LG has unveiled its latest hero smartphone – the G3 – which includes a number of eye-catching features that raise the bar for other companies to follow.
In a series of global events held in London, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, Seoul and Istanbul, LG took the wraps of its new premium 5.5-inch smartphone.
The device, which weighs just 149g, has a “Floating Arc” form factor which can be seen in the curved back panel that’s designed to sit even more comfortably in the user’s hand.
The G3 has a metallic feel skin and retains the breakout design decision first seen on the G2 with the main key and volume controls located on the rear panel.
TECH GUIDE’S HANDS-ON REVIEW OF THE LG G3
The LG G3, which is powered by a quad core 2.5Ghz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, has no buttons or ports on the sides which makes it easier to fit the larger 5.5-inch screen without making the device too much bigger.
In fact, it’s only slightly smaller than the G2 but still managed to fit in a larger 5.5-inch display.
The G3’s screen actually takes up more than 76 per cent of the device’s front panel – a record for a smartphone.
But it’s not just the screen’s size in relation to the device that will be noticed by customers.
The screen’s quality is stunning at 538ppi (pixels per inch) and with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 which is nearly twice that of full high definition. The iPhone’s Retina Display has 326ppi.
The G3 has a 3000mAh battery with an all-new internal structure (metal inside the battery has been replaced by graphite) that’s designed to easily power this higher resolution screen for the whole day.
Also onboard LG’s G3 smartphone is a 13-megapixel camera with OIS (optical image stabilisation) and a 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera.
The camera also incorporates Laser Auto Focus technology.
This means it shoots a laser from the back of the device to instantly measure the distance between the lens and the subject and establish the focal length so you’re not going to miss the moment.
The G3 is running the latest Android KitKat operating system and also features a minimal LG user interface that gives the screen a clean look and layout.
LG’s new device introduces some new user interface features including Smart Notice and Smart Keyboard.
Smart Notice takes note of the calls you’ve missed and apps you haven’t used for while and reminds users to call these people back and to see if you want to keep those unused apps that are taking up valuable space.
Smart Keyboard learns from what the user types so it can get used to your writing style and the words you often use to provide even faster text input.
The on-screen keyboard also be adjusted in size to fit the user’s hand and thumbs.
On the security side, the G3 provides peace of mind with Knock Code – where users can unlock the device with a series of up to eight knocks on the screen – and Content Lock which allows people to keep certain files on G3 hidden and /or encrypted.
Accessories for the G3 will include a QuickCircle Case which will be available in a number of colours and also provide access to the clock and your favourite apps which can be accessed while the case cover is closed through the circular window.
A wireless charger is also available and this works with the wireless induction technology already built into the removable back cover of the G3.
This makes it possible to recharge the G3 simply by placing the device on top of the wireless charger accessory.
LG’s G3 will be available across all carriers in Australia and is expected to be available on a plan or to purchase outright, at a price to be announced, in the first week of August.
* Stephen Fenech travelled to Singapore as a guest of LG
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