Design
One of the first things noticed about the LG G3 is its design. The phone features a metallic skin, a significant departure from the all-plastic unibody of the G2. This new material gives the G3 a more premium look. However, the 5.5-inch screen places it in phablet territory, making one-handed navigation challenging. Despite impressively thin bezels, the more angular corners add to the difficulty.
Rear Buttons
- Muscle Memory: The rear buttons become intuitive quickly, making it easier to operate without looking.
- Design Upgrades: Rounded power button and ridged volume keys enhance usability.
Drawbacks
- Separate Backplate: Makes the phone less tightly packaged and less pleasant to hold.
- Weight: Lacks the satisfying weight of other high-end smartphones like the HTC One M9 or iPhone 6 Plus.
- Size: Those who prefer smaller phones may find the G3 too large.
Display
The display on the LG G3 stands out with its Quad HD (QHD) resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels. This high resolution results in incredibly detailed visuals, perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, and playing games.
Pros
- Vibrant and Colorful: Excellent viewing angles and vibrant colors.
- Brightness: Quite bright, though not the brightest among high-end smartphones.
Cons
- Battery Life: High resolution impacts battery life, especially with low to medium usage.
- Outdoor Visibility: Not particularly bright in very bright environments.
Camera
The LG G3 features a 13-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), reducing camera shake and blur. The camera software offers a range of modes and settings to help capture the perfect shot.
Performance
- Bright Light: Produces clear and detailed images.
- Low Light: Struggles to produce well-lit images in low light conditions.
Laser Autofocus
- Speed: Focuses on subjects in just 0.276 seconds, one of the fastest at the time.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive camera app with features like HDR mode and manual controls.
Performance
Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, the LG G3 was among the fastest smartphones at its release. Depending on the model, it comes with 2GB or 3GB of RAM and 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. The microSD card slot allows storage expansion up to 128GB.
User Experience
- Smooth Operation: Interface feels snappy and responsive with Lollipop installed.
- App Launch Times: Some users report slightly slower app boot-up times with the Lollipop update.
Software
Initially released with Android 4.4 KitKat, the LG G3 later received an update to Android 5.0 Lollipop. This update brought new features and improvements, including a material design interface, improved security, and enhanced multitasking capabilities.
Material Design
- Intuitive Interface: Focuses on clean lines and minimalism.
- Visual Appeal: Some users feel Lollipop's visual sheen is less prominent on the G3 compared to other devices.
Security and Voice Controls
- Enhanced Security: Includes better encryption and protection against malware.
- Voice Controls: "OK Google" voice commands allow tasks like sending messages or making calls, though not as full-featured as Cortana on Windows Phone 8.1.
Battery Life
One of the biggest drawbacks of the LG G3 is its battery life. Many users report that the battery does not last as long as desired, especially with low to medium usage. The high-resolution display consumes significant power.
Power-Saving Features
- Power-Saving Mode: Limits background data usage and reduces screen brightness to extend battery life.
Final Thoughts
The LG G3 with Lollipop is a great handset that leans more towards a phablet than a phone. It boasts a stunning Quad HD display, a powerful camera, and a sleek design. However, it has its flaws, such as battery life and size. Despite these drawbacks, the LG G3 remains a solid option for those seeking a high-end smartphone with impressive specs. The camera performs exceptionally well in bright light, and the interface feels smooth and responsive with Lollipop installed. Additionally, the phone can now be picked up cheaply, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Additional Notes
- Price: The LG G3 can be picked up for a little over half the cost of a new iPhone 6.
- Design Flaws: Metallic skin looks premium but lacks the satisfying weight of other high-end smartphones.
- Camera Performance: Excels in bright light but struggles in low light conditions.
- Software Updates: Lollipop brings new features and improvements, including a material design interface and enhanced security.
- Battery Life: Not as long as desired, but power-saving features help extend it.
