LG G3 Pro Reviews

With a much nicer design, a smaller but superior display, faster hardware, a better camera, and lightning-quick charging, the Samsung Galaxy S6 is a genuine superphone that's a worthy upgrade over the LG G3. It is also quite the challenge for LG, whose upcoming LG G4 will have to face a formidable adversary. However, the LG G3 remains more attractive from a price-oriented perspective. Being a year old and nicely discounted, it is one of the cheapest Quad-HD resolution smartphones you can buy new and unlocked. It's also a very nice smartphone overall, and while its looks and performance, admittedly, can't hold a candle to Samsung's latest and greatest, this doesn't make it anything less than a bargain!

With a much nicer design, a smaller but superior display, faster hardware, a better camera, and added goodies such as quick charging, the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge is a genuine superphone that's a worthy upgrade over the LG G3. However, the LG G3 remains more attractive from a price-oriented perspective. Being a year old and nicely discounted, it is one of the cheapest Quad-HD resolution smartphones you can buy new and unlocked. It's also a very nice smartphone overall, and while its looks and performance, admittedly, can't hold a candle to Samsung's latest and greatest, this doesn't make it anything less than a bargain!

If you are looking for a top-of-the-line QHD handset with monstrous specs sheet, then you can go wrong with neither of these two devices, yet you need to ask yourself a very simple question: “Is the undoubtedly-intriguing screen of the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge worth a few hundred bucks over the LG G3?”

LG has impressed us with the G3 which comes in at under £500 but packs amazing features including that Quad HD and a camera with a laser auto focus. The device is surprisingly small considering the 5.5in display and we like the more premium design. It's another winner from LG.

As much as we like the LG G3, we have to admit that the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is the better phone, at least for the most part. It isn't leading by a mile, but overall, we find it a step ahead of LG's flagship in almost every major aspect – from design and display quality to hardware and camera performance. Made of metal, curved glass, and textured plastic, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is a sophisticated phone with lots of character. Simply put, it is an eye-catching phone. The G3 is not a bad-looking phone by any means, and its metallic design also does a good job at drawing attention. Besides, the G3 is slightly smaller and fits better in the palm. Then there's the display quality – the Note 4 has a display capable of meeting the needs of both people who demand color accuracy, and those who are into vibrant, punchy colors. The LG G3 does not lag far behind with its equally detailed IPS LCD display, but it will take something better than this to beat what Samsung has made. On the hardware side of things, both phones can handle anything thrown at them. Powerful processors and lots of RAM ensure that you won't necessarily need to upgrade for at least a year or two. Still, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 packs more silicon muscle and as a result handles its screen's high resolution better than the G3. With LG's flagship, lags or dropped frames can be a bit more frequent, and these should not occur on a phone of this class.

Picking between the iPhone 6 Plus and the LG G3 may feel like an overwhelming task – after all, the two trade blows left and right. With Apple's first phablet, you're getting a more stylish, but much bulkier device, with a less-detailed screen that is nevertheless perfectly fine. The 6 Plus is also a considerably better performer in day-to-day tasks and apps execution, and its camera is, on the whole, a notch better than what LG has going on. The G3, on the other hand, can almost pass for a large smartphone, not a phablet, thanks to its compact dimensions, and its Quad HD screen is a beauty if you can find content suited for it. Despite that crazy pixel density, the LG G3 also essentially ties with the iPhone 6 Plus in terms of battery life – an important stalemate for it, as that could have easily decided the face-off. If all of the above still isn't enough for you to make a pick, then the fact that we're looking at two very different operating systems might – with iOS 8, the emphasis is on simplicity, while the LG-themed Android version on the G3 comes with numerous extra features. Perhaps most importantly, the G3 is also now a significantly cheaper that the 6 Plus – and that, more than anything, ought to narrow it down enough for you to make a decision.

With all things said, which one should you pick: the new iPhone 6, or the LG G3? Both are great flagship devices, but if price is your main concern than the LG G3 definitely has the upper hand: its prices range from free to $50 on a two-year contract, or $490 when you buy unlocked. The iPhone 6 on the other hand starts at $199 on a 2-year contract, or $649 when you get it off-contract (the T-Mobile version is also unlocked and free to use internationally). The other subjective factor would be the screen: you’d have to make a decision whether you want a larger, 5.5” display like on the LG G3, or a smaller, 4.7” screen and compact body like on the iPhone 6. If we ignore price and screen size for a moment, the LG G3 would be a better fit for those who prefer the openness of Android and the option to tinker around, and customize the looks of the interface completely. For all else, though, the iPhone 6 just seems to offer more when it comes to all major areas: screen quality, performance, and camera. Plus, it’s also got the rich Apple ecosystem behind it, and that’s not to be overlooked.

The LG G3 on Verizon Wireless somehow packs a world-beating screen and a huge battery into a slim, premium-feeling case, making it the most advanced phone on the market.

