LG G3 was released 2 days ago. The overall level of hardware is now top of its class with its shape and with last year’s LG G2 there has been little change compared to the 5.5-inch UHD (2k) screen becoming the biggest improvement on the smartphone. According to market research firm’s Strategy Analytics statistics, LG smartphone sales last year totaled 48 million, which has made great progress compared to the previous years. The market share reached 4.8%, which made a significant contribution from the G2 smartphone. Will this trend continue with the G3? Does it have the ability to obtain the same good results? We look into the smartphones and make a prediction.
Where is the innovation in the G series?
LG has been suppressed with Samsung LG G2, but we have to admit that this year’s 2013 model, as the flagship product, does have a unique sense of innovation, in addition to the mainstream high-end configuration (except for its slim appearance), the proportion of the ultra-high screen (the LG G2 side in front of the phone) and having no physical buttons (except for the volume and lock screen buttons moving to the back of the fuselage) were done to largely facilitate the user’s one-hand operation. Meanwhile, G2 supports KnockON (double tap the screen to open the lock screen), QuickRemote (remote appliances), Slide Aside (three-finger slide which helps with multi-tasking) and other innovative features which the majority of consumer’s recognize as features they want.
What improvements were made to G3?
First of all, the 2k screen, as the biggest improvement made cannot help but to produce the “gimmick” problem. After all, more and more users have gradually become more rational with their purchases. The 2k and 1080p screen provides more than ample and delicate quality. However, users could not be as willing to place their money on features that are not affordable (besides the high resolution life), heating problems and perhaps unnecessary annoyance to the user.
Secondly, in the photography area, LG has introduced the first laser auto focus feature. This laser helps to measure any depth information available, which helps to reduce focus time. Its functions and the HTC M8 secondary camera’s depth of field have the same purpose. As to how effective it is, it is still unknown. Only after the actual experience can one make a good judgment call. Additionally, the rear camera is still using the camera’s 13 million pixel sensor, optical image stabilization function and the front is using its 2.1 million pixel camera. For the self-enthusiast, an interesting feature is as long as the user has a clenched fist in front of the camera can automatically start the self-timer.
Again, the G3’s and G2’s power button is exactly the same. I believe that in a good one-handed operation it is not just about having the power button moved to the back, yet its solution can be considered reasonable. When using the G2, I found in a short time, I got pulled back into the operation of the original power button derived based on the familiarity. It can be really simple and not so simple at the same time so it varies.
In addition, the G3 launch has several good intelligence applications. Including:
SmartCleaning which intelligently clears the system cache, SmartTips, which displays unused features tips, Content Lock, which hides the contents, and Kill Switch, which is the remote lock functionality. It is worth mentioning that LG also has the exercise and calorie consumption application, LG Health, to calculate the user’s health class. I believe that these features are designed to work with LG Smart watches.
Finally, G3 provides a selection of two main configurations, 2GB RAM/16GB ROM and 3GB RAM/32GB ROM, although no difference in appearance between the two can be distinguished. Also, the size of the memory can be said to better provided to LG ‘ Pro ‘version users.
Summary
Even with its 2k screen and simple design philosophy, G3 does not seem to be more attractive to consumers, compared with the visual impact of G2. Also, G3, with its G2 inherited design philosophy and adding a laser focus function, did not have a huge impact. I see it as more of a G2 maxed out version instead of a new smartphone. The G3 smartphone also relies on smart watches to achieve some of its new features, such as the LG Health application.
Talking about the brand, LG has been Samsung’s repression for awhile. The goal of achieving record-breaking sales, even with Samsung S5’s condemning release, Samsung has its advantages through its own industrial chain advantage, product features and its establishment of a strong brand in marketing, before today’s brand stickiness. The brands are inextricably linked and there is a gap between LG and Samsung in that respect. S5, as the competitive flagship product, and G3 also need to continue to catch up in terms of brand marketing.
LG G3 has not announced a specific release date and price, but from a configuration point of view, it will probably not be starting less than $600. If you are in the need to wanting to change phones, have you considered the G3 yet? I am looking forward to everyone’s views and comments.
