First impression: LG G3

Nifty features and big screen in a plastic body

LG on Monday launched its latest flagship, the G3, in India. Priced at Rs 47,990 for the 16GB version and Rs 50,990 for the 32GB one, the phone will fight for a slice of the high-end segment with Samsung’s Galaxy S5, HTC One (M8) and Apple’s iPhone 5S. The G3 was launched internationally in May.

The first thing that strikes you is the massive 5.5-inch screen. The G3 boasts of a 2560 x 1440 QHD (Quad HD) screen, which packs in about 538 pixel per inch (ppi), which is way ahead of its competitors (the Oppo Find 7 also features a QHD screen). Does that translate into a mind-blowing experience? The display on the G3 is definitely sharper than that of iPhone 5S, but so are the displays on the M8 and the S5. What we do know is that the pictures are sharp, colours crisp and vivid and the preloaded videos (which feature landscapes from Europe, among others) a delight to watch on the bigger screen.

The G3 doesn’t feel difficult to hold, though one-handed operation could be a challenge. One of the reasons the phone doesn’t feel massive to hold could be the wafer-thin bezel around the screen. Also, it is noticeably heavier than the S5.  

The design cues of the G3 have been borrowed from the Google Nexus 5. While it carries over the placement of the power/lock key and volume keys on the back from the G2, it differs significantly from its predecessor in terms of having a removable battery and a microSD card slot. The G3, while made of plastic, has a metallic sheen to it, with a metal strip running around the frame. With the buttons on the back, below the camera with LED flash, the edges are smooth, but for the microUSB port and headphones port on the bottom edge. The back doesn’t pick up fingerprints.

 

The G3 runs Android 4.4.2 with its custom user interface (UI) on top. It’s a significant departure from the UI on the G2, which had rather garish colours. The interface on the G3 is subtle, with categories such as contacts being colour-coded. The useful QSlide feature exists but the menu seems to have been stripped down to show more of the screen (and it can be customised, thankfully).  The G3 has a separate screen for the pedometer and useful video tips. There’s a Smart Notice (kind of Google Now) notification which constantly reminds of things to do like say carry an umbrella as it could rain.

The 13-megapixel rear camera, with laser autofocus, focuses fast in low-light  and takes sharp images. But there aren’t too many options to customise the camera. The screen works as a flash for ‘selfies’.

At nearly Rs 50,000, the G3 might find it tough to compete against the S5 (which is available for as less as Rs 37,000 online) or the brilliant design of the M8. But if the nifty features and thoughtful additions are anything to go by, this could find many takers among customers, especially those who were impressed by the Nexus 5.

 

LG G3

Price: Rs 47,990/Rs 50,990

Display: 5.5-inch 2,560 x 1,440p Quad HD IPS at 538ppi

Processor: Snapdrapon 801 quad core (up to 2.5 Ghz)

RAM: 2GB/3GB

Memory: 16GB/32GB expandable via microSD (up to 128GB cards supported)

OS: Android 4.4.2 KitKat

Camera (rear/front): 13MP with laser autofocus/2.1MP

Battery: 3,000mAh

Weight: 149g