LG G2

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LG G2
Exmor RS CMOS 13 MP OIS, F2.4, LED flash[1]
Front camera2.1 MP, F2.6
Connectivity
List

The

bezel
around it, along with the unique placement of its power and volume keys—eschewing their typical location on the edge of a smartphone by placing them on the rear below the camera lens.

The device was released to mostly positive reception; the G2 was universally praised for LG's efforts to produce a more seamless and compact design that nonetheless maximized screen size, its high performance, the quality of its display and primary camera, along with its long-lasting battery. Critics were divided on certain aspects of its design, such as its rear button layout, and its plastic chassis—which was panned for closely resembling recent Samsung Galaxy products and being a regression from the glass-based chassis of the Optimus G. Similarly, while its software and user interface was praised for its usability and large number of customization options, some reviewers felt that the software suffered from feature creep and contained notable usability regressions in comparison to "stock" Android.

Sales of the G2 exceeded LG's estimates; in late-December 2013, a Korean news agency reported that at least 3 million units of the G2 had been sold worldwide.

Release

The G2 was first unveiled during a press event at New York City's Jazz at Lincoln Center on 7 August 2013. LG announced that it would begin to release the G2 globally on over 130 carriers within the next two months, in markets such as South Korea and the United States.[3]

To promote the G2, LG attempted to hold a city-wide scavenger hunt in Seoul, South Korea; during a press event at a local park on 9 August 2013, helium balloons (tying in with its "G in the Cloud" advertising campaign) were released that contained 100 vouchers. After the vouchers were scattered through the city by the deflating balloons, LG planned to give away G2s to those who found the vouchers. While only members of the media were formally invited, the event was disrupted by members of the public who learned about the promotion on the internet. As the balloons were released, attendees attempted to use BB guns and other makeshift tools to retrieve them. The resulting quarrel which broke out over the balloons resulted in 20 injuries; following the incident, LG apologized and stated that it would pay for the medical treatment of those injured in the event. LG also called off plans to hold similar events in other South Korean cities.[4][5]

The G2 was first released in the United States by

Wind Mobile.[7][8]

Specifications

Hardware

The G2's volume and power keys are positioned on the rear, where the index finger would lie when holding the phone.

The G2's exterior consists of a polycarbonate shell—unlike its predecessor, which used a glass-based construction. The rear cover is adorned with a subtle pattern resembling

carbon fiber.[9][10] The G2's volume and power keys are located directly below the camera on the rear of the device. The power button contains an LED lamp, which can be used as a notification light. The positioning of the buttons on the rear deviates from the majority of smartphones, where they are located on the bezel (side edge) of the phone. LG argued that buttons located on the bezel were harder to reach on larger smartphones, and made it more likely for users to drop their phone when adjusting the volume during a call. As such, the G2's buttons are instead located where the index finger would normally lie when the phone is held. Alongside the power button, the G2 is also powered on by double-tapping on the screen, and turned off by double-tapping on the status bar or a blank area on the home screen, a feature branded as "KnockOn". When the phone is off, the volume keys can also be used to launch directly into the camera or QuickMemo applications by holding them down.[9][11][12]

The G2 is powered by a 2.26 GHz quad-core

Snapdragon 800 processor with 2 GB of RAM and support for LTE or LTE Advanced networks where available. The G2 is equipped with a 5.2-inch 1080p IPS display; to reduce the size of its screen bezel, wiring for touchscreen components is routed both above and below the screen itself. To help conserve battery life, the G2 also implements a panel self-refresh system; if the display is showing static content, it is refreshed solely from framebuffer
memory (referred to as "graphics RAM"), allowing other display components (such as the GPU) to become idle. LG claimed that this system would allow the screen to use 26% less power than comparable displays on other smartphones.

