I like it a lot more than the V40. It's not as pretty looking, it's thicker, it's heavier, etc. But LG improved the hardware a lot, especially in regards to battery size, which I felt was very lacking on the V40.
Software is still very much LG. Design looks a bit dated, which isn't a huge deal. But I feel like their own apps and settings not as responsive as other phones with similar specs. Like in the settings app, there is like a split second delay when I tap something. Not sure if it's the touch response, or just poorer optimisation, but even older phones like the Pixel 3 feels more responsive. Even compared to Chinese phones' UI, it seems to lose out. Just nitpicking here though, it's still usable and decent enough.
Battery life as mentioned, is now finally good. Whereas I would struggle to get a day of use on the V40 sometimes.
Stereo speaker is not as good sounding as most phones with dual speakers that I've tested, but it's better than just having 1 speaker at the bottom.
Camera performance is much better than V40 for some reason too, even though hardware seems similar. Comparing to shots I took with the V40, the colours are better, image processing looks nicer, better dynamic range, etc. It's better in like almost every way. So kudos to LG for figuring things out. camera app is still a bit sluggish though and a little messy. also still not dedicated night mode. they have like a night view mode or what, but that is like just adjusting the exposure only, not doing the same type of computational photography like on other phones. zzz.
The ultra wide angle camera is the highlight here. It's noticeably better than other phones that I've tested like the note10 and iPhone 11. Less wide, but better image quality, better distortion correction, better sharpness even at the corners, and most importantly, it's good looking even at night.
Overall, it's a good all rounder, in the sense that it has almost all the features from modern flagship phones. IP68, wireless charging, flagship chipset SD855, triple camera, stereo speakers. And it even has some features that are becoming extinct like 3.5mm jack and microSD card slot.
I was able to compare it with the NEX 3 with AKM AK4377A DAC, and I think the ESS Sabre DAC here is probably still a bit better.
However, other than ultra wide angle camera, audio jack quality, and perhaps the dual screen case, the rest of the phone doesn't really stand out as much. So like the screen is just okay, performance is just okay, the main camera is just okay, design is just okay, battery life is just okay, etc. So I feel like unless you're specifically looking for those features, there are probably better options out there that can offer more in areas that most people care about.
but it is still a good all rounder though, and if you can grab one at a cheaper price, it's a great alternative to other budget flagship devices.