Mobilawy

LG G3 CDMA Unveiling Features Pricing and Performance Pros & Cons

Release Date
2014, July
Camera
13MP
Battery
3000mAh
Processor
Snapdragon 801
Screen
5.5"
Storage
32GB , microSDXC
Ram
3GB RAM
Operating System
Android 4.4.2, up to 6.0

Introduction to LG G3 (CDMA)

The LG G3 (CDMA) was a flagship smartphone launched in July 2014, quickly capturing attention for its remarkable features and advanced technology during that era. It became notable for its large display, robust performance capabilities, and camera quality. Although technology has rapidly progressed since then, understanding the specifications and features of the LG G3 gives insight into the mobile technology landscape of the mid-2010s.

Design and Build

The LG G3 was designed with both form and function in mind. It boasts dimensions of 146.3 x 74.7 x 8.9 mm and weighs just 149.7 grams. This balance between size and weight provided users with a device that is manageable in the hand while still offering a large screen experience. The rear cover is removable, allowing access to the battery, SIM card, and microSD card slot. Available in colors like Metallic Black and Silk White, the LG G3 maintained a sleek aesthetic, appealing to consumers who prioritized style.

Display Technology

One of the standout features of the LG G3 is its 5.5-inch True HD-IPS + LCD display. With a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, it delivered incredibly sharp visuals with a pixel density of approximately 538 ppi. This made the smartphone a popular choice for media consumption, such as video playback and gaming. Additionally, the display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, providing durability and resistance to scratches and everyday wear and tear.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the LG G3 houses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset, a popular processor for flagship devices at the time. It features a Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 CPU and an Adreno 330 GPU, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient graphics processing for demanding applications. The device also comes with 3GB of RAM, which was considered generous during its release, supporting its performance capabilities.

Storage Options

LG G3 caters to users' storage needs by offering 32GB of internal memory, which can be expanded via a dedicated microSDXC slot. This flexibility made it easier for users to store more applications, photos, videos, and other data without worrying about running out of space too quickly.

Camera Quality

The LG G3 features a 13MP rear camera equipped with features such as Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF), Laser Autofocus, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), and a Dual-LED dual-tone flash. These features contributed to its reputation as a capable camera phone, allowing users to capture high-quality images even in challenging lighting conditions. The camera also supports video recording at 4K resolution, a feature not commonly found in all smartphones of that time. For selfies and video calls, the phone offers a 2.1MP front-facing camera capable of recording 1080p footage.

Battery Life

Equipped with a 3000mAh Lithium-Ion removable battery, the LG G3 was designed to last a full day on a single charge under normal usage conditions. Standby time is rated up to 415 hours on 3G networks, while talk time extends up to 18 hours and 40 minutes. The removable battery design allowed users to swap out batteries if necessary, extending the device's usability during long days without access to a charger.

Connectivity and Network Capabilities

The LG G3 supports a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP and LE support, and NFC, which was beneficial for contactless payments. The phone caters to GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE networks, ensuring comprehensive coverage across various regions and carriers. Its microUSB 2.0 port supports OTG functionality, and select models include an FM radio.

Sensors and Additional Features

The smartphone is equipped with several sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing its functionality across different applications. These sensors played a crucial role in enabling additional features like orientation detection and step counting applications.

Operating System and Software Updates

Initially released with Android 4.4.2 KitKat, the LG G3 is upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, offering users access to newer features and improved security over its lifespan. LG's custom UI provided a unique experience, complementing the Android OS with additional personalization and functionality.

Conclusion

The LG G3 (CDMA) remains a notable device from the mid-2010s, remembered for its impressive specs and features that highlighted LG's innovative approaches to mobile technology. Despite being discontinued, it continues to be appreciated by users who value its design, display quality, and robust performance. As technology has advanced, the LG G3 stands as a testament to the rapid evolution of smartphones and what was once considered cutting-edge in the industry.

Key Features of LG G3 (CDMA)

  • Supports multiple network technologies: GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, LTE
  • High-resolution True HD-IPS + LCD display with 5.5 inches and 1440 x 2560 pixels
  • Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3
  • Powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 with a Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 CPU
  • Adreno 330 GPU for enhanced graphics performance
  • Upgradable Android OS from 4.4.2 (KitKat) to 6.0 (Marshmallow)
  • Generous 32GB internal storage with 3GB RAM and expandable storage via microSDXC
  • 13 MP main camera with features like Laser AF, OIS, dual-tone flash, and 4K video recording
  • Front-facing 2.1 MP camera with 1080p video recording
  • Comprehensive connectivity options: dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, and Infrared port
  • Removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery providing decent standby and talk time
  • Available in multiple colors: Metallic Black, Silk White, and Shine Gold

LG G3 (CDMA) Drawbacks

  • Discontinued status may lead to lack of support and updates.
  • Released with older Android version (4.4.2 KitKat), limiting initial app compatibility.
  • Upgradable only to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), missing newer features and security patches introduced in later Android versions.
  • Older Snapdragon 801 chipset may result in inferior performance compared to more modern devices.
  • Front camera offers only 2.1 MP, which is low by today's selfie standards.
  • Use of microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort) instead of the more modern USB Type-C.
  • Low internal storage of 32GB which can fill up quickly, although expandable via microSDXC.
Network
Technology GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - VS985, LS990
3G bands CDMA2000 1xEV-DO - VS985
4G bands 4, 13 - VS985
Speed HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps (LS990)LTE Cat4, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps (VS985)
Launch
Announced 2014, July. Released 2014, July
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 146.3 x 74.7 x 8.9 mm (5.76 x 2.94 x 0.35 in)
Weight 149.7 g (5.29 oz)
SIM Micro-SIM
Display
Type True HD-IPS + LCD
Size 5.5 inches, 82.2 cm2 (~75.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~538 ppi density)
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Platform
OS Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow)
Chipset Qualcomm MSM8975AC Snapdragon 801 (28 nm)
CPU Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400
GPU Adreno 330
Memory
Card slot microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal 32GB 3GB RAM
Main Camera
Single 13 MP, 1/3.0", PDAF, Laser AF, OIS
Features Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR
Video 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, HDR, stereo sound rec.
Selfie camera
Single 2.1 MP
Video 1080p@30fps
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP, LE, aptX
Positioning GPS/ S-GPS (VS985)
NFC Yes
Infrared port Yes
Radio FM radio (LS990 model)
USB microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort), OTG
Features
Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Type Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable
Stand-by Up to 415 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 18 h 40 min (3G)
Misc
Colors Metallic Black, Silk White (Verizon), Shine Gold (Sprint)
Price About 300 EUR

All Rights Reserved +13585 Phones © Mobilawy 2025