The G2's audio hardware and software is optimized to support

optical image stabilization, and an infrared emitter which allows it to serve as a universal remote with the accompanying QuickRemote app.[11][12]

The G2 comes with either 16 or 32 GB of non-expandable storage,

MicroSD card slot for expanded storage, and a removable 2610 mAh battery.[13][14]

Software

Further information: Android (operating system) and Optimus UI

The G2 ships with Android 4.2.2

"Jelly Bean" with a custom interface and software. It contains a number of features that are designed to "learn" from users by predicting future actions, and allow for flexibility and customization. The G2 retains features from previous LG models such as the Optimus G and G Pro, including QuickMemo (which allows users to write notes on top of a screenshot), QuickRemote (a feature which allows the device to serve as a universal remote), QSlide pop-up apps, and Voice Mate. New features introduced by the G2 include TextLink, which analyzes text messages to detect content such as addresses and times that can be passed to other apps (such as the calendar, a note, or Google Maps), a pop-up menu of relevant apps triggered when plugging in headphones or a USB cable (Plug & Pop), the ability to answer a phone call by holding the phone to the user's head (AnswerMe), Slide Aside, a multitasking feature which allows users to "slide" away apps onto cards with a three-finger gesture, the Clip Tray (which collects content that had been copied to the clipboard), and Guest Mode.[11][12][15][16][17] The G2 uses on-screen buttons; users can change their background color (which includes black and white options, either solid colored or with a gradient), customize the order of the buttons, or add additional buttons for opening QuickMemo or the notification shade.[11][12][15][16][18] The G2's default music player supports the playback of WAV and FLAC files with 24-bit/192 kHz audio.[10]

The time catch shot camera feature prevents missing out on moments by capturing photos while idle and keeping up to five in memory.[19]

An update to Android 4.4.2 "KitKat" was released in South Korea in November 2013, and for international models in March 2014.[20] LG touted a "noticeable speed boost" over Jelly Bean, along with battery life improvements, user interface tweaks, and other improvements brought by KitKat.[21][22] A further update added a new security feature known as "Knock Code" (as introduced by the LG G Pro 2), which allows users to unlock their device by tapping quadrants of the screen in a sequence.[23]

An update to Android 5.0.1 "Lollipop" was first released in South Korea in January 2015.[24] Alongside other internal improvements, it introduces the refreshed "G UI" first introduced by the LG G3,[25] which itself received improvements to match the new visual style and features of Lollipop,[26][27] The update was also released for the international model and the U.S. carrier versions, but was not released in Canada.[28]

Model variants

Several different model variants of the G2 are sold, with most variants differing only in support for regional network types and bands. However, the South Korean version features a removable (but smaller) battery and a MicroSD slot, while the U.S. Verizon Wireless version includes

wireless charging, but has a noticeably different rear cover design with different designs for the buttons and camera, and replaces the solid black option for the button background with a pink pattern option.[9][29] In January 2014, in honor of the Chinese New Year, LG released two "limited edition" models of the G2 in selected Asian markets; available in red or gold colors, the limited edition models featured textured casings instead of the glossier plastic used normally by the G2.[30]

Model number Carrier/Region 2G and 3G band support LTE band support Notes
LG-D802[31] Global GSM 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS 850/900/1900/2100 800/900/1800/2100/2600
LG-D803[32] Canada GSM 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS 850/1900/2100 700, AWS, 2600 White model was exclusive to Rogers and only sold at Target Mobile, TBooth, Wireless Wave, and Wireless etc. stores.[33] Does not upgrade to Android 5.0 "Lollipop".[28]
LG-D805[34] Latin America GSM 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS 850/900/1900/2100 700(17)/1700(4)/2600(7)
LG-D800[35] AT&T Mobility (U.S.) GSM 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS 850/1900/2100 1900(2)/1700(4)/850(5)/700(17)
LS980[36][37] Sprint (U.S.) GSM 850/900/1800/1900, CDMA 800/850/1900 800 (26) /1900 (25) /2500 (41) Sprint's G2 was the carrier's first device approved by the
Spark
" LTE service.
LG-D801[35] T-Mobile US GSM 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS 850/1700/1900/2100 1900(2)/1700(4)/700(17)
VS980[9][38]
Verizon Wireless
(U.S.) 		GSM 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS 850/900/1900/2100, CDMA 850/1900 1700(4)/700(13) Supports
wireless charging
, has a different rear design.
L-01F[39][40]
NTT DoCoMo
(Japan) 		GSM 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS 800(6/19)/2100 2100(1)/800(19)/1500(21) Does not upgrade to Android 4.4 "KitKat".[41]

