LG G2 officially revealed: Specs, features and release confirmed
LG have finally unwrapped their long-awaited, often-leaked LG G2 Android smartphone. The new flagship phone for the company, it features a number of nifty features to that could tempt loyal Apple and Samsung fan into the LG fold.
Packing in a 2.26GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, backed by 2GB of RAM and powering an edge-to-edge 5.2-inch 1080p display, the LG G2 promises to be an incredibly speedy handset.
Running Android 4.2.2 and available in 16GB and 32GB storage sizes and black or white case shades, it also packs in a rear 13MP camera, 4G connectivity and 3,000mAh battery.
Measuring 138.5 x 70.9 x 8.9mm, the handset has been designed from the ground-up with usability and ergonomics in mind. It’s not just the 5.2-inch IPS screen (which is the biggest size a user can comfortably grip according to LG’s research), but also the introduction of an interesting rear-mounted button, the only physical button on the entire handset.
The Rear Key “came from the realisation when studying users that the larger the phone became, the more difficult it was to properly access the side buttons.” Using the Rear Key, users can adjust volume levels, or long press to launch a QuickMemo app or the camera app.
If the phone is placed on its back without access to the Rear Key, a user can double tap the display to quickly wake the phone from sleep too.
There’s also a range of unique UI features. LG describe them as follows:
- Answer Me — Automatically answers the call after lowering the ringtone when the phone is raised to one’s ear
- Plug & Pop — Recommends options or related features to choose from when the earphone or USB cable is detected
- Text Link — Information embedded in text messages can be selected and easily saved in memo or calendar and searched on a map or the internet
- QuickRemote — Not only can LG G2 be used to remotely control popular home entertainment devices, it can also learn from conventional remote controls and be customised to operate multiple devices with flexible layouts and keys
- Slide Aside — Enables easier multitasking by simply “sliding” open apps off to the side using a three-finger swipe
- Guest Mode — Protects owner’s privacy by displaying only pre-selected apps when guests access the phone with a secondary unlock pattern
“It’s the most ambitious phone of the smartphone era,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Mobile.
“Technology without empathy cannot be considered innovation. Innovation for the sake of innovation is old school. Innovations must resonate with consumers. We do our very best to understand the needs of consumers, their behaviours and habits. Our smartphone better detects, learns and adapts to human behaviours and needs.”
Though pricing has yet to be revealed, the LG G2 will be released globally in over 130 carriers in the next eight weeks starting in South Korea followed by North America, Europe and other key markets.
The handset enters into a particularly competitive Android market, with both Samsung and HTC offering luxurious handsets in the form of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One respectively, while Sony continue to further impress with their Xperia line-up, including the forthcoming giant Xperia Z Ultra handset. And, being just a few weeks away from the IFA 2013 conference in Berlin, expect all the major mobile players to reveal brand new wares, with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 hotly tipped to make an appearance.
So what do you think of the LG G2? Worth the wait? Is it the Android handset to take LG’s mobile offering into the big leagues? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
