Leak specialist @evleaks posted this photo today of what can only be described as an unannounced, upcoming, high-end LG smartphone. Our first guess is to assume this is the new LG Optimus G2, the follow-up to last year’s Optimus G (our review). Since this is definitely not the Optimus G Pro, what else can it be, right? 

You’ll notice that it lacks hardware navigation keys, so there is a chance that LG is buying into Google’s take on Android, which is to go with software keys. The display also seems to carry a similar quality to the original Optimus G, or even Nexus 4, in that it cascades towards the edges. Early reports from benchmarks peg this phone as having a Snapdragon 800 processor and running the latest version of Android. I would also imagine that it’ll come equipped with the new display resolution standard for high-end devices of 1080p.

Speaking of Nexus, is there any chance that this becomes the reference device for the newly-rumored next Nexus phone from LG? The original Optimus G was indeed the reference for the Nexus 4, so should the report out of Korea Times from last week end up being true, you could potentially be looking at the new Nexus phone.

Lots of questions with no answers, as usual.

Via:  @evleaks

Is This the First Picture of the LG Optimus G2? is a post from: Droid Life

AT&T announced this morning that the Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) update for the LG Optimus G (our review) is live. Users can pull the update through their phone on WiFi and then move forward with their lives on the best version of Android to date. With 4.1, you’ll see enhanced notifications, an insanely fast UI thanks to Project Butter, and most importantly, Google Now. 

Here are some of the details for the update:

The latest version of Android software, Jelly Bean makes your smartphone easier to use through several enhancements, including changes to the notification display that groups updates from the same application together, and allows you to expand or collapse notifications. Customers will also be able to view the full text of an SMS message and the full photo of a MMS in the notification window.  The new Tasks app lets you sync your tasks in Outlook so you always have insight into those important to-do items.

Additionally, event notifications display more of the event description to let you quickly see relevant details without having to open the app.  You can even snooze or dismiss an individual event from within the notification.  To help customers better manage their data consumption, the Jelly Bean update adds a data usage calculator that allows you to set a limit on your data usage each month.

Harnessing the power of the Snapdragon™ S4 Pro 1.5GHz Quad-Core Processor, Jelly Bean is faster, smoother and more responsive with Android’s best performance yet.

To pull the update, head to Settings>General>About phone>Software Update>Update now.

One thing we thought was interesting from the press note, was a mention of Isis Mobile Wallet. While Verizon has been testing Isis in Austin and Salt Lake City for a few months, it doesn’t seem like AT&T has been as engaged with the app. Or maybe we’re just not paying close enough attention. Either way, the Optimus G will have Isis installed once the update to Jelly Bean has finished, which means mobile payments and local deals, accessible from your phone.

Via:  ATT

Jelly Bean Update for AT&T’s LG Optimus G Available Now, Enables Isis Mobile Wallet is a post from: Droid Life

Someone on LG’s marketing street team is a genius. This morning, new billboards went up in Times Square, directly over Samsung’s “The Next Galaxy” ad that reads, “LG Optimus is here 4 you now!”

We know that Samsung spent $400+ million dollars on marketing Galaxy last year alone, but it’s starting to look like they should have spent just a tad bit more. Well played, LG.

You mad, Sammy?

Via: Engadget

LG Trolls Samsung With Well-Placed Optimus G Billboards in Times Square is a post from: Droid Life

Looks like HTC’s One X and the OG RAZR have some company today, as Sprint also announced it will be pushing out Android 4.1.2 to their LG Optimus G owners. The Optimus G (review here) is an important device for a couple main reasons, the biggest being that it most likely helped LG land the deal with Google to create the Nexus 4, which pretty much brought the company back onto the good side of US consumers.

The update will bring everything that we know and love about 4.1 to the device – expandable notifications, Google Now, etc. If you are the owner of this device, go grab it and enjoy that fresh dessert!

Via: Sprint

Sprint’s LG Optimus G Receiving Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean Update is a post from: Droid Life

One thing we certainly love above LG is their infatuation with wireless charging and the Qi standard. After having released the Nexus 4 and Spectrum 2 here in the States with wireless charging built in, followed by the launch of the Nexus 4′s wireless charging Orb only a week or so ago, it’s clear that they aren’t interested in add-on wireless kits like Samsung has done for years. No sir, with LG, they want wireless charging built directly into their devices. 

So with today’s tonight’s announcement of the “world’s smallest” wireless charger, this only solidifies their stance on wireless charging as a major feature in the future of smartphones and technology.

This new charger, which doesn’t actually have a name other than WCP-300, is Qi certified (wireless standard) and contains a charging area that is 1.7 times wider than their previous generation chargers. It’s also only 6.9mm in diameter and roughly the size of a typical beverage coaster. It looks a lot like the Nexus 4′s Orb, only without the angular half-sphere attached.

No availability or pricing was announced.

LG INTRODUCES WORLD’S SMALLEST WIRELESS CHARGER
LG’s Thin and Sleek Wireless Charger Delivers Maximum Charging Performance and User Convenience

BARCELONA, Feb. 26, 2013 – LG Electronics (LG) today introduced the world’s smallest wireless charger at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. At only 6.9cm in diameter, the WCP-300 is designed with portability in mind. Despite its di-minutive size, the charging area is 1.7 times wider than that of LG’s previous generation wireless charger. The new model is compatible with a standard 5-pin micro-USB charger, providing the highest level of charging performance and user convenience.

