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LG G3 review: LG’s flagship rear-button phone gets an upgrade

SINGAPORE — I am getting that feeling again. That sinking feeling when your once top-of-the-line smartphone becomes outdated. It seemed not too long ago last year that I got my uniquely rear-buttoned LG G2, and now I’m reviewing its successor — the G3. So, should those in the market for a brand-name Android phone consider this new flagship from “that other Korean company”?

LG’s new flagship, the G3, is well-sized, features an excellent display and has decent battery life. 
Photo: LG Electronics

LG’s new flagship, the G3, is well-sized, features an excellent display and has decent battery life.
Photo: LG Electronics

SINGAPORE — I am getting that feeling again. That sinking feeling when your once top-of-the-line smartphone becomes outdated. It seemed not too long ago last year that I got my uniquely rear-buttoned LG G2, and now I’m reviewing its successor — the G3. So, should those in the market for a brand-name Android phone consider this new flagship from “that other Korean company”?

The G3’s screen size has grown since the G2, from 5.2 inches to 5.5 inches, but its display quality has improved significantly from a Full HD LCD with 424ppi (pixels per inch) to a Quad HD LCD with 538ppi, which translates to sharper graphics and better text readability. The phone is also larger, but only slightly so. While it is a continuing testament to LG’s efficient phone design and good use of space already seen in the G2, the increased bulk means that one-handed use is barely possible now for the average user.

In the performance department, the G3 is equipped with a 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, and the 32GB model comes with 3GB of RAM. This set-up is capable of handling any task or game with power to spare for background apps and widgets that are almost essential to the Android experience. Up to 10 homescreens are allowed on the phone, so you will not waste that bumper crop of RAM and CPU cycles. The 16GB model comes with 2GB of RAM.

Unlike its predecessor, the G3 has a microSD slot that officially supports cards of up to 128GB, so you can download tons of movies to watch on the go or even make them yourself with the phone’s 13-megapixel rear camera that comes equipped with optical image stablisation. Functions such as camera laser autofocus, out-of-the-box Qi wireless charging, a 1-watt speaker on the back of the device and a Shine Gold colour option also help sweeten the deal.

It is worth noting that the G3’s 3,000mAh battery is now removable, although LG has said it has tweaked the battery technology so it can still power its higher-quality display through the day. The phone is able to last 22 hours on a full charge, with the Android OS registering about 40 per cent power usage for the screen, which is decent considering the battery’s rated capacity has remained unchanged even though it powers a bigger and higher-resolution screen.

KNOCKING THE SMALL THINGS INTO PLACE

LG has also worked hard on software issues and user experience. The Knock Code function, which allows a user to unlock the phone using a customised series of taps on the device’s blank screen, now works in conjunction with the KnockON function, allowing users to double-tap the screen to check the time and lock screen notifications.

Users now have the option to uninstall all preloaded LG apps to save space. The default software keyboard is height-adjustable and allows for faster text input with word suggestions that you can select quickly by swiping left or right while typing.

Camera-wise, users can now take a timed selfie with only a hand gesture, and a “magic focus” mode allows you to shoot your picture first and change its focus later.

LG is also sticking to its love-it-or-hate-it rear-button configuration, which takes some getting used to. But if you use its KnockON feature to wake the phone, then there is no real need to reach for that button unless you want to switch the phone off.

For those who crave an unbridled non-iOS experience, LG’s new top-of-the-line phone is worth considering. It is decently-sized considering its larger screen, features an excellent display, boasts high-end specifications that can handle most games and applications with ease and has enough battery life to last the day.

The LG G3 is available for pre-order at selected telcos until Friday at a recommended retail price of S$868 for the 16GB model and S$928 for the 32GB model. The pre-order package includes the Quick Circle phone case, which features a front cover with a window, and a wireless charger.

The phone will be available at LG authorised retailers from June 28 in three colours: Metallic Black, Silk White and Shine Gold. Two additional colours, Moon Violet and Burgundy Red, will be available at a later date.

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