The LG Stylo series has been the company's low-mid-range for the last few years, and the Stylo 4 is better than ever. Out of the box, you're getting a good experience: a decently fast chipset, a good camera in most situations, and overall good software. But if that phone is on your shortlist of devices, there are some things to know before spending your money.
Here are six things to know about the LG Stylo 4!
- There's no NFC
- There's a USB-C port and a headphone jack
- There's an Amazon Prime Exclusive version
- Still consider the T-Mobile version
- Don't hold your breath on software updates
- The stylus is pretty capable
There's no NFC
NFC payments are becoming more and more commonplace at retailers, but you're not going to use them with the Stylo 4. NFC is one of the most common components that gets cut when a company is targeting a lower price range since each component inside translates to what the customer ends up paying. Google Pay can still be used to send money to friends or keep track of loyalty programs, just not for mobile payments.
More: Google Pay: Everything you need to know
There's a USB-C port and a headphone jack
Another cost-cutting measure at this price range is to use the older Micro-USB port instead of USB-C, but fortunately, LG opted for the newer port. That means if you've bought a new laptop or Chromebook in the last couple of years, you should be able to use the same charger for both your phone and laptop.
Another potential cost-cutting idea that LG thankfully didn't use is getting rid of the headphone jack. The 3.5mm port is here in all its glory, ready to be used with headphones new and old.
More: Best USB-C Portable Battery Power Packs in 2018
There's an Amazon Prime Exclusive
LG and Amazon have teamed up for a few Prime Exclusive phones, and the Stylo 4 is another great option. The Prime version comes carrier unlocked, with compatibility with Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile in the United States. There are seven Amazon apps installed out of the box, but these can be uninstalled, disabled or otherwise ignored. You'll also be prompted to sign into your Amazon account when you set the phone up, but you can skip this.
Besides Amazon's apps, this Prime Exclusive version also includes 3GB of RAM, instead of the 2GB that comes on the T-Mobile version of the phone. That means opening apps, switching between apps and just navigating around the interface is going to be faster on the Amazon version. But…
Still consider the T-Mobile version
While the Amazon version will work with T-Mobile, Metro, Mint Mobile and others that use T-Mobile's network, it's missing a few antenna bands. That may be a big deal, or may not. But if you use one of those networks, consider getting the Stylo 4 straight from T-Mobile or Metro. The lower RAM will mean it'll be a bit slower, but being able to use your phone, well, as a phone is likely more important.
Don't hold your breath on software updates
The Stylo 4 is currently running Android 8.1 Oreo, which is good, because the Stylo line hasn't gotten regular software updates. The Stylo 3 is still running Android 7.0 Nougat, so there's a good chance the Stylo 4 won't ever be updated to get a slice of the Android 9 Pie.
More: Will my phone get Android Pie?
The stylus is pretty capable
A Galaxy Note this is not, but the stylus that comes in the Stylo 4 is useful on its own. When you pop the stylus out of the phone, you'll see quick toggles for a quick memo, screen capture, GIF capture, and Pop Lens, a tool that lets you magnify portions of the screen. The pen isn't going to allow for super fine detail like the Note's S-Pen, but it'll still be fun for coloring books apps. Finally, you can just use the stylus to navigate around the interface, and for ultra-fast glide typing on the keyboard.
What do you want to know?
What other questions do you have about the LG Stylo 4? Let us know down below!
More: Amazon Prime Exclusive Phones: Everything you need to know
