Yesterday, LG unveiled its new flagship Android smartphone at an event in New York. The new LG G2 will drop the once popular Optimus name, and sport a load of new features and powerful specs. One big talking point on the new G2 is the placement of the hardware volume keys and power key. The popular front soft keys on most Android devices have been moved to the back, which LG claims is easier to use and are the only buttons on the device. The microUSB port and the 3.5mm audio jack are located at the bottom. Like its Korean counterpart Samsung, the LG G2 will also be made entirely of plastic. Plastic was most likely chosen to offer more durability and a lower build cost.
Hardware: The LG G2 is no slouch when it comes to hardware. It packs a Snapdragon S800 chip from Qualcomm clocked at 2.26GHz, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of on-board storage, and a microSD slot. The G2 will have a 5.2″ IPS display with 1080p HD resolution. LG has also chosen to leverage Gorilla Glass 3 from Corning, making the phone more durable.
Software: When it comes to software the LG G2 will run Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with LG’s unique skin on top of it. I was surprised not to see Android 4.3 for such a big launch, but most likely it will come later. Other features such as Smart Screen, Smart Video, Quick Cover, Quiet Time, QuickMemo and QuickRemote are also present on the G2.
Camera: Last but not least on the G2 we come to the camera. The impressive 13MP snapper will be the first of its kind to feature OIS (optical image stabilization) outside a 4MP or 8MP lens. The G2 will also sport a LED flash and will be the first Android device to capture HD video at 60FPS. The front camera will be a modest 2.1MP snapper which should take nice self portraits thanks to the new rear back button.
Pricing and availability: LG says that the G2 will go on sale at all four of the major U.S. carriers within the next 8 weeks. LG has given no details on price, but I expect a competing $199 (2-year contract) pricing model here in the United States, and around $700 (unlocked) globally. Stay tuned to The Horn for complete pricing options and, of course, a full hands-on review.
Spec Sheet:
– Processor: 2.26GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon? 800 featuring quad Krait CPU
– Display: 5.2-inch Full HD IPS (1080 x 1920 pixels / 423 ppi)
– Memory: 32GB / 16GB
– RAM: 2GB LPDDR3 800MHz
– Camera: Rear 13.0MP with OIS / Front 2.1MP
– Battery: 3,000mAh
– Operating System: Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2
– Size: 138.5 x 70.9 x 8.9mm
– Colors: Black / White
LG G2 UK TV Spot:
via: mobileburn
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