Accessories

The QuickWindow case accessory for the G2 was unveiled on 30 July 2013—prior to the unveiling of the phone itself. The QuickWindow case consists of a plastic shell with a polyurethane flip cover. The cover contains a rounded rectangular window that exposes a portion of the display, allowing a number of functions to be accessed without opening the cover, including notifications, a customizable clock, and a music player.[42][43]

Reception

Pre-release

While complimenting its performance and other unique features, The Verge believed that LG was trying too hard to compete with the Samsung Galaxy S4 by closely imitating its design, specifications, and emphasis on features instead of differentiating itself through further innovations.[16] TechRadar also praised its performance and display quality, but considered the design of the G2 itself to be "dull", and believed that while offering many options for advanced users, LG's skinned version of Android 4.2 was too complex for "casual" users (especially noting its notification pull-down, where roughly half the screen is taken up by options).[44]

Critical reception

The LG G2 was released to mostly positive reception. In December 2013, the British magazine Stuff named the G2 its 2013 Phone of the Year and Gadget of the Year, reporting that "LG has previously struggled to make an impact on the smartphone market, but the LG G2 is as good as smartphones get in 2013, and shows the established names how it should be done."[45]

The G2 was considered by critics to be well-built, but was criticized for replacing the glass-based construction of the

Droid Razr Maxx). After lasting about 20 hours of "standard" use in its testing, the G2's battery was considered by Engadget to be "a sign that we're finally crossing into a world of sensible smartphone batteries."[9][15][46]

LG's Android interface design received mixed reviews;

Android 4.4 "KitKat" while the G2 had to make do with a bloatware-filled Android 4.2.2 "Jelly Bean" for a time.[48][49][9][46][50]

The G2's rear-facing camera was considered good for its class, with its processor contributing to quicker

Lumia 1020 by TechRadar, the G2 was named the best cameraphone of the six for "[performing] very well in terms of picture quality, ease of use and functionality, as well as post processing", although it was panned for not having as many options as its competitors, and for the probability of fingers accidentally getting into landscape shots due to the positioning of the lens.[52]

Sales

In December 2013, Asia Today reported that 2.3 million units of the G2 had been sold since its release in September 2013, with at least 600,000 sold in South Korea alone. These numbers were below LG's original estimates of 3 million units. However, later in the month, news agency

Yonhap reported more positive numbers from analysts, with at least 3 million units sold and 900,000 sold in South Korea.[53][54]

