A lot of the time, most Android phones are the same. Reviewing the software is pointless as they all have the same app-store, the same firmware, etc. It’s where the phones differ hardware wise, that make them stand out, and it’s where the LG G3 shines, The G3 is not only the flagship phone for LG, but it should be considered the modern flagship phone for Android. The G3 excels in every way possible, with only a few stumbles that keep it from being what I think is the greatest Android phone ever created.
Form Factor:
The G3 is a beautiful phone. There are no external buttons on the front of the phone so the screen takes up 99% of the front, and while it can be a little jarring at first if you’re used to phones like the Samsung Galaxy, it helps the phone maintain a sleek, pure design. I guess this just falls down to a personal preference, but i adjusted quickly to the on-screen buttons. It was also especially nice that the buttons could be customized.
Of course the big thing with LG phones these days is the placement of the volume and power buttons. For those of you who don’t know, the buttons are placed at the back of the phone, right under the camera. For some this can be a little odd and at times confusing, but LG claim that it’s more convenient than having the buttons on the side; and after about two weeks of use, I have to agree with them. Even when the phone is in my pocket and I want to adjust the music volume, it’s much easier than other phones where lots of fiddling and clawing is involved. LG have also added the “Knock On” feature, where you can tap the touch screen twice to wake the phone up. This helps when the phone is flat on a table, another one that falls to preference.
The G3 comes packing a quad HD screen, not 4K mind you, but four times 720p. The result can be described as nothing less than gorgeous. In an earlier review, I stated that the Nokia 1520 had the best screen I had ever come across. The G3’s screen is absolutely miles ahead of that. Colours pop and the sharpness is the best I’ve ever seen on any screen ever. Of course it can be argued that the screen is just overkill, and to be fair there really isn’t a point of having such a dense screen on a smartphone, and it probably does a number on the battery.
Speaking of the battery, it’s easily the G3’s best feature. The G3 definitely benefits from being a large phone. When the phone is used minimally, it can last for days. If you’re not one for games and videos, you’ll only have to charge your phone every 2 or 3 days. This propels the device way beyond it’s competitors like Samsung or even Apple. If you use your phone heavily, it will still even last you a full days worth. The phone was on 53 percent when i went to sleep at 9 o clock, when i woke up at 8, it was on 50 percent; seriously. Wifi was on and power saving was off. It’s easily the best battery I’ve ever used on a phone, and even rivals some of the best phablet devices on the market.
What makes the battery even more impressive is that it’s powering some impressive hardware, the G3 has 3GB of RAM and a lightning-fast Snapdragon 801 processor. I’ve never experienced slowdown even with multiple apps and games open. I’ve tried pushing the phone to find its limit and I don’t think I’ve even come close. The impressive battery life coupled with the hefty internals make for a great combination that we don’t often see these days.
The G3 isn’t a perfect phone, even though it comes pretty damn close. Some crucial apps aren’t available on the device, at least at the time of review. Apps like Google Quickoffice and fan favourite Real Racing 3 aren’t available on the Appstore. There’s also the case of the screen and the button placement, but as I said eariler, if you can learn to love them, you’ll have no complaints.
Regardless of it’s shortcomings, the G3 is still my favourite phone ever, and absolutely must be on your shortlist if you’re in the market for an Android phone. It may not have the brand recognition that Samsung and Apple revel in, but LG have made a phone that outclasses the others in leaps and bounds.
Get it: R6 000
From: http://www.lg.com
