LG G2: Hands On With the Superphone

A few days ago, LG Mobile Philippines formally launched the much-awaited LG G2. I was fortunate enough to have been invited to the grand launch event at the Solaire Resort and Casino where the LG G2 was showcased to a crowd comprised of members of the media. This launch was particularly intriguing because it didn’t take nearly as long for LG to bring this phone to Philippine shores after it was announced internationally. It also happens to be one of the first internationally launched phones to sport the monster of all SoCs, the Snapdragon 800.

From a specs point of view, the LG G2 is already a monster, featuring a 2.26GHz quad core Krait 400 processor coupled with an equally monstrous Adreno 330 GPU. This combination of processing power will ensure that the G2 can smoothly run any app for at least the next 2 years. It doesn’t hurt that multitasking is aided by 2GB of RAM. The 32GB internal storage is ample enough for most people, however, it’s non-expandable.

A lot of thought has gone into the natural behavior of the typical user and it shows in the design of the LG G2. The attention-getter isn’t the 5.2 inch Full HD IPS display, which is already gorgeous in itself, but the sleek and understated design, which sports absolutely no other hardware buttons to break the smooth lines save for the trademark Rear Key and volume rocker combination at the back. The Rear Key isn’t a gimmick either, as it’s perfectly placed where your index finger would usually be for easy toggling between on and off, activating Quick Memo, or launching the camera application.

The 13mp camera is also something to rave over because of its Optical Image Stabilization technology that eliminates shaking while taking pictures or recording video. It also incorporates a sapphire crystal lens, 8x digital zoom and my favorite, 9 multi-point autofocus. 9 multi-point focus is especially noteworthy because it means the camera can focus on 9 separate points of the image being captured. It’s incredibly easy to use and it eliminates the chances of multiple subjects being blurred out of a photo.

And it isn’t just the hardware that got a boost from the Optimus G. Features are much improved from its predecessor. QuickMemo functions much like it previously did, but is easier to launch as well thanks to the Rear Key. New software features have been added too, such as Audio Zoom, Dual Recording, Dual Camera and Quick Translator. Audio Zoom caught my interest because it allows you to focus on a specific audio source while eliminating any other sound.

Another area where the LG G2 shines is the UI and how the phone is so intuitive to use. The Rear Key is conveniently placed already, but if you want an even easier way to lock or unlock the phone, simply tap on the screen twice. This new KnockOn feature acts as a secondary lock/unlock command, making it even easier to control the G2. It’s also very customizable to the point where downloading an alternative launcher from the Play Store won’t be that necessary. You can even customize the layout of the onscreen navigation buttons!

Simply put, the LG G2 is one of the most advanced smartphones currently in the market, and until a newer and better SoC is released from chip makers like Qualcomm or Nvidia, it will not have many worthy challengers for the foreseeable future. What’s interesting is that it’s also competitively priced. I came to the launch event expecting that it would cost upwards of Php30k, but was surprised when I found that you can get it for just Php27,490 if you pay for it with cash. If you want to get it on 12 month 0% installment, it goes up to Php29,990 though. Still, it’s a pretty awesome price point for a Snapdragon 800-powered smartphone.

LG G2 Specs

• 5.2″ Full HD IPS display (1080 x 1920 resolution, 424ppi)
• 2.26GHz quad core Snapdragon 800 SoC
• Adreno 330 GPU
• Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean
• 2GB RAM
• 16/32GB internal storage
• 13mp autofocus camera with LED flash, OIS and 9 multi-point focus sapphire crystal glass lens
• 2.1mp front camera
• Up to 4G/LTE
• WiFi a/b/g/n/ac
• Bluetooth 4.0
• GPS with A-GPS
• Micro USB with MHL support
• NFC
• Miracast
• IR Blaster
• 3,000mAh SiO+ battery
• Price: Php27,490 cash / Php29,990 12 months 0% installment