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LG’s G3 claims a place of its own among the high end smartphones
The LG G3 is developed under the theme Simple is the New Smart concept and comes with a fingerprint-proof metallic skin. PHOTO | DIANA NGILA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
LG Electronics has introduced the G3 in the Kenyan market angling for a piece of the high end smartphone segment currently dominated by Apple and Samsung. The G3, retailing at Sh59,999, will compete for a share of the market with iPhone 6 and Samsung’s S5.
Unlike the Galaxy S5 that shows a more conservative approach in its design, LG’s G3 goes bold with a new high-resolution “QHD” (2,560x1, 440-pixel resolution) display, as well as adding a laser-guided autofocus for the camera. That’s not to mention the other design changes that address the issues of the previous flagship, such as the addition of a microSD card slot and removable battery.
“The smartest innovation in a fast evolving smartphone market is creating harmony between advanced technology and a simplified user experience,” said Moses Marji, the LG East Africa marketing manager.
The phone that was developed under the theme Simple is the New Smart concept comes with a fingerprint-proof metallic skin and four times the resolution of HD and almost two times higher resolution than a full HD display. To enhance the user experience, LG has added a Smart Notice box that gives advice on what’s happening around you as well as reminders to return calls.
The weather tip lets the user know when to expect rain, for example, so one can pack an umbrella.
Like Samsung’s S5, the G3 has a built-in fitness tracker called LG Health. It tracks your steps as well as keeps a record of your other activities such as jogging or cycling.
With a toned-down redesign of the user interface (it’s running a re-skinned Android 4.4 KitKat), the G3 has what it takes to be a top-ranked flagship smartphone for 2014.
The power button and volume rocker are all found on the back. LG has done this for a few phones now, and while it takes some getting used to, it’s actually a pretty good tweak.
The keys have a textured pattern that differentiates them from the rear cover. It’s also easy to reach the buttons when holding the phone with one hand.
The 13-megapixel camera is located right above the rear buttons, and on the left is the laser autofocus feature, which uses an infrared laser beam to measure the distance between the camera and the intended subject of your picture. On the right is the dual-LED flash.
Sporting the same rounded corners and slim bezel as the G2, the LG G3 keeps the same buttons on the rear as well. Instead of the glossy plastic found on the G2, though, LG has given the G3 a metallic-looking back.
LG says the rear cover is mostly plastic (to allow wireless charging to work), but it added a metal film to give it that shiny, polished look. The result is a very premium finish, and Samsung should pay attention here.
The G3’s back cover conveys a more luxurious feel that you normally get from metal phones such as the HTC One M8 or the Apple iPhone 5S.
