LG G3 Lollipop Review

Source: Qualcomm.com

Introduction

The LG G3 made quite a splash when it hit the smartphone scene. Known for its sleek design and impressive specs, it quickly became a favorite among tech enthusiasts. Released in May 2014, the LG G3 received positive reviews for its innovative features and solid performance.

Key Takeaways:

The LG G3's Lollipop update makes the phone faster and smoother, with a cool new look and better battery life, making it even more fun to use.
The camera on the LG G3 is awesome, taking sharp photos and videos, and the update makes it even easier to capture great moments quickly.

Overview of Lollipop Update

What is Lollipop?

Android Lollipop, also known as Android 5.0, brought a fresh look and feel to Android devices. It introduced Material Design, which gave the interface a more modern and colorful appearance. Key features included improved notifications, better battery management, and enhanced security.

Update Process

Updating the LG G3 to Lollipop is pretty straightforward. Users can check for updates in the phone's settings under "About phone" and then "Software updates." If the update is available, they can download and install it directly from there. It's always a good idea to back up important data before starting the update process.

Design and Build Quality

Physical Design

The LG G3 boasts a sleek and modern design. With its slim profile and slightly curved back, it fits comfortably in the hand. The phone features a large 5.5-inch display with minimal bezels, giving it a premium look. The rear buttons for volume and power are a unique touch, making it stand out from other smartphones.

Build Quality

When it comes to build quality, the LG G3 doesn't disappoint. The phone is made from high-quality materials, including a sturdy plastic back that mimics the look of brushed metal. This not only gives it a sophisticated appearance but also makes it more durable. The phone feels solid and well-built, capable of withstanding everyday wear and tear.

Performance and Software

Performance Improvements:
The Lollipop update brought several performance enhancements to the LG G3. With the introduction of the ART runtime, apps launch faster and run more smoothly. This update also improved memory management, reducing lag and making multitasking more efficient. Users noticed quicker response times and a generally snappier experience.

User Interface:
Lollipop introduced a fresh user interface with Material Design, featuring bold colors, fluid animations, and a more intuitive layout. The notification system saw a significant overhaul, allowing users to interact with notifications directly from the lock screen. Additionally, the settings menu became more organized, making it easier to navigate.

App Compatibility:
Most apps run seamlessly on the LG G3 with Lollipop. The update ensured better app compatibility, reducing crashes and improving stability. However, some older apps might not fully utilize the new features, but developers quickly updated their apps to align with Lollipop's capabilities.

Display and Multimedia

Screen Quality:
The LG G3 boasts a 5.5-inch Quad HD display with a resolution of 2560×1440 pixels. This results in incredibly sharp images and text. The screen offers excellent brightness levels, making it easy to use outdoors. Color accuracy is top-notch, providing vibrant and true-to-life visuals.

Multimedia Experience:
The audio and video playback quality on the LG G3 is impressive. The phone supports high-definition video playback, delivering crisp and clear visuals. The built-in speaker provides decent sound quality, though using headphones or external speakers enhances the experience. Lollipop's improved media framework ensures smoother playback and better support for various media formats.

Battery Life

Battery Performance:
Battery life on the LG G3 saw some improvements with the Lollipop update. Before the update, users typically experienced a full day of use on a single charge. Post-update, the phone's battery performance became more consistent, with better standby times and slightly longer usage periods.

Battery Management Features:
Lollipop introduced new battery management features like Battery Saver mode, which extends battery life by limiting background processes and reducing performance. This feature is particularly useful when the battery is running low, ensuring the phone lasts until the next charge.

Camera Performance

Camera Quality:

The LG G3 boasts a 13-megapixel rear camera that delivers sharp and vibrant photos. With optical image stabilization, it reduces blur, making your pictures clearer, especially in low light. The laser autofocus feature helps snap photos quickly, ensuring you don't miss the moment. Video recording is equally impressive, supporting 4K resolution, which captures fine details and smooth motion. Selfies taken with the 2.1-megapixel front camera are decent, though not as sharp as the rear camera.

