Morty2264
Ambassador
Extremely unlikely. Unless my V20 just dies altogether and even then.... There are 2 very big strikes against this phone (and numerous other phones): 1) battery isn't replaceable and 2) glass back (and possibly curved screen).
I know that people have been sold on the all glass phone idea as sexy and sweet looking. However, it's glass. I know at about 20 people with cracked screens on their phones which they can't really afford to fix. In addition, I know at least 8 who have sexy glass back phones (a few even with cases) which have serious cracks running across them and/or chips in the glass back/edges.... They have discovered the cost to repair these phones is far very expensive (particularly true for those with curved edge screens like Samsungs). Protective cases (good ones) just cover that up anyway. And those sexy glass phones not only don't looks so sexy once cracked, you can cut yourself or get glass slivers if not fixed or (as some have done) taped over. While my phone wasn't cheap, I know the metal back isn't going to crack or shatter and since it lives in a very nice protective case, it has survived the various times I've dropped it unscathed (to my delight & relief).
The ability to replace or even upgrade the battery is just a must have in my opinion. I am not big on tossing away a perfectly good phone because the battery died (thanks for selling people on that idea Apple). Not being made of money, I find that a non-replaceable battery a serious deal breaker.
I got the G2 and really liked it, until the battery died. Then got a Galaxy S4 (while I liked the replaceable battery, I also found it seriously disappointing compared to the G2). And then went to the V20 after the S4 phone itself died. I was blown away by the sound quality of the first recording I did just using the default settings at a concert, then hearing it through good headphones and then my stereo - Wow! I know that
I'll stick with my V20 and hope the industry/people ditch the disposable expensive phone idea. Or go back to a flip phone instead if it comes to that.
While I don't particularly care for the whole notch idea, it's not a serious decision point for me. I will say that, like many, I find the 2nd screen on my V20 to be extremely useful and I utilize it all the time.
Another feature I really like on this V20, which the G2 shared, is the power button on the back. Having it on the side of the phone for the S4 (and anyone else's phone I might borrrow/use) is just plain in the way and far to easy to accidentally press when handling the phone. In addition, the fingerprint scanner placement along with the power button is just brilliant as it's placed right where my finger naturally finds it. It is also really easy to reach/find using the magnetic dash mount in my car. I'm glad the V40 had the fingerprint button where it belongs, but I fear they put the power button on the side like the G7.
I should probably also state my curmudgeonly attitude toward the AI button idea. While "OK Google" works ok, I have more problems with it than successes, particularly when driving and in traffic (or other people talking in the car......). Kinda like auto-correct for typing - kind of okay but often results in it taking me 5 times longer to type what I want.
So if it isn't clear from the above. NO, I won't be bothering with the V40 or any other models until they go back to the more durable metal back, and bring back replaceable batteries. Otherwise, the Quad DAC is a huge winner for me as are the terrific camera/video controls and the awesome recording capability. I hope they've addressed some of the auto camera functions (and low light photo issues). It wouls also be nice to seem LG seriously address software updates to their existing models (still waiting for supposedly imminent V20 Android update). But I seriously don't see anything compelling me to ditch my V20 which I really like a lot in favor of a phone which misses out on 2 deal-breaker issues (I went with the V20 over the early reviews of the V30 because of the non-replaceable battery).
I do see your point - replaceable batteries are convenient and glass-backed phones can be a gamble. And I *do* love the power button on the back of my phones - my LG G3 had that and I loved it - so it'd be nice to see that make a comeback someday.
The market will go where the mass consumers want it to, unfortunately. If people want glass-backed phones and would rather have non- removable batteries due to needs like wireless charging/water resistance/appeal; then that is the way manufacturers will go. Don't get me wrong, I'd love a removable battery and even a bigger battery but them's the breaks in the smartphone world.
I bought a glass-backed phone (Honor 8) as my last phone and it held up really well. I would just use hard cases and a tempered glass screen protector - nothing super high-tech or fancy - and my phone survived quite a few drops and bumps. It fell face-down onto a hardwood floor and the screen protector cracked, but the phone itself was fine.
I think phones these days are tougher and they manufacture glass in different ways than in the past. My Honor 8 had something like 8 or more layers of glass over the front and back to protect it and also add more sheen. I was a little concerned about using a glass-backed phone but in the end I'm very glad I did and would do it again. I guess it depends on the user's level of clumsiness too (and I'm clumsy!) and other things like line of work, the height of the drop and the surface the phone falls on, etc. Any phone would be vulnerable to a big drop - even metal or plastic ones.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, everyone's mileage may vary with glass-backed phones and phones with non-removable batteries. At least the latest Snapdragon - and even the one before that - are really efficient at battery saving; which would help in promoting and prolonging battery life, as phones will adapt to your usage over time.