The WCP-300 employs electromagnetic induction technology and is Qi certified by the Wireless Power Consortium. Electromagnetic induction produces a magnetic field that in turn generates an electric current to charge the batteries in devices placed on the charging pad. Certification ensures that the WCP-300 is compatible with all smart-phones that support the Qi standard.

“Wireless charging is the holy grail of smartphone user convenience,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “With the WCP-300, LG was able to deliver both portability with top-class charging capabilities in a device no larger than a typical beverage coaster.”

In the US market, both the LG Spectrum 2 and Nexus 4 feature built-in support for wireless charging right out of the box, eliminating the need to purchase separate covers. LG believes that built-in support for upcoming smartphones will be the most critical development in making wireless charging the industry standard going forward.

LG is committed to offering consumers a better mobile user experience by introducing smartphones with more advanced wireless charging technologies in the global market.

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 93,000 people working in over 120 operations around the world. With 2012 global sales of USD 45.22 billion (KRW 50.96 trillion), LG comprises four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solution – and is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. LG Electronics is a 2012 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. For more news and information on LG Electronics, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com.

LG Introduces the WCP-300 aka the “World’s Smallest” Wireless Charger is a post from: Droid Life

So, we didn’t get the new Optimus G2 at CES as had been rumored a number of times. But that may be because the device will actually be called the Optimus G Pro and may arrive a bit later at MWC for all to drool over. According to a leaked slide, the device above is that device, one that will sport a 5″ 1080p display (the standard these days), a beefed up 1.7GHz Snapdragon S4 Pro, 32GB of internal storage, LTE, and a massive 3000mAh battery. The phone will be just 10mm thick, have a 13MP rear camera, and a 2.4MP front shooter. 

Sound enticing? It’s like LG’s version of the One X and One X+. We won’t complain, we just wish it would have arrived at CES so we could have put our slippery little grubbers all over it. We were big fans of the original Optimus G (our review), so we can’t imagine this won’t get us hot and tingly as well.

Assuming this comes anywhere near the U.S., would you be interested? (Also assuming it came to Verizon, which it may not.)

Via:  Engadget

Cheers Scott and Justin!

LG Optimus G Pro Outed – Sports 5-inch 1080p Display, 3000mAh Battery, and Upgraded Processor is a post from: Droid Life

LG introduced the Optimus G back in November, but before the paint could even dry, its successor was already being rumored as the Optimus G2. With a 5.5″ 1080p display and new Snapdragon S4 “Prime” processor, the MSM8974 (quad-core with speeds of 2.0 – 2.5GHz), it’s certainly a step up on the spec front. The original rumor for this phone pegged it for a May 2013 release, but famed rumor monger DigiTimes thinks that LG will show it off at CES, next week. This matches up to a report out of GSMArena last week. 

The move makes sense for LG, even if they just released the Optimus G and Nexus 4 within the last couple of months. 1080p is going to be the standard in 2013, something we are already seeing evidence from with companies like Huawei and ZTE. Both companies are expected to show off 1080p phones next week, so if LG wants to continue to try to come back in the smartphone industry, they better get a phone ready with the latest and greatest specs. And let’s not forget that HTC already has a 1080p phone out and is planning to launch more, if rumors are true.

The good news is that we’ll know in a matter of days. LG has a CES press event on Monday at 8AM.

Via:  DigiTimes | GSMArena

LG Optimus G2 Showing Up at CES With Snapdragon S4 Prime Processor and 1080p Display? is a post from: Droid Life

In 2012, we saw the Android smartphone world reach heights that I don’t imagine many predicted. On a spec front, 2012 was the year of quad-core processors, 2GB of RAM, HD displays, longer battery lives, and incredibly thin bodies. It seems like just yesterday that we were asking DL readers if they had a dual-core or single-core phone, yet here we are, with dual-core phones already becoming a thing of the past.

On a manufacturer front, 2012 was the year that Samsung proved that it really was the only big fish in a bowl full of minnows. We saw Motorola kick off its life as a Google-owned company, HTC struggle to make money even while releasing amazing phones, and LG take its turn as the face of the Nexus phone program.

In this post, I thought we’d talk a bit about all of that by listing out my top 10 phones of the year. 

1.  Samsung Galaxy S3 (review)

No surprise here, but the Galaxy S3 tops my list of phones for 2012. It was hyped as much as the next iPhone, yet it still delivered. It launched with an impressive suite of sharing capabilities that no other phone had seen, it used a big beautiful display with a body that was slim enough to feel great in hand, and with 2GB of RAM, it almost never stuttered or slowed down. But most importantly, Samsung showed the world that it has power in the mobile world by releasing one version of the phone across all carriers. As expected, though, people were quick to downplay it at launch, but over its first couple of months in stores, Samsung sold millions upon millions of units, fully cementing themselves as number 1 in the world.

2.  LG Nexus 4 (review)

The Nexus 4, Google’s latest flagship device, has seen its share of ups and downs over its short life. It was hyped up for a couple of months in a variety of leaks, was never officially unveiled thanks to a hurricane, hated on because of its lack of LTE, and criticized mightily for its glass back. But you know what, to me, it’s still the 2nd best phone you can buy. It comes in at an unbelievably reasonable price of $299 (or $349), is the ultimate stock Android device since it’s the newest Nexus, carries future-proof specs, and isn’t tied to a carrier. It may be impossible to purchase, but that may also be a sign that Google has finally figured out a winning device formula.