Camera App Features:

The Lollipop update brings a few tweaks to the camera app. The interface is cleaner, making it easier to switch between modes like panorama, dual camera, and magic focus. New features include improved HDR, which balances light and dark areas in your photos better. The update also enhances the speed of the camera app, reducing lag when switching between modes or taking pictures. These improvements make the camera more user-friendly and versatile.

Connectivity and Network Performance

Network Performance:

The LG G3 performs well on various networks, supporting 4G LTE for fast internet speeds. Calls are clear, with minimal dropped connections. The phone's antenna design ensures strong signal reception, even in areas with weaker coverage. Whether browsing the web, streaming videos, or making calls, the LG G3 maintains reliable network performance.

Connectivity Options:

Wi-Fi connectivity on the LG G3 is robust, supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for faster and more stable connections. Bluetooth 4.0 ensures quick and reliable pairing with other devices, like headphones or smartwatches. The phone also includes NFC, allowing for easy file transfers and mobile payments. Additionally, the LG G3 supports Miracast, enabling wireless display mirroring to compatible TVs and monitors. These connectivity options make the LG G3 versatile for various wireless needs.

Additional Features

Unique Features:

One standout feature of the LG G3 is its Knock Code, which lets you unlock the phone by tapping a personalized pattern on the screen. This feature is both secure and convenient. The Smart Notice feature acts like a personal assistant, providing helpful reminders and suggestions based on your usage patterns. With Lollipop, these features become more integrated and responsive, enhancing the overall user experience.

Security Enhancements:

Lollipop introduces several security improvements to the LG G3. The most notable is Smart Lock, which allows you to keep your phone unlocked in trusted locations or when connected to trusted devices. This feature adds convenience without compromising security. The update also includes enhanced encryption, protecting your data from unauthorized access. These security enhancements ensure that your personal information remains safe while using the LG G3.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, the LG G3 with its Lollipop update remains a solid choice for smartphone enthusiasts. It offers a sleek design, robust performance, and a stunning display. With enhanced battery life and improved camera features, users can enjoy a well-rounded experience. The security enhancements and innovative user interface only add to its appeal. Whether you’re snapping photos, watching videos, or just staying connected, the LG G3 continues to deliver a reliable and enjoyable tech experience.

Feature Overview

The LG G3 Lollipop update brings a fresh look with Material Design, making everything more colorful and intuitive. Notifications now appear on the lock screen, allowing quick access without unlocking. Battery life sees improvement through smarter power management. Multitasking becomes smoother, letting users switch between apps effortlessly. Security gets a boost with enhanced encryption. Smart Lock lets the phone stay unlocked in trusted locations or near trusted devices. Quick Settings are more customizable, giving faster access to frequently used features. Performance enhancements make the phone run faster and more efficiently.

Compatibility and Requirements

To ensure your device supports the Lollipop update for the LG G3, check these requirements:

Model Number: Your device must be an LG G3. Verify this by going to Settings > About Phone and checking the model number. It should read D855 or similar, depending on your region.
Storage Space: Ensure you have at least 1.5GB of free internal storage. This space is necessary for downloading and installing the update.
Battery Life: Your battery should be at least 50% charged. It's recommended to plug in your device during the update to avoid interruptions.
Operating System: Your current OS should be Android KitKat (4.4.2 or 4.4.4). If you’re running an older version, update to KitKat first.
Internet Connection: A stable Wi-Fi connection is crucial. Avoid using mobile data to prevent excessive charges and ensure a smooth download.
Backup: Backup your data. Use LG Backup or any other reliable method to save contacts, photos, and apps.
Region: The update might roll out in phases. Check if it’s available in your region by visiting LG’s official website or contacting customer support.

Meeting these requirements ensures a smooth transition to Lollipop on your LG G3.

Feature Setup Guide

Power on your LG G3 by pressing the power button on the back.
Connect to Wi-Fi by going to Settings > Wi-Fi > Select your network > Enter password.
Check for updates: Go to Settings > About phone > Software updates > Check now.
Download and install the Lollipop update if available.
Restart your device once the update completes.
Sign in to your Google account: Settings > Accounts > Add account > Google > Enter credentials.
Sync your data by selecting the items you want to sync.
Customize your home screen by long-pressing on the background and selecting widgets or shortcuts.
Set up security: Settings > Lock screen > Select screen lock > Choose pattern, PIN, or password.
Install apps from the Google Play Store by searching for the app and tapping Install.