Touting several refinements and a new 5.5-inch Quad HD display, LG has brought to market the new LG G3. The new, larger display brings a resolution and pixel density above of what we’ve seen on the current crop of flagships. You also get a 13-megapixel camera with a unique laser autofocus system, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 SoC that's at the top of its class.

The LG G3 somehow packs a world-beating screen and a huge battery into a slim, premium-feeling case, making it the most advanced phone on the market. But it's just too much phone for me.

Overall, the G3 is frustratingly close to perfect. A much-improved 1080p display, smaller size, and staying with the stacked battery design would’ve made this phone much easier to recommend as the best phone of the Snapdragon 801 generation. Unfortunately, as-is I can only say that it’s equal to everything else on the market. Everything seems to be similarly imperfect in their own way, and it comes down to personal preference which imperfections are tolerable and which aren’t. HTC delivers the best audio experience, LG provides the best balance of camera experience (from day to night shots), and Samsung offers the best display. Perhaps this is a taste of what the future will hold for enthusiasts. However, if the past is any indication, there’s still hope that there will be one phone to rule them all.

Second fiddle is no longer LG's position. The years spent as an also-ran copycat mostly ended with the G2, and the continuation of those benefits into producing the G3 have confirmed that the company is capable of producing great works. The G3 is a wholesale upgrade in every important area - other than battery life, which we'll be able to rate properly later - and is surely in elite company when it comes to choosing phones. It's a little more than some will manage yet exactly what many others want. The Quad HD display isn't what will make anyone purchase this phone. The greatly improved software, inflexible but reliant camera, and enhanced exterior make the LG G3 the best Android smartphone LG has made ever made. Whether that's enough to sway someone from a Galaxy S5 or One M8 is harder to say because the One M8 has a better body and the S5 has a better battery. The G3 makes up for those shortcomings by being close enough in both areas and turning in a great camera and unique form factor. This is not a phone in anyone's shadow, so LG can finally take its place in the light.

LG rustles up a classy, top-rung smartphone – but the pixel-heavy Quad HD screen takes its toll on battery life

There's no reason why LG shouldn't be running with the pack with their G-series smartphones with HTC, Samsung, and Apple in the United States. Unfortunate for them, Samsung has the advertising finesse required to show themselves off as the fine-quality hardware creators they are, while LG seems to stand by the wayside. But listen up, if you need motivation: LG makes an extremely fine phone. The LG G3 brings the finest Android has to offer with robust hardware without frills. It's a solid phone well worth the cash you're going to lay down on it. If there was ever a time LG was ready to take on its opponents in the smartphone hardware world based on in-hand experience alone, it's now.

Well, actually, things aren't as clear cut as you might have thought, specifically on account of the Nexus 5's enticing price point. Sure, looking at the full picture, the LG G3 proves to be the better overall device, despite its drawbacks. For example, It offers a boatload of extra features that the Nexus 5 does not, a better camera, and much more reliable battery. Also, not to be ignored is its impresive 5.5-inch, Quad HD display, which makes it perfect for media consumption. That's a sizable list of pros over the Nexus 5. But it's not as simple as that. Sure enough, the Nexus 5 is not without its relative strengths either. It's got a more simplistic interface powered by stock Android, and is among the very first in the industry to receive the latest software updates. What's more, despite its relatively inferior hardware, navigation is far more fluid, and hiccups are pretty much non-existent in comparison with the G3. Further still, the N5's display is more color-accurate, and perhaps more importantly – bright enough to allow for normal outdoors use, even in the summer. The same can't be said about the G3. Most importantly of all, however, the Nexus 5 is a whole lot of phone for a whole lot less – it costs about half what the G3 does. And that, more than anything else, is why it should be among the first on your list if you're hunting for a bargain.

The LG G3 and the iPhone 5s not only seem worlds apart when it comes to ergonomics and one-handed usage, but we found them to be quite different in terms of features, too. The steel-and-glass design of the iPhone 5s is more premium, and is way more comfortable to use with one hand than the wide and G3. LG, however, offers a more flexible design with replaceable battery and expandable storage. Not only that, but the big 5.5” display flaunts record pixel density, and is preferable for browsing and media before the 4” panel of the iPhone 5s. Step outdoors, however, and the iPhone's screen remains visible, while the G3 panel looks dim and harder to read. The LG G3 and the iPhone 5s not only seem worlds apart when it comes to ergonomics and one-handed usage, but we found them to be quite different in terms of features, too. The steel-and-glass design of the iPhone 5s is more premium, and is way more comfortable to use with one hand than the wide and G3. LG, however, offers a more flexible design with replaceable battery and expandable storage. Not only that, but the big 5.5” display flaunts record pixel density, and is preferable for browsing and media before the 4” panel of the iPhone 5s. Step outdoors, however, and the iPhone's screen remains visible, while the G3 panel looks dim and harder to read. When it comes to performance, the 64-bit A7 is optimized very well for powering the smooth iOS interface, while the G3 stutters at times, but offers way more features out of the box, including split-screen multitasking. We found the camera quality to be rather on par. Where LG's handset definitely has the upper hand, though, is in the video department, as it is capable of 4K footage, and the scene holds extremely steady, thanks to the OIS tech.