3.  Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (review)

When Samsung originally launched the Galaxy Note, the world was introduced to a confusing product plus one of the worst mashup words ever created in “phablet.” Was the phone a tablet or a phone or the “best of both worlds”? Surprisingly enough, that question doesn’t matter as it was a massive success. So Samsung did what any smart company would do with a successful product – launch a follow-up. The Galaxy Note 2, like the Galaxy S3, has already shipped by the millions, and may have even been the most anticipated device to launch on Verizon in some time (even over the Galaxy S3 and DROID brand). It’s too big for my liking, but you can’t argue with the impressive set of features that Samsung has built in. Also like the Galaxy S3, it blew past the competition with innovative features like multi-window, advanced S Pen technology, and camera sharing capabilities.

4.  HTC DROID DNA (review)

Verizon passed up on the HTC One X in early 2012, something we weren’t sure we could forgive them for. Thankfully, they appear to have fully redeemed themselves by launching the world’s first 1080p smartphone, the DROID DNA. The device itself is beautiful to look at, is much smaller in stature than the Note 2, is surprisingly light and thin, has the best display in the business, actually lasts throughout a full day even with a semi-small battery, and carries top-of-the-line specs that few other phones contain. At $199 on contract, it’s also somewhat of a steal. Easily the best phone HTC has created since the next phone on our list, the One X.

5.  HTC ONE X (review)

When HTC announced the One Series, which included the One X, the world was blown away. This was the new HTC, or at least one that was trying to make a comeback after a terrible end to 2011. The phone sported the best display in the business at the time, a best-in-class processor, the prettiest phone design we had ever seen, felt great in hand, was able to withstand a day’s beating on a single charge, and really set the standard for smartphones in 2012.

6.  Motorola DROID RAZR M (review)

As we approached Motorola’s big Fall event, rumors started popping up over a mysterious device with the world’s first “edge-to-edge” display. While others were willing to bet the world on it being some secret device, we knew long beforehand that it was simply the DROID RAZR M, a mid-range device headed to Verizon. I don’t want that to sound like I’m discounting the phone, as it was easily my favorite from Motorola in 2012. Since the display was so close to being edge-to-edge, it has a small footprint, yet still packs mostly top-tier specs (other than the display). It has amazing battery life and feels tiny in hand compared to the rest of the smartphones being introduced these days. But that’s not a bad thing, as the display was still big enough to allow you to consume content without sacrificing a thing. We certainly hope that “edge-to-edge” is the future.

7.  Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX HD (review)

This may surprise some readers, seeing the RAZR MAXX HD below the RAZR M, but this phone offered little in terms of “new.” It still rocks a massive battery that can get you through days before needing a charge, plus it comes equipped with an HD display, but it was released late enough that it was almost out of date by the time it went on sale. I’m a big fan of Motorola’s decision to slim down the skin they put on top of Android, and will never complain about their focus on battery life, but the RAZR HD needed to blow it out of the park, something it didn’t quite do.

8.  LG Optimus G (review)

The LG Optimus G was the inspiration for the Nexus 4. It sports the same processor, RAM, display, and Crystal Reflection back design, so how could it not be on this list? While glass backsides will never appeal to me, this phone was a beast the minute it came out. In fact, with its quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, it was the highest spec’d phone on the planet for a at least a month. LG also took some time to create a software suite, much like Samsung had done, to try and help the phone stand out. They definitely succeeded. It’s too bad it was limited to AT&T and Sprint, as this phone could have potentially sold well on other carriers.

9.  Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX (review)

Boasting a massive 3300mAh battery while maintaining a slim profile, the original RAZR MAXX set the standard for battery life in 2012. Well, it set it and then watched as no one could match it until Motorola released the HD version of it 10 months later. We aren’t sure what kind of voodoo Motorola has working in their battery department, but we love it. They are the only phone company on the planet that has been able to make ultra-slim phones with batteries you used to only see sold separately as “extended.” The RAZR MAXX itself wasn’t all that impressive outside of its battery, but in my book, this battery was good enough to make the list.

10.  HTC One S (review)

Another original One Series phone, the HTC One S, finishes off my list of top 10 phones. With its ultra-thin body, fancy micro arc oxidation coating, and mostly top-tier set of specs, I was a big fan of this phone. Sure, it wasn’t as good as the One X, but it wasn’t supposed to be. HTC released it as an affordable mid-range phone, with a sleek profile, fun color scheme, and one of the best cameras in the business.

So there you have it, my top 10 phones of the year. I’m assuming there will be some disagreement, so let me hear it in the comments.

Top 10 Android Phones of 2012 is a post from: Droid Life

Earlier this month, a mysterious LG device toting a 5″ 1080p display was benchmarked, with a model number of LG-F240K. Today, reports out of Korea show that a device called the Optimus G2, a successor to the Optimus G that just launched here in the U.S., could be ready for the market as early as May of 2013. Could this be that same mystery phone? On top of the 5″ 1080p display, it is also reported that the device will sport a 2GHz Qualcomm chipset which would be a major turn on for any potential buyers. 

The month of May might be some time away, but if the device is indeed coming, then we’ll be sure to see plenty of more info leaked in the coming months. In fact, LG may shoot for sooner rather than later, given HTC has already launched their 1080p offering, as well as rumors of Samsung to do the same here very soon at this year’s CES.

LG Optimus G2 possibly interesting you already?

