Been having some issues with my HTC One M7 the past few weeks so I decided to go to the AT&T store in the area and get a new phone.
I was only looking for an Android device so the choices I had were the HTC One M8, LG G3, Samsung Galaxy S5, and the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. Because of the issues I had with the battery and ultrapixel camera on my HTC One M7, I was looking for a phone with good build quality, a removable battery as well as a good camera. It was down to the LG G3 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 4. After thinking it over, I went with the LG G3 because of its quad HD display, good camera, and slim bezels.
TECH SPECS
- OS – Android 4.4.2 KitKat
- Chipset – Qualcomm® Snapdragonâ„¢ with 2.46 GHz Quad-Core Processor
- RAM – 3GB
- Display Size – 5.5 inches
- Display Resolution – 2560×1440 538ppi
- Camera – 13 megapixel with OIS plus and laser autofocus, front facing 2.1MP
- Internal Storage – 16GB / 32 GB
- Expandable Storage – microSD up to 128GB
- Connectivity – HSPA/4G LTE; Wifi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, A-GPS, GLONASS, Bluetooth 4.0 LE + APT-x, NFC; USB 2.0
- Dimensions – 146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9mm
- Weight – 149 grams
- Battery – 3,000mAh removable
PRODUCT PHOTOS
The package comes with the phone, charging block, USB cable, quick start guide, and product & safety information manual.
Size comparison with the HTC One M7
Another size comparison with the HTC One M7
PROS
- Quad HD display
- Slim bezel
- 13 MP camera w/ laser focus
- Premium quality design and build
- Quick charge
- Great battery life
- Improved UI
CONS
- Rear speakers
- Slippery faux metal finish
- Overheating issues
- Auto-brightness too dim
- No wireless charging (AT&T version)
- No earphones included (AT&T version)
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The first thing you’ll notice when you try out the LG G3 is the gorgeous quad HD display. Browsing photos and watching videos/movies on this device is a pleasure and would’ve been better if only it had front-facing speakers like the HTC One M7. The 13 MP rear camera is also very good. The pictures that I took outdoors in ideal conditions were great however, the same can’t be said with the photos taken in low-light – they’re not that good but not that bad either.
Regarding the battery, there are mixed reviews regarding battery life so I’ll have to wait and see how it goes in the next few weeks. The same goes for overheating issues. So far, I haven’t had any issues with the phone overheating even when I’m using memory extensive apps and games.
Unfortunately for AT&T customers like me, the LG G3 doesn’t have any built-in wireless charging functionality. You’ll have to purchase the official Circle Case designed for the AT&T model if you want to take advantage of wireless charging. Although there are DYI videos on YouTube and XDA forums on how to add/enable the wireless charging capability into the LG G3. Another thing I don’t like is that AT&T didn’t provide any earphones on the LG G3.
My favorite feature so far is the Knock Code. Instead of using a PIN code or password to unlock your phone, with Knock Code, you can do it by simply tapping a personalized pattern on the screen. Knock Code can be set up by going to Settings > Lockscreen > Screen security. Once in there, just follow the on-screen instructions and set up your custom pattern.
So far, those are my initial impressions of the LG G3 and I don’t have any regrets about getting this phone. I’ll probably update this post or just write a separate in-depth review when I have the time.
Anyone else tried or have the LG G3? What feature/s do you like most and hate about it? Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