See also

References

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  2. ^ Jon. "LG G2 has SlimPort support not MHL". Clove Technology's Blog. Archived from the original on 19 November 2015. Retrieved 11 November 2015.
  3. ^ "LG gets back to superphones with G2". CNET. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  4. ^ Cheng, Jonathan (17 August 2013). "LG's Marketing Campaign for G2 Backfires". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  5. ^ "20 injured at ill-conceived LG G2 promotional event". The Verge. 12 August 2013. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  6. ^ "Sprint confirms Oct. 11 preorders for LG G2, better late than never". TechRadar. 9 September 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2013.
  7. ^ "LG G2 coming to six major Canadian carriers this fall". Engadget. 16 August 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2013.
  8. ^ "LG G2 ships to six Canadian carriers on September 27th". Engadget. 12 September 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2013.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g "Review: LG's G2 smartphone gets caught living in the shadows of giants". Ars Technica. 17 September 2013. Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  10. ^ a b c "Hands On with the LG G2 - LG's latest flagship". Anandtech. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  11. ^ a b c d "LG's new G2: high-end smartphone in the front, button party in the back". The Verge. 7 August 2013. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  12. ^ a b c d "LG Unveils Flagship G2 Smartphone With New 'Rear Key' Concept". PC Magazine. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  13. ^ "Verizon claims its LG G2 variant comes with exclusive wireless charging". Engadget. 15 August 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2013.
  14. ^ "LG G2 for Korea has microSD card slot, removable battery". PhoneArena. 11 August 2013. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  15. ^ a b c d Smith, Mat. "LG G2 review". Engadget. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
  16. ^ a b c "LG's G2 takes on the Galaxy S4 spec for spec, and feature for feature (hands-on)". The Verge. 7 August 2013. Retrieved 17 August 2013.
  17. ^ "LG G2 review". CNET. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  18. ^ "LG G2 for AT&T - Smartphone Review". Laptop Magazine. 13 September 2013. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  19. ^ "Using the Time catch shot mode". www.lg.com. 2013.
  20. ^ "Android 4.4 KitKat now seeding to Korean LG G2". GSMArena. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  21. ^ "LG G2 video demos performance improvements found in KitKat update". PhoneDog.com. Archived from the original on 3 April 2014. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  22. ^ "Android 4.4 KitKat now available on international LG G2". GSMArena. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  23. ^ "LG's Knock Code unlock method bumps into G2 and G Flex next month". Engadget. 25 March 2014. Retrieved 27 May 2014.
  24. ^ "Android 5.0 Lollipop update for the LG G2 is live in South Korea". GSMArena. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  25. ^ Olivarez-Giles, Nathan (27 May 2014). "LG G3 Smartphone Has 5.5-Inch Display, Metallic Body". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  26. ^ "LG G3's Android Lollipop update approaches with leaked screens". Techradar. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  27. ^ "The LG G2 to receive the LG G3's new interface, "Android L Version" update?". PhoneArena. 22 August 2014. Retrieved 10 September 2014.
  28. ^ a b "LG G2 Not Getting Android 5.0 Lollipop Update in Canada". Softpedia. 3 June 2015. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  29. ^ "Korean LG G2 to offer removable battery, microSD card slot". GSMArena. Retrieved 11 October 2013.
  30. ^ "Two new colors for the LG G2 officially announced by LG: Red and Gold". PhoneArena. 15 January 2014. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
  31. ^ "LG G2 LGD802 Technical Specifications". LG Electronics. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  32. ^ "LGD803 Technical Specifications". LG Electronics. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  33. ^ "White LG G2 to be a Rogers exclusive, sold at WirelessWave, Target, Tbooth and Wireless etc". MobileSyrup. 24 September 2013. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  34. ^ "LG G2 LGD805 Technical Specifications". LG Electronics. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  35. ^ a b "LG G2 (GSM)". PhoneScoop. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  36. ^ "First Sprint Tri-Band LTE Phone Clears FCC". PhoneScoop. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  37. ^ "Sprint Announces Spark - Its Tri-Band LTE Network". Anandtech. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  38. ^ "LG G2 (CDMA)". PhoneScoop. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  39. ^ "G2 L-01F". lg.com.
  40. ^ docomo G2 L-01F | 製品 | NTTドコモ Archived 4 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine
  41. ^ "ドコモからのお知らせ : Android(TM)4.4へのバージョンアップ予定製品について - お知らせ - NTTドコモ". nttdocomo.co.jp.
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  48. ^ "Nexus 5 vs. LG G2: See the difference". November 2013.
  49. ^ "Nexus 5 Review: Flagship hardware for half the price". 7 November 2013.
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  52. ^ "Best camera phone: 6 handsets tested". TechRadar. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
  53. ^ "LG may have sold 3 million G2s after all". PhoneArena. 30 December 2013. Retrieved 12 March 2014.
  54. ^ "LG G2 sales fall behind expectations: 2.3 million units in 4 months". PhoneArena. 9 December 2013. Retrieved 12 March 2014.

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