Via: TechCrunch

5″ 1080p Successor to LG’s Optimus G Already Scheduled For May 2013? is a post from: Droid Life

Whenever we ask our readers to give us specs that they would like to see in a “dream device,” you would most certainly see a few, if not all of the Optimus G’s listed. Although, LG isn’t pushing the Optimus like Samsung is pushing the Galaxy S3 and you won’t see this device on all four major U.S. carriers. Customers on AT&T and Sprint will only see the device, but more importantly, the next Nexus device is rumored to be based around this phone, so it makes reviewing this device’s hardware and look somewhat more important than others.

If you’re on Sprint, let’s go over why this device may or may not be your next.  

The Good:

• Specs:  Welcome to this device’s main selling point. The Optimus G on Sprint features specs that easily set it ahead of the pack. The phone houses a beautiful 4.7″ IPS+ HD display, 2GB of RAM, a massive 13MP back-facing camera, 32GB of memory (non-expandable), 1.3MP front facing shooter, NFC technology, and 4G LTE capabilities. These specs are awesome. Better yet, this device actually feels like it takes advantage of having them and it’s incredibly fun to use.
• Performance:  Thanks to those amazing specs, this device blazes. Switching between apps, gaming (I touch on that below), and browsing the web are child’s play for this device. In fact, I don’t think I experienced any real “lag” with the device during day-to-day use. The Snapdragon S4 Pro chip is a truly exciting piece of hardware and I’m hoping more devices will begin to use it. It should be interesting to see what NVIDIA, Texas Instruments, and Samsung come up with to counter Qualcomm’s beastly SoC.
• Display:  Kellex reviewed the AT&T version of this device and I promised myself I wouldn’t steal from his review. I lied. K’s opinion on the display matches that of my own and he also has a much better macro lens than I do. I will paste the Display section from his review here to make sure everyone gets just how awesome this display is: “The 4.7″ HD IPS+ display on the Optimus G is stunning. The whites are actually white, brightness levels are very good, the viewing angles are exceptional, and colors pop without looking fake, all thanks to the LCD tech used. LG used ‘Zerogap Touch,’ which eliminates the gap between the LCD and front glass, so that the display looks incredible and also seems extra responsive to touch. With close to 318ppi and a non-PenTile layout, there are few things, if any, wrong with the display on this phone. And as always, here are some macro shots so that you can see the pixel arrangement.”

(Click each image for larger versions)

• Camera:  I haven’t been able to say enough good things about LG’s work with this camera. Sprint’s variant features a 13MP sensor, perfect for shooting almost anything I threw in front of it. When in low lighting, I found performance to be exceptional and I got some really nice shots when I visited a farmer’s market. Unfortunately, around my place this time of year there is zero sun, so I wasn’t able to get too many sunny shots. Of the shots I did take, the resolution was humongous which made for larger files to send and upload, which if you’re on mobile connection and not on WiFi, could spell trouble. Lowering the resolution in the settings may be something most users should look into.

• Size/Feel:  When it comes to smartphones these days, size matters! For some, this device will be simply too big. I handed it off to some iPhone owners and to them, it’s a brick. To me, it’s just right. It’s all about what you grow accustomed to and user preference. There’s no “perfect size” in my opinion. LG was able to fit the biggest display possible inside this body, without sacrificing size and weight. The device in hand feels great, but yes, you will need two hands at times to operate it. If a big display is something you seek, it’s a fantastic choice.
• QSlide, QuickMemo, and Live Zooming: I lied again. Without having to redo the same thing twice, Kellex touched on LG’s custom software that was baked into the Android OS, and although I didn’t get to use it as much as I had hoped, from the time I did have with it, I was impressed. Here’s a quick hands-on video that K recorded. “LG included a handful of new UI features that they hope will help this device, along with others going forward, stand out from the crowded Android world. The three that I found myself using the most were QuickMemo, QSlide, and Live Zooming, all of which I have demoed for you below.”

• Gaming:  With the device’s massive display and powerful Snapdragon chip, gaming is fantastic! It can easily (and I mean easily) handle titles like Granny Smith and Angry Birds, and then kill it with Mass Effect, Shadowgun, and Dead Trigger. With all of that display to work with, your fingers aren’t cramped or fighting for space. I would say it’s the perfect mix of size and speed for gaming when it comes to smartphones.
• Software/Skin:  I enjoy stock vanilla Android just like the next guy, but this LG skin isn’t all too bad. They’ve taken out any excessive junk and basically just threw in some nice visuals. For example, when you’re turning off the screen, you see a circular shape close in on itself which looks fantastic. The launcher is great (minus the annoying sorting of apps feature) and of course, it whips around nicely thanks to the S4 Pro. Another aspect I like about the skin is that it allows many custom options. You can apply pre-made “themes” to your device, which can give your device some personality by changing up color palettes and application icons. It’s an easy change and makes the device that much better for someone who needs more control over the look of the phone. I was hesitant at first about LG’s skin, but this device has helped me see the light.

• Battery:  This thing is a tank. Over my week with it, I haven’t seen it hit zero once. There is a high-density 2,100mAh battery resting inside this slim shell, which was specifically designed by LG and LG Chem for this device. The long lasting battery can also be attributed to the new Snapdragon S4′s quad-core technology, which features “Asynchronous Symmetric Multiprocessing” (aSMP) allowing each core to power up and down independently. When we say this new Snapdragon processor is where it’s at, we mean it.