Done! Your LG G3 is now set up with Lollipop.

Effective Feature Usage

Battery Life: Lower screen brightness and turn off Bluetooth when not in use. Use battery saver mode during long days.

Camera: Use HDR mode for better photos in low light. Experiment with manual settings to get the perfect shot.

Notifications: Customize notification settings to avoid distractions. Prioritize important apps.

Storage: Regularly clear cache and uninstall unused apps. Use a microSD card for extra space.

Security: Enable fingerprint lock for quick access. Use Find My Device to locate your phone if lost.

Performance: Restart your phone weekly to keep it running smoothly. Close background apps to save memory.

Customization: Change wallpapers and themes to keep your phone looking fresh. Use widgets for quick access to important info.

Connectivity: Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data to save on your data plan. Enable airplane mode in areas with no signal to save battery.

Software Updates: Always install the latest software updates for new features and security patches.

Accessibility: Use voice commands for hands-free operation. Adjust font size for better readability.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Battery draining quickly? Lower screen brightness, disable unused apps, and turn off Wi-Fi or Bluetooth when not needed.

Phone overheating? Avoid using it while charging, close background apps, and keep it out of direct sunlight.

Apps crashing? Clear app cache, update the app, or reinstall it.

Slow performance? Restart your device, clear cache partition, and uninstall unused apps.

Wi-Fi issues? Restart your router, forget and reconnect to the network, or reset network settings.

Bluetooth not connecting? Turn Bluetooth off and on, unpair and re-pair devices, or restart your phone.

Screen freezing? Force restart by holding the power button, update software, or perform a factory reset if necessary.

Camera not working? Restart the phone, clear camera app cache, or check for software updates.

Sound problems? Check volume settings, restart the device, or try using headphones to see if the issue persists.

Storage full? Delete unnecessary files, move data to an SD card, or use cloud storage services.

Privacy and Security Tips

Using the LG G3 with Lollipop, security and privacy get a boost. User data is handled with encryption, making it harder for hackers to access. Smart Lock lets you unlock your phone with trusted devices or locations, adding convenience without sacrificing safety. To maintain privacy, enable two-factor authentication on your accounts. Regularly update your software to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords for different apps and services. Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. Review app permissions to ensure they only access necessary information. Install a reliable antivirus app to detect and remove threats.

Comparing Alternatives

Pros:

Display: The LG G3 has a 5.5-inch Quad HD display, offering sharp and vibrant visuals. Comparable to the Samsung Galaxy S5's Super AMOLED screen, but larger and higher resolution.
Camera: 13 MP rear camera with laser autofocus. Similar to the Sony Xperia Z3, which also has a 20.7 MP camera but lacks laser focus.
Battery Life: 3000 mAh battery, providing decent longevity. Comparable to the HTC One M8, which has a slightly smaller 2600 mAh battery.
Software: Runs on Android Lollipop, offering a smooth user experience. Similar to the Nexus 5, which also runs on Lollipop but with a more stock Android feel.

Cons:

Build Quality: Plastic body feels less premium compared to the metal build of the HTC One M8 or the glass design of the Sony Xperia Z3.
Performance: Snapdragon 801 processor, which is good but not as powerful as the newer Snapdragon 805 found in the Galaxy Note 4.
User Interface: LG's custom UI can feel cluttered compared to the cleaner interface of stock Android on the Nexus 5.
Storage: 16 GB base model, which is less than the 32 GB base model of the iPhone 6 Plus.

Alternatives:

Samsung Galaxy S5: Offers a similar display quality and better water resistance.
HTC One M8: Provides a more premium build and comparable battery life.
Sony Xperia Z3: Features a higher resolution camera and a sleek design.
Nexus 5: Delivers a pure Android experience with similar software performance.