LG G3 Hands-On and First Look: A Simple Smartphone That's Smart Enough

Rating:

4.0/5

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PROS

• Brilliant Display
• Revamped UI
• Powerful and Fast Camera
• Lag Free Experience

CONS

• Size may be an Issue

When we first came over the previously released LG G2, needless to say, the device left us amazed and wanting more. With its ultra thin bezels, the device became a major talking point on arrival. However, with time moving ahead, it's time to pass the baton to the new and coming. Hence we have the new LG G3.

LG's Indian adventure is yet to kickstart on a level it wants it to be. Compared to LG, the other major player and its South Korean rival Samsung has already enjoyed a lot of business via the Indian smartphone market. And it's high time LG too got into the act.

But this post isn't about Samsung and what it has done to push its Indian business to the next level. It's about what LG plans to do going ahead in this race to the top.

LG isn't a new name in the market though, as it has been around for quite some time. However, the company is still looking to find that perfect step to the top that will mark its rejuvinated entry into the smartphone market. And the new G3 handset is set to be a perfect example for the same.

We recently had a chance to play around with a review unit of the G3 that LG sent us over. And while spending some time with it, we have to say that the device is actually the real torch bearer for LG. But what makes it such a great device that we sound all excited about it? Let's take a look at the first look and hands-on review for the same.

LG G3 Hands-On and First Look: Form Factor and Operating System

The G3 is the perfect example of how you can still squeeze in an impressive 5.5in display into a chassis that's not that much in terms of numbers. In fact, taking the numbers into consideration for once, it seems like the device is some 3.6mm wider than the previously released G2.

However, it has to be said that the key feature of the G3 is its smooth metallic layer. And although it's still necessarily the same polycarbonate plastic that we see so often, LG has still managed to give the device a sleek and brushed metallic look.

But that being said, the phone won't certainly feel cheap in your hands. The phone's rear can be measured from edge to edge while the device itself stands with a combination of smooth, semi-gloss rear alongside a back that sports metal finish all over. The screen itself is protected by Gorilla Glass 3.

The camera sensor on the device (on the back) with LG maintaining its habit of putting all the main buttons at the back of the device like the Power and the Volume Rocker. On one side of it is the dual-LED flash the device has arrived with, while on the other there's the much talked about the laser focus sensor. But it's actually an IR LED, although we will get back to it soon.

Apart from that, the device's size and display is also a major topic to talk about. Standing at 5.5-inch, the device's True-HD IPS+ display stands far above the likes of Galaxy Note 3. In fact, the handset's QHD resolution could sound like too much to a few, but LG actually took magazine and art book densities and placed the similar kind of experience onto the phone.

And as you might expect from handsets nowadays, the new G3 is also powered by the latest Android KitKat operating system. But we are relieved to see that LG actually made a point this time and worked on the UI layout (no more "Japanese school girl UI" jokes, guys).

The company applied its own software customizations onto the new G3 this time, the result of which a flatter design that's also a treat to the eyes. Also, we are thrilled about the fact that the company has kept additional apps to a minimal this time. In fact there are only three: The Smart Keyboard, Smart Notice and the popular Knock Code. But await more as a full review for the G3 is just around the corner.