I've seen that review before and I call bs. My photos don't look anything like that and look more closely to those of the note 9. The reviewer also didn't even bother to mention the video recording capabilities nor the audio capabilities of each phone. It's a blatantly biased review.
I posted another set of photos where again, the V40 loses. I have never seen one review where the V40 came out on top. The best mention I could see was where GSMArena was generally impressed compared to previous iterations, they also mention that the dynamic range was lacking, shadow detail resolution was lacking, among other things.
As I said, the video recording capabilites and audio capabilities are just tick marks for any reviewer. If this reviewer didn't care for them, then they are not counted in his reviews. Just goes back to the point where the V40 excels in things that reviewers and people who gives awards don't care about.
It's like the Car of the Year award. Sure the Subaru Impreza can run circles around the Toyota Corolla, better driving capabilities with the AWD, and overall a better car. But, it doesn't tick the marks of fuel efficiency, owner satisfaction (it's expensive for what you get), and isn't exactly as well suited for city driving, hence it loses despite the things it can do better.
Same thing with V40. Nice audio? Cool. But most people use crappy headphones that the DAC won't properly drive anyway. Stereo recording? Samsung has both stereo recording and stereo speakers, the LG loses one of those. The Note just ticks every single box the average consumer could want and more and does everything good, hence why it almost always is in the contention and usually wins.
There is inherently nothing in the LGV40 that makes it standout over the rest of the competition. The only one-up it has the Quad-DAC and that's not even a big deal.
Even if let's say the LG V40 had a camera that was as good as the Note 9, why would I take it over the Note 9? The Note 9 has stereo speakers, and the S Pen is an awesome tool. Not to mention the battery on the V40 is just 3300mah compared to 4000mah on the Note 9.
Against the Pixel? if the V40 has a camera sa good than the Note 9, then the Pixel's is better. Stereo speakers>mono. It'll be getting Android Q by the time P is still rolling out for the V40, making the V40 hilariously outdated compared to other flagships in terms of OS support.
So again, is there any compelling reason to buy a V40? Maybe you can say price for flagship specs, but then you'll be competing against OnePlus. Sure the V40 is more premium than a OnePlus, better camera and arguably better screen, but the OnePlus just screams performance, with a better OS update roadmap as well, keeping it updated.
You could be good at everything you do, but unless you have something that makes you stand out, don't expect to win the pageant.
Is the V40 a good phone? It is. No one is saying it isn't. There's really just nothing special about it. If it was pitted against an S9 or S9+, sure it's a good choice over them. They aren't that special as well anyway just good all around like th V40. But against the Note?