The Bad:

• Hardware buttons:  By now, this will always go down in my “Bad” section. With Android evolving into one sexy OS, I somewhat expect the OEM’s to enforce that and apply it to their designs. On-screen keys are something I very much enjoy. The buttons function fine and there’s nothing wrong with the way they light up, it’s just the simple fact that they are there is enough for me to be turned off. On-screen keys or bust.

• Keyboard:  The stock keyboard features a Swype-like feature that can’t get a word right even if its life depended on it. If you’re a speed pecker, forget about it. Auto-correction is sub-par at best and you’re much better off simply downloading a third party keyboard from Google Play. Dependability on the keyboard is something they could easily fix in an update, so hopefully they’ll think about spending more time on it.
• Sprint:  In the area of Portland I live, Sprint is somewhat of a joke. We haven’t been blessed with their 4G LTE yet, but let’s hope that it comes soon. The device has been running on their 3G network while I’ve had it and needless to say, doing any kind of web surfing, video streaming, or anything dependent on their network is a serious bummer. While on the go I like to watch YouTube videos and read comments on the site, but with the Sprint 3G, it’s almost stressful to watch the pages load or videos render. I’ve been spoiled by 4G LTE and this phone needs it stat.

• Random bugs and Skin issues:  This is thee most frustrating bug I’ve actually encountered. No screen rotation in apps. Whether it’s just this phone’s sensor is dead or busted, I can’t stand it. For example, I have Screen Rotation turned on and I can’t go from landscape to portrait mode on the homescreen. Not a deal breaker, but that’s just the beginning. In the YouTube app, I scroll through the videos in portrait. I select a video, then tilt the device to watch in landscape. NOPE. No rotation. It sticks to portrait. Another fine example. From the lockscreen I’ll open the camera app, snap a couple shots, then hit the home key. I’m taken to the homescreen, but it will be stuck in landscape. The only way to go back to portrait is to turn the display off, and turn it back on while holding the device straight up. Again, this could be just the phone they sent us, but this is something they will need to fix in an update if it affects all of the phones. It kills me.
• Ice Cream Sandwich:  Plain and simple, this device should come with Jelly Bean out of the gate. Every inch of it is top tier except for the actual OS. Not much else to say. An update to JB will eventually be pushed to the device, but that doesn’t help anyone who wants their fix of Google Now or all of the other goodies Jelly Bean brings.

Gallery:

Software Tour:

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Verdict:

Rather than having to explain why people should think about picking this device up, it’s easier (and shorter) to explain why you shouldn’t. Sprint’s network will easily hinder your experience with this phone if you don’t live in an area with their 4G LTE service. It’s as simple as that. These days, where data speeds are uber important to buyers, that’s a deal breaker for some. It’s not the phone’s fault, but my experience definitely warrants me to warn people about jumping onto Sprint for this phone.

Other than that, if speeds aren’t something you’re going crazy over, this device features top tier specs that are unmatched. It has a camera that will surely be able to produce fantastic shots for being inside of a phone, and on top of that, LG’s custom skin doesn’t make me want to die like Blur and TouchWiz.

Will this device bring LG back onto the playground and out of the metaphorical timeout that we as consumers have placed them in? I certainly hope so given the fact that I strongly believe in “the more the merrier.” Welcome back into my heart, LG.

LG Optimus G Review [Sprint] is a post from: Droid Life

When LG first announced the Optimus G, our jaws about hit the floor because of the specs. But as it inched closer to launch, most of us realized that this phone wouldn’t launch on all carriers in a way that we have seen from Samsung and their Galaxy S3, leaving us wondering if we should fully care or not. (This phone, is headed to AT&T and Sprint here in the U.S. (Verizon and T-Mobile customers will be left out of the party.) Thankfully, we have also all come to the realization that the next Nexus phone (possibly dubbed the Nexus 4) will be based off of the Optimus G, so whether or not this is coming to your carrier of choice, you should care about it. With that said, let’s talk about this device in a little more detail. 

The Good:

• Specs:  At this point in the smartphone game, there is no disputing that the Optimus G is the king of specs. With it’s 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 4.7″ HD IPS+ display, 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage (32GB in the Sprint version), microSD slot for expandable storage (no SD slot in the Sprint version), 8MP camera (13MP in the Sprint version), 1.3MP front camera, 2100mAh battery, NFC chip, and 4G LTE, there are few phones that even come close to matching up to it.
• Display:  The 4.7″ HD IPS+ display on the Optimus G is stunning. The whites are actually white, brightness levels are very good, the viewing angles are exceptional, and colors pop without looking fake, all thanks to the LCD tech used. LG used “Zerogap Touch,” which eliminates the gap between the LCD and front glass, so that the display looks incredible and also seems extra responsive to touch. With close to 318ppi and a non-PenTile layout, there are few things, if any, wrong with the display on this phone. And as always, here are some macro shots so that you can see the pixel arrangement.

