LG G3 Review

LG G3 Review: A Bold Display and Strong Performance

The LG G3, released in 2014, was LG’s flagship smartphone and a significant step forward in terms of design, display, and performance. Known for its Quad HD display and sleek design, the G3 offered several innovations that helped it stand out in a competitive market.

Design & Build

  • Premium Look with Thin Bezels: The LG G3 features a brushed metallic plastic back that looks premium without adding extra weight. Its slim bezels make the large 5.5-inch display feel manageable, allowing LG to offer a big-screen experience in a relatively compact body.
  • Rear Button Design: The G3 continues LG’s trend of placing the power and volume buttons on the back of the device, making the sides clean and thin. While it might take some getting used to, it ultimately helps maintain a sleek design.
  • Weight and Dimensions: At 149g and 8.9mm thick, the G3 is comfortable to hold, although its size may be a challenge for those who prefer more compact phones.

Display

  • 5.5-inch Quad HD Display: The standout feature of the LG G3 is its 5.5-inch Quad HD IPS LCD display with a 2560×1440 resolution (538 ppi). This was one of the first phones to feature such a high resolution, providing incredibly sharp visuals, making it perfect for watching videos, browsing, and gaming.
  • Color Accuracy & Brightness: The display offers good color reproduction and viewing angles, although the brightness can be slightly lower than some of its competitors, which might make outdoor visibility a challenge.

Performance

  • Snapdragon 801 Processor: Powered by a 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor with 2GB or 3GB of RAM (depending on the storage model), the G3 delivers strong performance for multitasking, gaming, and daily use. Whether switching between apps or running intensive games, the G3 handles tasks with ease.
  • Storage Options: The G3 is available in 16GB (with 2GB of RAM) or 32GB (with 3GB of RAM) variants. It also includes a microSD slot, allowing for storage expansion up to 128GB.

Camera

  • 13MP Rear Camera with OIS: The G3 features a 13MP rear camera with laser autofocus and optical image stabilization (OIS). The laser autofocus helps the phone focus incredibly quickly, which is especially useful for capturing moving subjects or snapping photos in a hurry. OIS improves the overall stability of photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions.
  • Low-Light Performance: While the camera excels in daylight, its performance in low-light conditions is also impressive, with OIS reducing blur and improving photo clarity.
  • 2.1MP Front Camera: The front-facing camera is basic but works well for selfies and video calls, though it lacks some of the advanced features found in modern devices.

Battery Life

  • 3000mAh Removable Battery: The LG G3 comes with a 3000mAh battery, which is more than capable of powering the large Quad HD display for a full day of moderate use. Additionally, the battery is removable, which was a rarity even back then, allowing users to swap batteries if needed. The G3 also supports wireless charging (with a compatible back cover), adding convenience.
  • Power-Saving Features: The phone includes power-saving modes to extend battery life by limiting background processes and reducing performance when needed.

Software & Features

  • Android 4.4 KitKat with Optimus UI: The LG G3 runs Android 4.4 KitKat with LG’s Optimus UI on top. The UI is clean and intuitive, with a focus on simplicity and usability. LG’s Smart Notice is a contextual assistant that provides useful notifications, such as weather updates and suggestions for cleaning up storage.
  • Knock Code: The Knock Code feature allows users to unlock the phone by tapping a custom pattern on the display. It’s a creative and secure way to access the device without using passwords or fingerprints.
  • Dual Window: The Dual Window feature allows users to run two apps side by side, taking full advantage of the large display for multitasking.

Connectivity

  • The LG G3 supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and IR Blaster for controlling home appliances. It also includes a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Conclusion

The LG G3 was a standout smartphone in 2014, primarily because of its Quad HD display and sleek design. With solid performance, a capable camera, and useful features like laser autofocus and Knock Code, it offered a unique experience for Android users. While newer smartphones have since outpaced the G3 in terms of raw power and camera advancements, it remains a highly capable device for those seeking a large, sharp display and smooth performance.

Pros:

  • Stunning 5.5-inch Quad HD display with high resolution
  • Laser autofocus and OIS for fast and stable photography
  • Removable battery and expandable storage
  • Sleek design with thin bezels and a premium feel

Cons:

  • Display can be dimmer outdoors
  • Battery life could be better with the Quad HD display
  • Plastic build might feel less premium compared to metal phones

Overall, the LG G3 remains a strong contender for those looking for a balance between performance, display quality, and user-friendly features.