With the Velvet, the Korean manufacturer has managed to pull off a fascinating comeback into the midrange smartphone segment. However, due to its very tall aspect ratio, the LG Velvet is not suitable for watching 16:9 or 18:9 video content.
https://www.notebookcheck.net/The-LG-Velvet-is-not-for-YouTube-fans.481455.0.html
If it's an OLED display then those black bars are nowhere near as annoying as on LCD ones where they're backlit.
Personally, I have a 21:9 Xperia 1 and not even once did its aspect ratio bother me while watching YouTube or even older 4:3 video content.
The Galaxy S20 has a 20:9 ratio. The iPhone 11 has a 19.5:9 ratio. Tall ratios are the norm on premium devices. Black bars are practically a non-issue for OLED displays like Velvet's, and are only a concern for cheaper/older backlit LCD displays. There are so many more important display factors for YouTube viewing like resolution, HDR support, refresh rate, color calibration accuracy, peak/minimum brightness, etc. Even battery life (for binge watching videos) is more important than aspect ratio.
What a horrible fluff piece. At least take a shot at Samsung or Apple for even more rage clicks if you're going to waste time lamenting display ratios.
Put black bar to get corect aspect ratio
I am disappointed in this article for the reasons stated by the above commenters. Perhaps I will stick to other review sites. Normally I have a lot of respect for the hard work at Notebook check...