(Click each image for larger versions)

• Performance:  Thanks to the quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and 2GB of RAM, the performance on the Optimus G is second to none. You can zip between apps, home screens, or others tasks in an instant. The camera is ultra fast and gaming has zero stuttering while allowing for max frames per second. It’s the first Snapdragon quad-core phone on the market, so if you want the most powerful phone available today, this is your choice. The only complaint I have can probably be blamed on the software, and that’s a launcher and home screen refresh and lag while leaving some applications. At times, when you press home, there is a launcher refresh that takes a second or two and is a bit disappointing, since we know this phone has the power to cruise through any task.
• LG’s New Custom UI:  Rarely do I praise an OEM for creating a custom skin that is slapped over the top of stock Android, but in this instance, I must show some love. LG and their new custom UI have given me almost everything that I can ask for. Their home screen launcher is like a 3rd party launcher that I would install on my phone anyway. It gives you options for custom transitions between home screens, the ability to customize icons, let’s you tweak the app drawer to your liking (for the most part), and is unbelievably fluid. There are no stutters here, folks. Be sure to see the software tour down below to see some of what I’m talking about.
• QSlide, QuickMemo, and Live Zooming: LG included a handful of new UI features that they hope will help this device, along with others going forward, stand out from the crowded Android world. The three that I found myself using the most were QuickMemo, QSlide, and Live Zooming, all of which I have demoed for you below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

• Styling:  When initially writing up my pros and cons for this review, I had style down in the cons, but as I’ve used the phone more and more, I actually do love the look. Sure, at first glance it appears to be a giant black rectangle, but the subtle highlights and accents, perfectly rounded edges, variations of textures, and deep black front, make this a beautiful phone to look at. To the naked eye or distant onlooker, it probably won’t look like much. However, once you hold it in your hand and slowly spin it under a light, you get shimmering lights, beautiful reflections, and the realization that this device was masterfully crafted.
• Battery Life:  LG claims to have used a new high-density battery technology to make for longer battery cycles. While I haven’t seen anything extraordinary, I have seen pretty decent battery life for a phone with a quad-core processor and massive display. In the couple of screenshots below, you can see there were times when I hammered on the device while pushing through extra long periods of Granny Smith, and others where I backed off for normal use. In one instance, I got through 10 hours and had 15% left – the other was almost at 11 hours with 40% battery remaining. Again, I wouldn’t call this the longest lasting battery on the planet, but at 2100mAh, it certainly appears to be able to get the job done.

• Back Design:  LG used a new Crystal Reflection technology to design one of the coolest back plates we have ever seen. It’s a subtle design, that can really only be seen while looking directly at it or under certain lighting, but it’s really neat. There appears to be some flexibility with it as well, since the Sprint and AT&T versions have different back patterns. The AT&T Optimus G pattern is almost like a field of diamonds and pyramids under a glass sheet. You’ll see it below, in quite the sad photo of that glass covering.
• Camera:  I’ve put the camera on the Optimus G in the “Good” category, but it should probably sit somewhere in the middle between good and not-so-good. It’s a decent shooter, but I haven’t found it to be anywhere near the shooter on the Galaxy S3 – at least out of the box. It’s one of those cameras that has potential to be great, but it’ll take some manual tweaking before it’ll get there. Most of the shots I took on Auto all let in far too much light and washed most of my pictures out. The best example is the dual-shot picture of the camera below where I adjust ISO. This seems to be another case of bad software hurting what should be a decent camera.

• AT&T LTE:  Now that AT&T has lit up their LTE network here in Portland and a bunch of other major cities, it’s like the early days of Verizon’s LTE network – speeds are out of this world fast. It also seems like AT&T turned on LTE when they had full cities covered, rather than just parts of cities. So far, I’m enjoying AT&T’s new network more than anyone’s, and the Optimus G is taking full advantage of it.
• Reception/Call Quality:  As with most smartphones these days, I had no issues with call quality and reception. Thanks to AT&T’s mostly-reliable network and LG’s high-end hardware, I never ran into an issue where I couldn’t make a call or couldn’t hear the person in perfect clarity on the other end.

The Not-so-Good:

• Glass Back Plate:  Ugh. That’s all I can say about the glass piece that covers the back of the Optimus G. As you can see from the image below, I managed to crack it from top to bottom. The really unfortunate thing here, is that I don’t know how I managed to do this. I haven’t dropped the phone, so it either came from me squeezing it too hard, setting it down on my desk, or pulling it in and out of a pocket. I seriously do not know. My situation may be a super limited scenario, but I now understand what iPhone 4 owners went through with the glass plates on the backs of their devices.

• Size:  If you are going to make a phone a giant rectangular box, you probably shouldn’t make it this big. While the weight of the device is on point, I can’t help but admit that it doesn’t feel as good in hand as the Galaxy S3 or One X. Both of those seem to fit perfectly with the contours of your hand, while the boxy feel of the Optimus G seems to want to fight them at times. Don’t get me wrong, this device doesn’t feel awful when holding it, but there are devices that feel better.
• No Notification LED:  LG decided not to use a traditional notification LED light on the front panel of the device. Personally, I’m sad that they made this move, as a notification light is something I count on to show me all sorts of incoming messages or items that need to be addressed. Instead of an LED light on the front, they put a light that blinks sporadically around the Power switch on the side of the device. This thing seems to have a mind of its own and rarely shows me notifications when I expect that it should be. It looks neat while you are charging your phone, but that’s about all it’s good for.

