The LG G3 is the most recent super-premium smartphone in India, and with its specs that include a 5.5-inch 2K display and a zippy 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 SoC, comes across as one of the most loaded devices money can buy. But are things are rosy as they look? Or there something else to this noteworthy flagship? Here's a quick review of its capabilities....
2. All the makings of a blockbuster
• Fashioned out of plastic, but
the brushed metal finish
exudes a premium feel
• The curvy rear adds to
ergonomics
• Placement of physical
buttons on the rear and
barely-existent bezels mean
the 5.5-inch smartphone is
even smaller than many
devices with 5-inch screens
• Removable back gives access
to the battery and slots for
microSD and micro-SIM cards
3. A compelling screenplay
• The 5.5-inch display sports a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 (534ppi)
• The 2K screen offers lovely visuals
• Media viewing and gaming experiences are superb
• Brightness and sunlight legibility are very good
4. Lights, camera, action!
• The G3 sports a 13MP
autofocus shooter, while the
front camera bears 2.1MP
resolution
• Laser beams help the primary
shooter focus in a jiffy
• Also boasts features like 4K
video recording, Optical
Image Stabilisation +, a voice-
activated shutter and a nifty
gesture-triggered timer for
selfies
5. Shoots to kill
• The camera app offers most
modes, but doesn’t let you
tweak settings like ISO, white
balance etc.
• Images shot in daylight are
very impressive, and so are
close-ups
• Shoots usable pics in low
light too
• HDR isn’t its strongest point
• Overall, a very capable
snapper
6. The software plays the protagonist
• The G3 runs KitKat, with a
custom UI on top
• The UI features a flat, clean
look
• Knock Code lets you define a
custom knocking pattern for
unlocking
• Supports double-tap-to-wake
and to sleep as well
• Custom quick settings panel
• Loads of customisation
options
7. Adding the smarts
• The keyboard is customisable,
letting you tweak button
placement and height. It learns
from your typing patterns too
• Smart Notice is a virtual assistant,
throwing up prompts in natural
language based on time, location
and behaviour
• The navigation buttons on the
bottom are customisable too
• Guest Mode and one-handed
mode are also there
• Loads of features and apps such
as Dual Window, QuickMemo+,
Quick Remote and McAfee
Security
8. Mesmerising performances
• A zippy 2.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801processor, paired with 2GB of
RAM tackles even heavy apps and games smoothly. This variant offers
16GB storage, but there’s a higher end model with 3GB of RAM and
32GB storage too
• Up to 128GB can be added via microSD and there’s USB OTG as well
• Small hint of lag while switching apps on occasion though
• Loaded connectivity options
9. Juice for the thirsty
• The device is fuelled by a
3,000mAh removable
battery
• Lasts a full day
comfortably with
moderate usage
• The 2K screen need a lot
of juice, so you might need
a top-up charge during the
day if you view videos and
play intensive games for
long
10. At a glance
• 5.5-inch, 2,560 x 1,440 display
(~534ppi)
• 13MP primary camera, 2.1MP
front shooter
• 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm
801 processor
• 2 / 3GB RAM, 16 / 32GB internal
storage, expandable by 128GB
• 3,000mAh battery
• 4G (including Indian band), 3G,
dual-band Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth
4.0, A-GPS, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct,
NFC, Infrared, USB OTG
• Android 4.4 KitKat
• Wireless charging
11. -
• Rear button placement
• Basic camera app
• Pricey
Pros and cons
+
• Stupendous looks
• Gorgeous display
• Smooth performance
• Intuitive UI with tons of
customisation options
and useful features
• Capable camera
• Wireless charging
12. Rs 47,990 (2GB / 16GB)
Rs 50,990 (3GB / 32GB)
Pricing and verdict
“The LG G3 is as loaded as
its gets right now, and
boasts drool-worthy specs
and features. It looks great,
while the 2K screen is a
scorcher too. It’s pricey,
sure, but it’s a lot of phone
for the money. If the outlay
involved is fine with you,
your wallet and your bank,
this is what you should be
buying now. ”