly with the device. While many renders aren’t exact approximations of an upcoming device, we consider that this device may actually be an LG V40 with some edits and different branding superimposed to make it seem like an updated smartphone.
For a device that will supposedly be official next week, renders should be near perfect. Leaked renders of the Samsung Galaxy S10, which will be official on Wednesday are likely the manufacturer’s actual press renders.
LG has been mum about details of its 5G smartphone, outside of revealing it should launch during the first half 2019 with a 4,000mAh battery and an advanced cooling system. Meanwhile, the manufacturer sent out press releases on several specs on the LG G8, including its 3D ToF camera and its in-display front speaker and earpiece. Check out Sprint’s press render, of its 5G collaboration with LG above. The image is flawless and has an updated circular design, in comparison to the detail of the recently leaked render.
MWC 2019 will be overrun with companies revealing competing versions of the same emerging technologies, so it is understandable why LG hasn’t spoken widely about its 5G smartphone. Outside of this leak and a solitary report from a Korean publication, there hasn’t been much indication that the 5G device LG will release is, in fact, the LG V50.
LG’s V series smartphones typically make their first market appearances later in the year, such as the LG 40, which was announced in October 2018. LG unveiled the LG V35 at MWC 2018, with improved connectivity and camera features after the LG V30 was unveiled in October 2017.
Whatever surprises LG has in store for its MWC 2019 launch event, this leak will ensure that the manufacturer has special attention paid to it as the conference approaches.