LG G3 with 5.5-inch QHD display, laser AF camera goes official

The LG G3 is finally official and is ready to take the duties as the company's 2014 flagship Android smartphone.

Hardware

The LG G3 features a 5.5" True HD-IPS+ LCD display with a QHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) resolution. This results in the eye-watering (in a good sense) pixel density of 534 pixels per inch. The company states that there really is a difference when looking at the display this sharp and that the Retina display wasn't even close to the final frontier, as the Steve Jobs claimed.

Inside the phone, there's a Snapdragon 801 (MSM8975AC) chipset with a 2.5GHz quad-core Krait 400 processor and Adreno 330 GPU. The version of the G3 with 16GB of internal memory sports 2GB of RAM, while the 32GB model has 3GB of RAM. Both versions will pack microSD card slots supporting up to 128GB cards.

On the connectivity side, there's Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11 ac, NFC and an IR blaster.

LG continues the trend set by the G2 with rear-mounted volume controls and Power/Lock and has refined them a bit. On top of them is the main camera, which sports a 13MP sensor with OIS. Next to it is a dual-LED flash, while on the left LG has fitted a special laser that measures distance and speeds up autofocus. In addition the company has also implemented phase detection autofocus for ultra fast 276ms focusing.

LG G3 official photos

It seems the company has turned equal attention to the 2MP front-facing camera, which sports bigger pixels and a brighter lens than the main one. It also promises the perfect viewing angle angle for selfies, which LG says is 77 degrees.

Design

The LG G3 is made out of polycarbonate with a special layer on top that gives it a finish close to metal. Additionally, it is scratch resitant and helps keep fingerprints away. Sadly, it's not self-healing as the one of the LG G Flex. It is worth noting that the G3 isn't water-proof.

While those of you expecting actual metal finish might be disappointed, going for plastic has allowed the LG G3 to keep its weight in check - the smartphone weighs just 150 grams, which is pretty decent for the size. Full measurements are 146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9 mm, which is also very compact for a 5.5" smartphone. In comparison, the Oppo Find 7 measures 152.6 x 75 x 9.2 mm while packing the same display.

Audio fans will appreciate the 1W speaker at the back of the G3, which is similar to the one found in the LG G Pro 2. However this time LG has also enabled a boost mode, which brings its power to 1.5W.

The battery of the LG G3 is 3,000mAh and is user-removable. There's optional wireless charging support that comes with a different back panel.

LG G3 official photos

Software

The LG G3 runs Android 4.4.2 KitKat with the completely redesigned Optimus UI skin on top with a ton of new features. It is now boasting flat design, new icons and overall streamlined feel. There are a number of new apps and key features here, too.

One of them is called Smart Notice and it is LG's attempt to compete with Google Now's convenience. To do so, the service silently collects information tidbits and tells you useful things it believes might help you in your day. For example, it tells you if it's raining outside, sets location-based reminders and will even automatically erase apps that haven't been used for a couple of months, if you tell it to do so. One cool feature is that it can also automatically switch Wi-Fi on when you arrive home or at the office.

The keyboard is redesigned and you can now adjust its height to your personal preference. The company's proprietary KnockCode and Knock On features are also present, as is a new Health app that keeps track of your exercise regime and counts your daily steps.

Availability

LG launches the G3 in South Korea next week, while in Europe the phone will launch in June. We got no specific time-frame for the US launch, but LG promised it will be faster than that of the G2. Pricing information is yet to be detailed.