News & Reviews:   LG G2

Traditionally, most Nexus products and devices usually don't get named according to their brand makers and often times they are either called the Google Nexus 4 only. This has always been the official stance except for when Samsung did the Nexus S. Recent reports in Korea have highlighted the fact that if LG had their way, they'd have named the recent Google Nexus 5 the Nexus G. While it isn't a big secret that LG did make the recent Google Nexus 5 device, Google said no, perhaps to avoid confusion with other similarly named Google products like the Motorola Moto G. LG is well known for their G series of devices like the LG G2, LG G Flex, LG G Pad and many other LG G products.

For those of you wondering if the LG G Flex, the curved smartphone from LG, is just another concept render then rest assured that it is indeed real as it appears on video. Some tech specs and features for the LG G Flex so far seem to match that of the LG G2 which include rear-mounted buttons and a 13MP rear camera. The screen remains the same curved 6-inch OLED display that is concave from top to bottom. While it hasn't been mentioned yet, we're expecting the LG G Flex to have similar tech specs like a 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor and 2GB of RAM. Unfortunately, the video does not reveal Malaysia release dates or pricing, only that it may be officially announced in South Korea soon, which could place it sometime in November 2013.

LG Chem, a branch of LG dealing in everything from batteries to bendable lights has announced new flexible battery designs. This includes curved batteries, a battery in the form of cable (which still works even after it has been tied into a knot) and stacked / stepped batteries (which consist of multiple batteries made to work as a single unit). The new battery designs will probably mean bigger batteries for smartphones and mobile devices that have curved backs like LG's own LG G2. These new battery designs could be perfect for various applications but mostly seem perfect for smartphones and other mobile devices which don't have the space for a standard rectangular battery. LG Chem has said that they will demo these battery technologies on 16 October 2013. No news on pricing or Malaysia release dates but we expect smartphone makers to take advantage of these new battery types very soon.

We've always felt that the LG Vu series of 4:3 aspect ratio smartphones doesn't really get the hype it deserves, and the same is true for the latest LG Vu 3 which was recently announced by LG in a very quiet sort of manner. Packing in a slightly larger 5.2-inch screen but still maintaining the same 4:3 aspect ratio, the Vu 3 looks just as wide as the previous version. However, slightly curvier corners give it a less boxy look and the slightly larger size also means it has some space to put a Rubberdium stylus pen (which unfortunately, isn't a digitizer pen like some other phablets). Other tech specs and features for the LG Vu 3 are still quite generous and include:

• 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800 processor
• 5.2-inch display (1280 x 960, IPS)
• 2GB RAM
• 13MP rear camera + 2.1MP front camera
• Supports LTE-A
• Android 4.2.2 + LG UX user interface

Currently one of the most powerful phablets to be introduced recently, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 offers up what could be easily considered the best tech specs for any smartphone around. This includes a 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor and chipset along with 3GB of RAM. Benchmarks of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 have recently surfaced and show the phablet topping nearly every benchmark except for AnTuTu where it got a close 2nd place behind the LG G2. However, in all other benchmarks, the Note 3 leads with a considerable gap. Check out the benchmarks for yourself in this article.

While the LG G2 has been officially announced, it hasn't been released just yet, so in an effort to maintain the hype, LG have released an introduction video showing off all the features of the soon-to-be-released G2. From what we can see it shows off how natural the rear keys feel and how some of the software features can be used in a real-life setting. Unfortunately, the video does not come with any Malaysia release dates or pricing but many are guessing that the LG G2 may make an appearance in September 2013. We think that it would be a better idea to just say Q3 of 2013 and be done with it. For now the intro video will have to do.

The upcoming and rumoured LG G Pad 8.3 has just leaked in a press render and in a teaser video. While the teaser video didn't really show all that much about how the tablet would look like the press render reveals that it looks strikingly similar to the LG G2. Placed side by side with the soon to be released smartphone, the LG G Pad shows nearly the same super thin bezels and all the curves in the same places. Reports from Korea confirm that the tablet will offer an 8.3-inch screen that features 11920 x 1200 pixel resolutions. While it is expected to make an appearance at the IFA 2013 in September, no details on a release date in Malaysia or pricing just yet.

Another big smartphone model was recently announced in the form of the LG G2. This flagship smartphone formerly known as the Optimus G2 sports a number of top-of-the-line features and innovations that should make it a very good contender for top smartphone. These tech specs include:

• 2.26GHz Quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor
• 2GB RAM
• 16GB / 32GB storage + microSD
• Plastic chassis Unibody design 
• 5.2-inch display (IPS, Graphic RAM, 450 nits brightness, 1920 x 1080p)
• 13MP rear camera (OIS, FullHD 1080p 60fps) + 2MP front camera
• Hi-Fi 24 bit/192kHz audio
• Supports LTE-A + dual-band WiFi + Bluetooth 4.0 + IR blaster
• 3000 mAh li-Po battery
• Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean
• Available in black and white

Looking to garner more hype for their upcoming LG G2 smartphone, LG are releasing promo videos for the accessories that may come along with the smartphone. So far, we have to say it's working because the LG G2 QuickWindow case looks awesome. Like similar casings that have an opening to the screen yet offers all the information you need, the QuickWindow casing lets you take or ignore calls, check messages, control music or set your alarm clock, practically everything you usually do with your smartphone, all through the flip case cover. The flip case will be available in black, blue, mint, pink, purple, yellow and white. While the promo video is in Korean, it's quite easy to understand so check out the LG G2 QuickWindow case in the video.

Confirming recent rumours that it would stop using the "Optimus" brand name for it's line of premium smartphones, the upcoming LG Optimus G2 will now be known as the LG G2 instead. The confirmation comes straight from LG Electronics themselves with a relevant press release from their LG Korea site. The press release also confirmed some tech specs of the upcoming LG G2 which include:

• Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor 
• LTE-A support