• Some Software Lag:  As I mentioned in the software tour below, there is a bit of software lag at times. What I mean is that when pressing “Home” or leaving an application to head back to your home screen, there is a refresh that takes place that runs a couple of seconds. For a phone that has 2GB of RAM and a quad-core processor, this should never happen. I’m sure it can be fixed in a software update, so let’s hope that happens with Jelly Bean in December or early next year.
• Parts of the Custom UI:  Most of LG’s custom skin isn’t bad, in fact, I actually like a lot of what they are doing these days. It feels much more polished, makes a lot of sense to use, and introduces some really handy features like QSlide. It’s not all pretty, though. App organization in the app drawer is frustrating at times and constantly requires you to sort alphabetically to find anything. The settings menu on the AT&T version also takes a massive turn away from traditional Android, so it’s a bit confusing to someone like me that changes settings on phones many times throughout the day.
• Keyboard:  The stock LG keyboard is some form of Swype or FlexT9 that is painful to use. You can swipe between letters to type quickly, and it will even do its best to auto-correct you. Unfortunately, the auto-correct is way too aggressive and more of a pain than it is helpful. Thankfully, you can switch to the stock Android keyboard through Settings. And of course, since this is Android, you can download one from the app store that’s probably better.

• Only Ice Cream Sandwich:  The device will come running Ice Cream Sandwich out of the box and will be updated to Jelly Bean at a later date. LG has said that the international version of the Optimus G will see Jelly Bean in December, however, we do not know how long before the AT&T and Sprint versions see it. LG has a poor track record of updating phones, so it could be a while. With this being their flagship of 2012, maybe it’ll happen much sooner than later.
• Bloatware:  There are roughly 17 bloatware apps, 6 of which are AT&T branded garbage apps that no one uses.

Gallery:

Hardware Tour:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Software Tour:

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Verdict:

The LG Optimus G on AT&T is a fabulous device. The display is one of the best displays you will find on a smartphone, the hardware specs are the best in the business, battery life is above average, it takes advantage of AT&T’s ultra-fast LTE network, and the UI experience, while custom, doesn’t suck. I’m impressed, to say the least.

My “Not-so-Goods” are mostly me nitpicking little things here or there, but nothing really stands out as something for me to not recommend that you check this phone out. The one concern I have now, is with the back glass plate. Mine cracked and I can’t even recall an event that would have caused such damage on any other phone. Glass on the back of a phone is never a good idea in my opinion, so if this is your next phone, be careful or buy a case immediately.

LG, you did a great job at making a high-end phone and you deserve praise for it.

LG Optimus G Review [AT&T] is a post from: Droid Life

AT&T has finally announced availability and pricing for the LG Optimus G. The device, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, is set for launch on November 2 with pre-orders beginning tomorrow. The price on a new two-year agreement is set at $199.99. If you haven’t been following, the “Nexus 4” is based on this device, which features a beautiful 4.7″ HD IPS+ display and 2GB of RAM. It’s a beast device.

We are still awaiting details on Sprint’s variant, which differs quite a bit from AT&T’s. As a heads up, be on the look out for both device’s reviews this week.

Thinking about picking one up? It’s not a bad choice by any means.

LG Optimus G for AT&T Available November 2 for $199, Pre-orders Up Tomorrow is a post from: Droid Life

Over the weekend, LG announced their Jelly Bean update schedule for a select few devices. As you can imagine, they are only willing to share update details for their flagship phones, a group that includes the Optimus G, Optimus LTE2, Optimus Vu, and Optimus Vu 2 (yes, they made a new one). 

The Optimus LTE2 is expected to receive Android 4.1 in November, while the Optimus G will have to wait until December. The Optimus Vu and Vu 2 should be updated at some point in Q1 of 2013.

This time frame is probably geared towards the international variants of these devices, rather than those that have launched here in the U.S. So that means it could be past December before AT&T and Sprint’s Optimus G models receive Jelly Bean. As far as the Vu is concerned, it’s anyone’s guess as to when Verizon will approve its update. They still have yet to sign off on the Spectrum which was due to receive Ice Cream Sandwich 4 or 5 months ago. And I’m sure we don’t need to point out that it takes months for minimal Galaxy Nexus updates to get the green light. Ugh.

Via:  LG

LG Announces Jelly Bean Update Schedule for a Few Devices is a post from: Droid Life

I’m about to jump on a plane to leave beautiful San Diego, but before that happens, I wanted to toss up this quick video tour of the LG Optimus G on both Sprint and AT&T. LG handed over review units of each device last night, giving me all of a couple of hours to try to dive into them. Full reviews will come later, but the video below should give you a good feel what we’re working with here, along with some first impressions. To put it simply, this phone is insanely fast. 

Click here to view the embedded video.

Quick First Look: LG Optimus G on Sprint and AT&T is a post from: Droid Life

Along with today’s announcement of the Galaxy Tab 2, Sprint also announced two additional devices that customers will be able to purchase this Fall. The LG Optimus G and LG Mach both run on Sprint’s 4G LTE network and feature some pretty decent specs, the Optimus G’s which we are already quite familiar with. It houses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S4 Pro chip, a massive 13MP camera, and features a 4.7-inch WXGA True HD IPS Plus display. 

As for the Mach, it’s a mid-range slider device that runs Ice Cream Sandwich, features a full-QWERTY keyboard, and runs off a 1.2GHz dual-core processor. No exact date besides “this Fall” has been given and the same goes for pricing. To read the full presser, check below.

