LG G2 Review

LG Electronics (LG) has unveiled its latest flagship smartphone LG G2, introduced under LG’s new “G” Series. The LG G2 brings everything together in a device with comfortable, functional, convenient and beautiful design. The LG G2 shifts the paradigm in smartphone design by placing all the buttons on the rear of the device, making this the first smartphone to be completely devoid of side buttons. This smartphone is loaded with plenty of specs and new design approaches. 

The LG G2 incorporates a 5.2-inch Full HD (1920x1080) display with an impressive 423 pixels-per-inch (PPI). In addition to the expansive viewing experience, LG’s innovative Dual Routing technology reduced the phone’s bezel to a mere 2.65mm on the side edge. It’s nearly one millimeter thinner on the sides and three millimeters thinner up top than its main competitor, the Samsung Galaxy S4. It has an effective display area of about 75.9%, the largest on the market today. And with proven IPS technology, the LG G2 offers superior graphics, accurate colors and clear images without any distortion.

The LG G2 runs on the industry’s most advanced mobile chipset, the Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 800 Processor and redefines the smartphone experience through stunning performance, rich graphics and outstanding battery efficiency. The device comes with 2GB RAM and offers 16GB and 32GB storage options. It runs on Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. You’ll notice that on the rear is the 13-megapixel super-slim camera. It’s made of fingerprint-resistant sapphire glass, nearly three times stronger than traditional tempered glass, and boasts an OIS module, anti-shake technology, and audio zoom.

Despite the humongous screen, the G2 manages to maintain a rather slim and sleek profile, assisted by LG’s decision to move the power button and volume rocker to the back of the device. It’s a radical move, but one that LG explained rather logically. With a device of this size, you’ll have an easier time reaching the back than you would reaching the side.  Think about it: where does your finger naturally lie when holding a 5-inch or larger smartphone? And its location lends itself to some cool added functionality.

LG G2 comes with a number of compelling user experience (UX) features like long-pressing on the rear-mounted volume keys allows users to launch Quick Memo TM and the camera, making note taking and photo capturing even easier than before. And if the LG G2 is lying on a surface face up, there’s no need to lift the phone to access the power button on the back. With KnockON, the LG G2 can be powered on simply by tapping twice on the display.

The G2 features Guest Mode, which sets up different unlock patterns for different user profiles, and Answer Me, which answers your phone automatically when you pick it up and bring it to your ear.  There's also Text Link, which gives you quick access to the calendar, maps, and browser depending on the context of the text.

And then there’s multitasking, which LG has improved with Slide Aside: within any app, up to three apps at a time, slide three fingers to the left to save it. Then, slide three fingers to the right to bring up those three apps, which are still running without interruption.

The LG G2 is the first smartphone on the market today to feature 24 bit/192kHz Hi-Fi playback that reproduces studio-like quality sound, far superior to a CD. And with a generous 3,000mAh battery that is thoughtfully designed to take maximum advantage of the interior space, the LG G2 is more than ready for a full day’s work or play.

LG has also introduced a few new accessories to accompany the G2, including the Quick Window Case. It’ll condense your screen into a small “all in one” square, giving you access to your music, weather, clock, and even calls. It’ll be available in eight colors.

“Our definition of innovation today is technology that truly resonates with consumers,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company, who welcomed the guests to the event. “We have always listened to and learned from consumers in pursuit of innovation. We took these insights to new heights in developing LG G2, the most exciting and ambitious mobile phone in our company’s history.”

The G2 is a step forward for LG in terms of both hardware quality and software. Not only is this the most well-designed smartphone to ever come out of LG’s labs, it also feels like the company has finally gotten its UX right.