Review: LG G3 Android KitKat smartphone with QHD display

Following the success of its well-received LG G2, I like the large stunning QHD display of the LG G3 and totally enjoyed using the flagship smartphone over the past few weeks.

The LG G3 is available in Singapore in 32GB (S$868) and 64GB (S$928) models.

The LG G3 is available in Singapore in 32GB (S$868) and 64GB (S$928) models.

The LG G3 is one of the first smartphones to sport a 5.5-inch Quad HD display – other makers are only now beginning to ship QHD on their flagships.

Top edge of the LG G3.

Top edge of the LG G3.

The 538 ppi resolution of the G3 is one of the highest in the market now and is equivalent to four times the resolution of HD and almost two times that of a Full HD display.

The sharper detail was remarkable especially when viewing 4K video on the display. Even Full HD video looked sharper and clearer.

The LG G3 is one of the best smartphones that I’ve used that are currently on the market. Fast and smooth, with great display and excellent camera.

The other thing that impressed me was the camera (sample shots at the end of this review).

The 13-megapixel rear camera comes with OIS+ (Optical Image Stabiliser Plus) and uses an innovative Laser Auto Focus for faster and more accurate focus on the subject.

The LG G3 comes in five colours: Metallic Black, Silk White and Shine Gold, Moon Violet and Burgundy Red.

The LG G3 comes in five colours: Metallic Black, Silk White and Shine Gold, Moon Violet and Burgundy Red.

The result is sharper photos and a faster response time.

Have you ever wasted precious time trying to lock on the auto focus, only to miss the fleeting photographic moment because the smartphone camera was too slow?

Bottom edge of the LG G3.

Bottom edge of the LG G3.

With the LG G3, I could almost pull it out and start snapping without losing too much time.

In fact, I had to snap photos of a leaking water heater in a dark false ceiling and the LG G3 easily focused in the low light and produced sharp, clear pictures (with the use of flash) – I tried with another flagship smartphone camera which kept producing blurred images.

Video quality was good with clear sound.

I found that the floating arc design of the G3 makes it easier to hold it with one hand for one-handed use - the rear arch and slim side profile makes it more comfortable to hold and affords a better grip.

I found that the floating arc design of the G3 makes it easier to hold it with one hand for one-handed use – the rear arch and slim side profile makes it more comfortable to hold and affords a better grip.

The 2.1-megapixel front camera comes with an interesting way of taking selfies using gesture control.

I like the polished metallic look of the back cover.

I like the polished metallic look of the back cover.

Instead of the standard timed selfie mode, I could take my time to pose and frame the shot first.

When ready, simply clench one hand into a fist and the G3 will recognise the gesture and automatically begin the three-second countdown for releasing the shutter.

Appearance wise, the LG G3 looked really classy with its shiny metallic skin on the rear cover. It’s actually not real metal but lightweight plastic that’s fingerprint-proof.

So it’s the best of both worlds – it looks nice and polished without the weight of real metal.

I know some people hate the idea of the smartphone feeling so light when it’s “supposed” to be heavy – since a smartphone made of real metal is supposed to feel heavy.

I prefer the cleaner design of the G3's UI compared to its predecessor.

I prefer the cleaner design of the G3’s UI compared to its predecessor.

But for me, I like the metal look and I prefer my smartphones light. The only reason I would prefer genuine metal is for extra strength – definitely not extra weight for the sake of extra weight!

In terms of user interface, the G3 has gone for simple and flat design, especially compared to the cartoonish look of its predecessor.

I like the elegant look of the default pastel theme and each of the main apps has a specific colour assigned to it to help remind users which app he/she is using.

The Smart Keyboard learns as you type so I found the prediction actually improved over time.

The height of the keyboard can now be adjusted to make the keys slightly bigger or smaller.

LG G3 (key specs)
OS Android 4.4.2 (KitKat)
Screen 5.5″ Quad HD IPS
Resolution 2560×1440, 538ppi
Battery 3,000 mAh removable
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, 2.5GHz Quad-core, up to 3GB RAM
Camera Rear: 13mp with OIS+
Front: 2.1mp
Video 2160p@30fps
Memory Int: 16/32 GB
Ext: microSD slot up to 128GB
Others 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4, NFC, USB 2.0
Size /mm 146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9
Weight 150 g
Price S$868/S$928

I find the bigger keys easier to type with but it does reduce the viewable screen somewhat – although the overall large screen compensates for that.

Something that is unique with LG phones is its Knock Code.

To lock/unlock the phone, you can set your combination of taps in the four quadrants of the screen display.

Once your Knock Code is set, you can unlock the phone by tapping the combination in any part of the screen – it can be at one corner of the screen so long as the tap sequence in terms of their relative positions to each other corresponds to the code you set.

What I don’t like about the G3? I dislike the placement of the lock button at the rear instead of at the side.

It actually feels natural and comfortable to use when you’re already holding the smartphone in your hand, although it can take some getting used to, because all other smartphones makers currently place the lock button at the side instead of behind.

Wonderful display, classy polished metal look, although I personally dislike putting the lock button and volume control buttons behind instead of at the sides.

Wonderful display, classy polished metal look, although I personally dislike putting the lock button and volume control buttons behind instead of at the sides.

But I have this habit of checking my phone with a quick glance – unlocking the lock screen by pressing the lock button which is usually located at the side in other smartphones – without picking it up.

With the lock button behind, I have to pick up the phone just to unlock the phone, which can get annoying at times.

And I often end up accidentally pressing the volume up/down buttons above/below the lock button when trying to access it.

Power wise, I was a little worried about battery life because of the QHD display. But the large-capacity 3,000mAh is more than adequate to the job and I can easily get through the day with heavy usage and plenty of video viewing.

Some photos taken with the LG G3 below.

Photo taken with flash at close range. Sharp even though shuttle speed was only 1/30 sec. Must have been the OIS+ at work here. It's the latest Canon EOS 7D Mark II in the photo.

Photo taken with flash at close range. Sharp even though shuttle speed was only 1/30 sec. Must have been the OIS+ at work here. It’s the latest Canon EOS 7D Mark II in the photo.

The longish 9:16 aspect ratio enabled excellent framing in this shot. The shuttle speed was even slower at only 1/15 sec. The OIS+ works wonders. The F2.4 aperture helped too, as did the flash.

The longish 9:16 aspect ratio enabled excellent framing in this shot. The shuttle speed was even slower at only 1/15 sec. The OIS+ works wonders. The F2.4 aperture helped too, as did the flash.

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