LG G3 Comprehensive Review of Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The LG G3 was released in June 2014 and marked a significant step forward in smartphone design for its time. The device has dimensions of 146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9 mm and weighs only 149 grams. It features a relatively large 5.76 inches body size, yet it is designed with ergonomics in mind, making it comfortable to hold. The front of the phone is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, which offers good durability against scratches and drops. The back and frame are constructed from plastic, which provides a lightweight feel without compromising sturdiness. The device supports a Micro-SIM card for connectivity.

Display

The LG G3 is equipped with a stunning 5.5-inch True HD-IPS+ LCD display, boasting a resolution of 1440-by-2560 pixels, resulting in a striking pixel density of approximately 538 ppi. This high-resolution display allows for vibrant and crisp images, making it perfect for streaming videos, playing games, or browsing the web. The screen offers an excellent viewing experience with high contrast ratios, and wide viewing angles enhance the quality of viewing content even in sunlight. The screen-to-body ratio is about 75.3%, offering an immersive experience while maintaining sleek aesthetics.

Performance

The LG G3 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset, which was one of the most advanced processors available at the time of release. It has a 2.5 GHz quad-core Krait 400 CPU and comes with an Adreno 330 GPU. These features ensure smooth performance with the capability to handle multiple applications simultaneously, as well as gaming at reasonably high settings without significant stutter or lag. The phone initially launched with Android 4.4.2 KitKat but is upgradeable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, providing access to more advanced application functionalities and system enhancements over time.

Memory and Storage

The LG G3 was released in two main storage variants: 16GB with 2GB of RAM and 32GB with 3GB of RAM. Both versions supported expandable storage via a dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing users to significantly increase the storage capacity, making it easier to store extensive media libraries, applications, and documents. The RAM ensures that the phone can perform efficiently and maintains smooth execution of processes for multiple active applications.

Camera Capabilities

One of the highlights of the LG G3 is its camera system. The main camera features a 13 MP sensor with an f/2.4 aperture and 29mm focal length. It comes with advanced features such as Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF), Laser Autofocus, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, and HDR capabilities. The main camera allows recording in 4K at 30fps and Full HD at 30fps with stereo sound recording. The selfie camera is a modest 2.1 MP with an f/2.0 aperture capability, capable of recording 1080p video at 30fps, suitable for clear video chats and selfies.

Battery Life

The LG G3 is powered by a removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery. It offers an estimated standby time of up to 565 hours on 2G and up to 553 hours on 3G. The talk time extends to up to 19 hours on 2G and up to 21 hours on 3G networks, depending on usage conditions. Furthermore, it supports an optional Qi wireless charging feature, providing convenience for users who prefer cord-free charging solutions.

Network and Connectivity

Network connectivity in the LG G3 covers a broad spectrum with support for GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies. It includes multiple bands for 2G, 3G, and 4G, ensuring connectivity across different networks and regions. Moreover, being equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, GLONASS, NFC, an infrared port, and microUSB 2.0 with OTG support, it offers a comprehensive connectivity suite suitable for a variety of user needs.

Sound and Audio

The LG G3 incorporates a standard 3.5mm audio jack complementing its loudspeaker setup for versatile audio options. According to performance tests, the sound output is robust with satisfactory decibel ratings, though specific results show voice and ring tones registering about 80dB. With dual stereo recording capabilities and decent noise cancellation, it maintains quality call and media playback experiences.

Additional Features and Sensors

To enhance user experience, the LG G3 includes several sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These facilitate responsive usage for apps requiring motion tracking, such as health and fitness applications. The phone also supports radio capabilities with Stereo FM and RDS, specifically available in the D855 model.

Market Reception and Legacy

At the time of its release, the LG G3 was well-received for its cutting-edge design and high-resolution display, which set a benchmark in the smartphone market. It served as a significant competitor against other flagship models of 2014 due to its impressive hardware and performance capabilities. The G3's innovations, such as its laser focus camera technology and QHD display, were lauded and influenced subsequent smartphone designs.

Conclusion

Despite having been discontinued, the LG G3 remains a memorable milestone in the evolution of smartphones, demonstrating significant advancements in mobile technology. Its robust specs, powerful camera features, adaptable storage options, and reliable build endure as key selling points that made it a favorite among tech enthusiasts during its commercially available years. For collectors or tech enthusiasts exploring the history of smart devices, the LG G3 offers an intriguing glimpse into mid-2010s flagship feature progression.