LG releases G3 with QHD screen and laser-AF

LG has announced the G3, succeeding last year's G2 as the Korean manufacturer's flagship smartphone. The new model's headline feature is its screen. The 5.5-inch True HD-IPS+ screen comes with a whopping 2560 x 1440 pixels (QHD) resolution which, at 534 ppi, makes it one of the pixel-densest current displays. 

While the screen is great for viewing high-resolution images there are also improvements in the image capture department. With a 13MP CMOS-sensor, OIS and  fast F2.0 lens the G2's basic camera specification has not changed too much, but like the Samsung Galaxy S5 the G3 now uses additional phase detection sensors to speed up the autofocus. The latter is also helped by a new laser-AF system that is capable of measuring the subject-to-camera distance. A dual-LED flash should provide natural white balance when capturing flash images. 

The G3 also offers plenty of processing power to run the Android 4.4.2 operating system and LG's redesigned Optimus UI. A Snapdragon 801 SoC with a 2.5GHz quad-core Krait 400 processor is combined with 2GB RAM on the version with 16GB of internal storage and 3GB RAM on the 32GB variant. For those who need more memory to store images, music and other files there is microSD-card support for up to 128GB. The 3,000mAh battery is user-removable and there is an optional back panel that enables wireless charging.

In terms of design the G3 is pretty close to its predecessor and thanks to the ultra-thin screen bezel the phone has, despite the larger screen, only grown a few millimeters in width and length and at 8.9 mm maintained the G2's thin profile. At 149 grams the device is quite lightweight for its screen size, too. Like on the G2, volume rocker and power button are mounted on the device's back, underneath the camera. The phone's hull is made from polycarbonate plastic but features a top layer that gives it a metal look. Unfortunately, unlike its flagship peers Galaxy S5 and Sony Xperia Z2 the LG is not splash- or waterproof. 

Users in South Korea are lucky enough to get their hands on a G3 from next week. In Europe the phone will be available in June but no time-frame has been given for a US-launch yet. We are also still waiting for pricing information. We're keen on trying out the LG's new and improved AF system and hope to get access to a review unit soon.

Key Specification

• 5.5-inch True HD-IPS+ LCD QHD (2560 x 1440 pixels) display (534 ppi) 
• Snapdragon 801 SoC with 2.5GHz quad-core Krait 400 processor
• 16GB storage/2GB RAM or 32GB storage/3GB RAM
• microSD up to 128GB 
• Android 4.4.2 KitKat with Optimus UI
• NFC
• 13MP 1/3-inch CMOS sensor with OIS
• F2.0
• Dual-LED-flash
• Laser/phase detect AF
• 2MP, F2.0 front camera
• 3,000mAh user-removable battery
• Wireless charging with optional back panel