Bold 4G LTE Lineup from Sprint Gains Four New Powerhouse Devices – Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1, LG Optimus G, LG Mach and Sprint Plug-in-Connect Tri-Mode USB
First 4G LTE tablet from Sprint, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 offers Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich and beautiful 10.1-inch display for entertainment and productivity

Photobugs will delight with high-powered LG Optimus G featuring an advanced 13MP camera

SAN DIEGO (BUSINESS WIRE), October 09, 2012 – As part of Sprint’s (NYSE:S) commitment to bring customers the best 4G LTE experience combined with the value of Truly UnlimitedSM data on smartphones, four new devices will soon be added to Sprint’s already impressive 4G LTE lineup: Samsung Galaxy Tab® 2 10.1, LG Optimus G™, LG Mach™ and Sprint Plug-in-Connect Tri-mode USB. Pricing and availability for each device will be shared at a later date.

These four new 4G LTE additions will be available this fall and will provide customers powerful devices that fit their lifestyles:

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 is the first tablet to combine the benefits of Sprint 3G and 4G LTE with a vivid 10.1-inch touchscreen display, Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich and a 1.5GHz dual-core processor.
LG Optimus G features an advanced 13-megapixel rear-facing camera, making it a dream device for photo lovers who are ready to leave their point-and-shoot at home and just carry their smartphone.
LG Mach makes 4G LTE accessible as an inexpensive yet sleek smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard and Sprint ID.
Sprint Plug-in-Connect Tri-Mode USB brings Sprint 3G/4G/4G LTE directly to a laptop through a USB connection.
“Sprint is continually recognized as having one of the best device lineups in the industry and we are committed to bringing our customers 4G LTE to all the products they enjoy,” said David Owens, vice president of Product, Sprint. “We strive to be an innovation leader and this group of devices represent the continual expansion of 4G products to Sprint’s portfolio.”

Meet the New Fab Four

Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 brings to life the data capabilities of the Sprint 4G LTE Network on a large beautiful display making it the ideal device to watch a video, listen to music, check email or surf the Web.

The new tablet offers endless content access in a sleek design that maximizes the home entertainment experience. Using the built-in IR Blaster, Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 can be used as a universal smart remote that helps users easily find their favorite TV shows.

Galaxy Tab 2 10.1 boasts two cameras, a rear-facing 3-megapixel camera with LED flash and video capture for taking pictures of life’s important moments as they happen and a front-facing VGA camera for Face Unlock and video chat. Additionally, on-device encryption and VPN access ensure the tablet is secure for business use. The 7,000 mAh battery keeps the devices connected throughout the day, and the 3G/4G LTE mobile hotspot capability supporting up to 10 Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously.

LG Optimus G, the latest superphone from LG Electronics, combines the Sprint 4G LTE Network with the power of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon™ S4 Pro CPU quad-core processor to create an extremely fast and incredible mobile experience. Equipped with a high-density 2,100 mAh battery and impressive 4.7-inch True HD (high-definition) IPS Plus display, LG Optimus G users can seamlessly multitask between personal, business and entertainment needs and go beyond the boundaries of traditional on-the-go smartphone capabilities.

Beyond the advanced 13-megapixel rear-facing camera, LG Optimus G has unique camera capabilities including Time Catch Shot, which empowers users to choose the best photo among various shots taken before the shutter button is pressed, and “cheese shutter,” which allows users to take a photo by just saying the word “cheese.” Additional features include 32 GB of internal memory, a 4.7-inch WXGA True HD IPS Plus Display (1280 x 768) and the Android 4.0, Ice Cream Sandwich operating system.

An ideal entry point into 4G LTE, LG Mach will be one of the thinnest devices with a QWERTY keyboard offered by Sprint. Additionally, its 5-megapixel camera with LED flash allows users to capture images in a snap, and the front-facing camera makes video conferencing a breeze. Full 1080p HD recording and playback allows users to watch streaming movies on the go, or show off those videos to friends and family.

Featuring Sprint ID, LG Mach allows users to cut through the clutter of more than 600,000 apps in the Google Play store by selecting from a variety of mobile ID packs featuring apps, ringers, wallpapers, widgets and more. Sprint ID packs currently include Green, Fashion and Beauty, E!, MTV Music, CMT and NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Sprint expands its 4G mobile broadband portfolio with the addition of the first tri-mode USB device, Sprint Plug-in-Connect Tri-Mode USB. It provides an easy-to-use mobile broadband solution for instant connectivity and enhanced productivity while on-the-go.

With no software to install or startup delay, the Plug-in-Connect Tri-mode USB works just like an Ethernet cable – just plug in and go. For business customers, the device gives the flexibility that mobile workers need with real-time access to company resources, networks and data. Additional features include a fold-away USB connector, LED service status indicator and hands-free activation.

All smartphones, including LG Optimus G and LG Mach, require activation on one of the Sprint Everything Data plans starting at just $79.99 per month (taxes and fees excluded) with Truly Unlimited data, text and calling to any mobile. No throttling, no metering and no overages, all while on the Sprint network. With Sprint’s Everything Data and other plans that include Truly Unlimited data, Sprint is continuing its history of data leadership by making it easy for its customers to use data in all the ways that are useful to them, such as news, email, music, TV and GPS navigation, without worrying about data overages on their monthly bill.

Sprint 4G LTE is available in 24 cities[i] and is expected to be in more than 100 additional cities in coming months. Sprint introduced its all-new 4G LTE network in July 2012 and expects to have largely completed the nationwide build-out by the end of 2013. For the most up-to-date details on Sprint’s 4G LTE portfolio and rollout, visit www.sprint.com/4GLTE.

Sprint Announces LG Mach and LG Optimus G, Will Be Made Available This Fall is a post from: Droid Life