LG Phones You Shouldn’t Buy (Avoid): A Detailed Guide
LG was once a prominent player in the smartphone market, known for its innovative designs and competitive features. However, LG officially exited the smartphone business in 2021. This departure has significant implications for buying an LG phone in 2025, especially in markets like Kenya. This guide will navigate the LG landscape and pinpoint the types and specific examples of LG phones you should likely avoid in 2025, ensuring you make a wise and future-proof purchase.
I. The Overarching Issue: End of Software Updates and Support
This is the most critical factor making most LG phones a risky purchase in 2025.
* LG’s Exit from the Smartphone Market: LG announced its withdrawal from the smartphone business in April 2021. While they initially promised a few years of software updates for select devices, this period has largely concluded.
* Official Server Shutdown: LG has announced that it will shut down its update servers for all phones by June 30, 2025. This means that after this date, no LG phone will receive any further software updates, including crucial security patches.
Implications for Users:
* Severe Security Risks: Without ongoing security updates, LG phones will become increasingly vulnerable to malware and exploits as new threats emerge. Your personal data and financial information will be at significant risk.
* App Compatibility Issues: As Android evolves and app developers target newer operating system versions, older LG phones will likely face compatibility issues with new and updated apps.
* Lack of New Features and Improvements: You will miss out on the latest Android features and any potential bug fixes or performance improvements that come with software updates.
* End of LG Bridge Service: LG will also be shutting down its LG Bridge PC application, which was used for backups and software updates via a computer.
II. Specific Examples of LG Phones You Should Almost Certainly Avoid in 2025
Given the impending end of software updates, it is advisable to avoid purchasing any LG smartphone as your primary device in 2025. However, some models are particularly ill-advised:
* Any LG Phone Released Before 2020: These phones are already running outdated versions of Android and have likely not received updates for a significant period. They are the most vulnerable and least compatible with modern apps.
* Examples: LG G series (G8 ThinQ and older), LG V series (V50 ThinQ and older), LG Q series (most models), LG K series (most models), LG Stylo series (Stylo 5 and older).
* LG Velvet and LG Wing (Launched in 2020): While these were the last flagship attempts from LG and received Android 12 or even Android 13 in some cases, their guaranteed update period has likely expired or is nearing its end. Investing in a phone with no future software support is not recommended in 2025.
* Any “New Old Stock” (NOS) LG Phones: Even if you find a brand new, sealed LG phone, remember that it will still be running outdated software with no prospect of future updates. The initial appeal of “new” doesn’t outweigh the lack of long-term support.
III. Potential Issues Beyond Software Updates
Even before considering the software update situation, some LG phones had inherent drawbacks:
* Historically Known Hardware Issues: Some LG models in the past suffered from issues like bootloop problems (most notably some G4 and V20 models), screen burn-in (on some OLED displays), and inconsistent camera performance across different models. Researching specific older models for recurring hardware complaints is always wise.
* Battery Degradation (on any pre-owned LG phone): If you are considering a used LG phone, the battery life will likely be significantly reduced due to its age and usage. Replacing the battery adds to the overall cost and effort for a phone with no future software support.
* Availability of Repairs and Spare Parts in Kenya: As LG has exited the smartphone market, finding genuine spare parts and qualified technicians for repairs in Kenya might become increasingly difficult over time.
IV. The Risk of Counterfeit or Unverified Imported LG Phones in Kenya
Be extremely cautious of very cheap LG phones, especially from unofficial sources. Counterfeit devices might exist, and imported “Ex-UK/Ex-USA” models might have network compatibility issues or be locked to specific carriers with limited unlocking options in Kenya. Purchasing from trusted retailers like Yes Gadgets (yesgadgets.co.ke) is always the safer approach when buying any phone. However, given the software update situation, even genuine LG phones are not recommended for long-term use.
V. Overpriced LG Phones in the Current Market
Avoid paying a premium for any LG phone in 2025, regardless of its initial specifications. The lack of future software support significantly diminishes their long-term value. You can likely find newer devices from other manufacturers with comparable or better specifications and guaranteed software updates for a similar or even lower price.
VI. Buying Safely in Kenya – Why New, Supported Brands are Recommended
Given LG’s exit and the imminent shutdown of update servers, it is strongly recommended to consider new smartphones from brands that are actively supported in Kenya and offer a clear roadmap for software updates (e.g., Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, Infinix [with caution regarding update length], Tecno). Yes Gadgets (yesgadgets.co.ke) offers a wide selection of phones from these actively supported brands.
Conclusion
In May 2025, with LG’s official software update support ending in June 2025, it is highly advisable to avoid purchasing any LG smartphone as your primary device in Kenya. The lack of future security and software updates poses significant risks and will lead to a diminishing user experience over time. While some older LG phones might still function, their long-term viability is severely compromised. Focus on investing in new smartphones from actively supported brands available at trusted retailers like Yes Gadgets (yesgadgets.co.ke) to ensure you receive the latest features, security patches, and a longer lifespan for your device. The era of LG smartphones is effectively over, and while they produced some innovative devices, now is the time to move on to a supported brand.
YES Gadgets Ke. Visit us at Moi Avenue, HH TOWERS, Fifth floor, SHOP 505, (LAST OFFICE), directly opposite NAIVAS SUPERMARKET situated at Moi Avenue and Kenyatta Avenue Junction, Nairobi CBD near IMENTI HOUSE. HH Towers is the New Cream Tall Building. Follow the (YES Gadgets Ke) SIGNAGES to the shop upon exiting the Elevator/Lift at 5th Floor. Regards, Papa Kelli. Our contacts: 0746152231/0724749105. (Papa Kelli).