The G3 is a solid daily rider. LG made some big and impressive self-edits. They took out a lot of the bad and superfluous. Much of the bloat is gone. If, for some reason, you have your heart set on an LG phone or you were holding out for LG to fix some of the struggles that so bogged down the G2, then sure, buy the G3. The G3 is an improvement over the G2 for its superior software and fairly solid specs. But there's little reason to go for one if you weren't already considering it. Its battery is better than average, but not much better than that of the HTC One M8 or Galaxy S5. The G3's Snapdragon 801 processor is a screamer, but the M8 and the S5 have that chip too. It's not that LG has taken one step forward and one step back; it's like it's taken one step forward (with software) and stayed in the same place (with hardware), while other devices have pushed into new territories with design and style. It's not a hard no, but if you're looking for the best Android phone, it's not the G3 you want.

Ultimately, choosing a favorite between the LG G3 and the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 depends mostly on what your personal preferences are, and now that we've presented you with their respective pros and cons, we hope that picking one would be less of a hassle. Whichever you go with, rest assured that you'll be getting your money's worth in return.

All in all, the LG G3 brings a lot of improvements to the flagship table: it’s got a sharper-than-before, Quad HD display, a well-performing optically-stabilized 13-megapixel camera, and a solid build that is also flexible with an easily removable back cover. Its admirable battery life is also a big plus. The Sony Xperia Z2, however, does not fall far behind - its 1080p display appears practically as sharp as the Quad HD one from regular viewing distance, and it has the more premium body, a very decent battery life, plus it’s water-proof. But best of all, the Z2 also has a great camera that captures impressive images. At this point, it’s time to call it a draw in terms of specs, and you can safely choose the one with the style and interface that you like better, without worrying that it might disappoint in terms of hardware performance.

At the end of the day, we're quite happy with the LG G3. It's a rather big phone. Probably too big and wide, even with its extremely efficient bezels. However, we also enjoy the benefits of the larger-than-life screen, so we definitely see it as a tradeoff that many would be willing to do. This is not the best phone of 2014, as some would rush to say. But it's definitely one of the best Android handsets thus far. A bit too geeky, and a bit too pumped up, but still great across the board. Those who buy it would definitely have a wonderful time with it.

The G3 seems to be better in pretty much every way, yet the One M8 is not far behind. LG G3 has the larger screen with a much higher pixel density, but the One (M8)'s display offers better outdoor visibility. LG might have stuffed the G3's 5.5” panel in a relatively compact frame, but the premium aluminum unibody of the One (M8) is still easier to operate with one hand. The G3 might sport a tad faster processor, and a version with 3 GB of RAM, but in everyday interactions it doesn't feel faster than the One (M8). When it comes to the camera and battery life, though, those important sections go entirely on the G3's side. LG's handset has a great 13-megapixel optically-stabilized camera with a much higher image and video quality than what the 4-megapixel camera of the HTC One offers. We also measured about 25% longer battery life, compared to the One (M8) in the same conditions. HTC One M8 offers the better sound output and call quality, and that's about it in terms of advantages before LG's finest.

So how do you choose? As we mentioned in the very beginning of this comparison, it ultimately comes down to your individual preferences, as each devices has enough relative strengths to even out its relative weaknesses. We have no objective winner here – just different paths taken, both of which lead to the same great outcome.

All in all, the LG G3 is a huge upgrade over the G2 in almost every way: starting with the sharper, Quad HD display, the more solid build of the device, the faster and more battery-efficient Snapdragon 801, and the better 13-megapixel camera. Not just that - LG’s 2014 flagship features an overhauled interface that no longer looks cartoonish, and feels modern and snappy. With all this said, the LG G3 seems like a clear favorite, giving you more than enough reasons to upgrade from last year’s G2. The G2, however, has aged nicely, and offers an excellent value for the money, as it costs around 40% less than the G3. It’s also more compact and easier to use with a single hand, while the G3 - as compact as it is for the size - feels much more phablet-y.

LG needed the G3 not just to be good, but fantastic. The company is riding a wave of goodwill, following some well-received mobile hardware, and it couldn’t throw it away with a substandard 2014 flagship phone. It hasn’t. The G3 is everything we hoped it would be. Rather than stuffing it full of features and flash, LG has shown restraint, and the G3 is all the better for it. It’s not without fault. There are slight concerns over how the screen or the processor is affecting the performance of some games, something which will only show up as a real issue over time, or disappear with a software update. LG Health isn’t a roaring success, and Smart Notice didn’t do its best work during our test. Thanks to a modern, sleek design that avoids any ungainliness, despite its size, along with a peerless screen and some genuinely handy little features, we won’t hesitate in recommending the LG G3 to you.

LG has impressed us with the G3 which comes in at under £500 but packs amazing features including that Quad HD and a camera with a laser auto focus. The device is surprisingly small considering the 5.5in display and we like the more premium design. It's another winner from LG.