LG G2 hands-on: First look

LG G2 hands-on (continued)

LG G2's back is where things get interesting. As you could expect the OIS-packing 13MP camera and the LED flash are here, but there's also a hardware key (or several).

The key consists a power key dead center, sided by two volume keys. The volume keys can be used to launch the QuickMemo feature or the camera shutter.

If that's not enough, the key in the center has a LED-lit rim that doubles as a notification LED.

LG made a big deal out of the key's location. According to them, it provides for a more secure grip of the phone, the location is really intuitive as it's exactly where the index finger usually rests and, finally, it's supposed to reduce the accidental drops, which are common when handling side buttons on big-screen smartphones.

And we are glad to report that it's not just PR talk - the location is really very convenient and it's really one of those cases when we though - how come no one thought of that earlier.

LG G2 back

LG will be offering the G2 in two colors and we had the pleasure of meeting both. The surface of the black flavor is really easy to smudge with fingerprints, which makes its looks quickly deteriorate. Even that aside, though, we still like the white version better.

Whatever the colors, both panels are nicely textured with a small dot pattern. What's quite unfortunate though, is this is the same pattern as on the Samsung Galaxy S4 back.

And while we are on the Galaxy S4 comparison topic, here is a quick size up with the Samsung's current flagship.

LG G2 sized up against the Samsung Galaxy S4

As you can see, the LG G2 is almost the same size as the Galaxy S4, despite its smaller screen. That's all thanks to the amazing job LG has done of minimizing the screen bezels.

LG will be also offering the cool QuickWindow flip covers, but unlike the Galaxy S4 S Cover, those will be wrapping around the back instead of replacing it. This is because the LG G2 uses unibody construction and you can't really remove the back cover.

LG G2 flip cover

As the name suggests, QuickWindow covers feature a small windows that the G2 nicely utilizes turning it in a "mini phone" within the bigger phone. You can make calls, use music player, read messages, check notifications, all without having to open the cover. LG has also pre-bundled lots of fancy clock skins.

LG G2 flip cover