Last year, LG introduced two smartphones that were met with great reviews. While the Nexus 5 and G2 were huge successes for the South Korean manufacturer, they felt they could create a new phone that not only combined the best aspects of both, but actually improved upon those features. Developed under a new mantra of “Simple is the New Smart,” LG conducted in-depth consumer research to develop their latest flagship device, the LG G3. The phone is loaded with top-of-the-line specs, plenty of new features, and aims to simplify your life like no other phone can.
“The smartest innovation in a fast evolving smartphone market is creating harmony between advanced technology and a simplified user experience. [The] LG G3 is the result of our effort to actualize that idea into a tangible product. And we are extremely pleased with the result.”
— Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company
CPU & Operating System
The G3 is very fast and is powered by the latest Quad-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor that is capable of reaching speeds up to 2.5GHz. The phone is configured with either 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, or 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. If that’s not enough space for you, the G3 also has a Micro SD slot that can be maxed out at 128GB.
Android 4.4.2 KitKat comes pre-installed on the G3 and LG has simplified its UX to reflect simplicity. Unlike previous LG phones, the G3 comes equipped with a Smart Keyboard that uses adaptive technology that reduces errors by up to 75 percent. LG is claiming that the Smart Keyboard will intuitively “know” what you want to type and makes it even easier by allowing users to adjust the height of the keyboard to better fit user’s thumbs. Individual keys can also be customized with frequently used symbols to further simplify the texting process.
Smart Notice & Safety
One of the best new features on the G3 is Smart Notice. Similar to Google Now, LG’s new personal assistant not only provides suggestions based on your behavior, it also offers information when you need it most. For example: Instead of displaying the weather forecast, Smart Notice will make a recommendation to take an umbrella with you before you leave the house. Or, if you decide to decline a call during an important meeting, Smart Notice will politely ask if you would like to call that person back when the meeting is over.
But what truly sets the G3 apart from previous LG phones is its new security measures. As more of our personal information is stored online, protecting our phones has never been more important. LG realizes this and added three new Smart Security features to keep you safe: Knock Code lets you to create a unique tap pattern to unlock your phone, Content Lock hides your personal files when sharing your phone with friends, and Kill Switch allows you remotely disable your phone in case you lose it. Keeping your data safe has never been easier.
Display & Battery
LG has had a long reputation in the display arena as evident in the G2 and their many great TV models. The G3 is no exception and offers a true-to-life viewing experience that is the result of years of innovation in display technology. With a pixel density of 538 ppi on a 5.5-inch Quad HD display, the G3 has an impressive screen ratio of 76.4 percent thanks to its extremely thin bezel design.
Of course, a powerful screen needs an even more powerful battery to keep it alive. The G3’s removable 3,000mAh battery with advanced optimization technologies will not only keep up with the ultra-high performance screen, it will also last you most of the day thanks to its graphite cathode construction. In the scenario where it dies on you and you need a quick recharge, the battery supports wireless charging so you’ll be able to keep it on your desk without having to plug it in.
Cameras
One of the most used features of any smartphone is the camera, and the G3’s is one of the best. Its advanced 13MP rear-facing camera with Optical Image Stabilization, Laser Auto Focus, and Dual Flash is the first of its kind in the smartphone industry. By measuring the distance between the subject and the camera using a laser, you’ll never take a blurry picture again – even in low light conditions.
If selfies are more your thing, the G3’s 2.1MP front-facing camera has a larger image sensor and larger aperture for more light throughput. New for the G3 is also a timed selfie mode that uses gesture controls: when you’re ready to snap a picture, simply make a fist the G3 will start a three-second countdown. All you have to do is smile.
Construction & Availability
All of these great features are packed into a polished metallic skin that is lightweight and fingerprint-proof. The phone is also designed into a Floating Arc form factor that makes great use of the once-controversial Rear Key. Couple this design with the great specs and you have one of the best smartphones ever built.
Depending on your region, the LG G3 will be made available in Metallic Black, Shine Gold, Silk White, Moon Violet, and Burgundy Red via more than 170 carriers. It’s currently only available in the home market of South Korea but will launch globally in June.
Spec Summary
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 801 (up to 2.5GHz Quad-Core)
- Display: 5.5-inch Quad HD IPS (2560 x 1440, 538ppi)
- Memory: 16/32GB eMMC ROM, 2/3GB DDR3 RAM / microSD slot (128GB max)
- Camera: Rear 13.0MP with OIS+ and Laser Auto Focus / Front 2.1MP
- Battery: 3,000mAh (removable)
- Operating System: Android 4.4.2 KitKat
- Size: 146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9mm
- Weight: 149g
- Network: 4G / LTE / HSPA+ 21 Mbps (3G)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth Smart Ready (Apt-X), NFC, SlimPort, A-GPS/Glonass, USB 2.0
- Color: Metallic Black, Silk White, Shine Gold, Moon Violet, Burgundy Red
- Other: Smart Keyboard, Smart Notice, Knock Code™ , Guest Mode, etc.
*Specifications may vary depending on the market.
