4. LG G3

LG G3 launched

LG's new flagship G3 has officially been unveiled. We take a look at the main highlights of the smartphone. - 






LG has finally officially unveiled its new flagship smartphone, the G3. With features such as Quad HD (2,560 x 1,440) display and a laser auto focus camera, the new LG G3 is set to take the battle of flagships to a new level.

Announcing the new flagship, Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company said: “The smartest innovation in a fast evolving smartphone market is creating harmony between advanced technology and a simplified user experience. LG G3 is the result of our effort to actualize that idea into a tangible product. And we are extremely pleased with the result.”

LG G3's Key specifications:

- 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 CodeTM, Guest Mode, etc.

Design

Prior to the release, LG had been hyping the design of its new flagship as well. The LG G3 measures 146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9mm, which is said to be very compact for a 5.5-inch smartphone. Oppo's Find 7, which also features a 5.5-inch display, measures 152.6 x 75 x 9.2. At 5.5-inches, LG G3 boasts a screen ratio of 76.4 percent with thin bezels all around, delivering a better “grip-ability”.

LG has also focussed on the rear of the smartphone, arranging them in a new and consistent layout. LG says the metallic skin with matte finish is likely to keep the G3 clean and fingerprint-free. The smartphone will be available in several colour options: Metallic Black, Silk White, Shine Gold, Moon Violet and Burgundy Red.

Moreover, the LG G3 comes with a 3,000 mAh battery  which is user removable. LG points out that it has replaced the metal in the battery cathode with graphite, helping extend the lifespan of the battery.

Display

G3's display is definitely the main highlight. As said above, the G3 boasts of a 5.5-inch quad HD IPS LCD display with 2560x1440 pixels resolution featuring a pixel density of 534 pixels per inch. HTC's new flagship One M8 offers 441 ppi of pixel density in its full HD display while Apple's iPhone 5S has 326 ppi pixel density.

“LG’s reputation in the display arena is second to none and the development of the G3’s breathtaking Quad HD display was the result of years of innovation in display technology. With a pixel density of 538ppi, the G3’s Quad HD display sets new standards in producing images that are sharper and clearer than traditional smartphone displays,” says LG about the display of the smartphone.

Camera

The LG G3 comes with 13MP rear camera with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) along with laser auto-focus. While LG has continued with the OIS (already seen in the G Pro 2), HTC has skipped the technology in its One M8 and Samsung is yet to implement it in its S series devices as well. According to LG, the laser auto-focus enables the smartphone to capture better images even in low light, by measuring the distance between the subject and the camera using a laser beam.

LG has also worked on the front-facing camera. The G3’s 2.1MP front camera comes with new enhanced features such as a larger image sensor and larger aperture for more light throughput and better-looking selfies. The camera also supports gesture controls, making it easier to click pictures/selfies.

User Interface and Experience

The G3 runs Android 4.4.2 KitKat with a redesigned Optimus UI skin on top with a slew of new features. LG says that it has implemented minimum user interface with flat graphics. The smartphone has several new apps and features as well.

LG has also introduced a Smart Notice feature, similar to Google's Google Now. The Smart Notice gives suggestions and recommendations based on user behaviour, phone usage patterns and location to offer relevant user information. You can use the personal assistance to perform tasks such as removing unused files or apps.

How is the Smart Notice different from other virtual personal assistants? LG explains: “...what sets Smart Notice apart from other personal assistants is its natural language capabilities. For example, instead of just displaying today’s temperature and weather forecast, Smart Notice will make a recommendation such as, “You may want to take an umbrella today since it will rain this evening.”

The G3 also has a new Smart Keyboard featuring adaptive technology, helping users to type faster with lesser mistakes. For security, LG has added Knock Code, Content Lock and Kill Switch, which allows users to disable their phones remotely in the event of theft.

Accessories

LG G3 comes with some cool accessories. The company has already revealed QuickCircle case, featuring a circular window on the flip, which lets users access to some key features of the smartphone such as time, place calls, send text messages, take photos etc without needing to open the cover. LG is also offering a new lineup of Slim Guard Cases and premium Slim Hard Cases with the G3.

For audiophiles, LG is offering Tone InfinimTM (HBS-900), Bluetooth stereo headset, developed in collaboration with Harman/Kardon. Tone Infinim also features Name Alert to verbally notify you about who is calling before you answer. LG is offering a wireless charger, equipped with Qi’s wireless power charging technology.

LG's new flagship will be available in South Korea starting on May 28 and will begin rolling out worldwide with support of over 170 carriers.