LG G2 Initial Review, Unboxing, Sample Camera Shots - Front and Back, Kimstore Price and Promo Details

Earlier this evening, at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort and Casino in Paranaque City, LG Mobile Philippines officially launched its newest flagship handset, the LG G2.

The smartphone has always looked great in press photos but holding it now, I have to admit, it looks even more attractive in the flesh.

LG G2, LG G2 Philippines, LG G2 In The Flesh

The device flaunts a 5.2-inch Full HD IPS LCD, which - true to what LG said - delivers superior graphics, accurate colors, and clear images without any distortion. What I find particularly amazing, though, is how LG managed to keep the footprint of the phone rather small despite the sheer size of its display.

LG G2, LG G2 Philippines, LG G2 In The Flesh
They did it by minimizing the size of the margins framing the screen. In fact, the sides of the display are almost kissing the bezel of LG G2.

With dimensions of 138.5 x 70.9 x 8.9 millimeters, LG G2 is one of the smallest and thinnest smartphones in the market having a screen larger than 5 inches. And weighing only 143 grams, it's also definitely one of the lightest in its category. You shouldn't have any problems keeping this phone in your bag or pocket.

LG G2, LG G2 Philippines, LG G2 In The Flesh
By opting to make LG G2's sizable 3,000 mAh Li-Po battery non-removable, LG managed to minimize both the size and the weight of the flagship phone.

LG G2's shell is made mostly of plastic. Nonetheless, the device feels very solid in the hand. Also, the subtle reflective pattern on the back cover complemented by the metallic accent running down the sides of the phone really give LG G2 an air of elegance and corporate sophistication. Looks-wise, I have no complains about the handset.

LG G2, LG G2 Philippines, LG G2 In The Flesh

As I've shared earlier on TP, one of LG G2’s most notable features is its Rear Key, which is literally the sole button of the device, positioned at the back. This button enables the user to switch the power on and off, activate the QuickMemo, and use the camera. Based on a consumer behavior study conducted by the Korean company's R&D group, the Rear Key - flanked by the volume buttons - gives users more control and easier access since this is where their index fingers are naturally located. This also results in fewer dropped phones when adjusting the volume while talking. Also, thanks to the Rear Key, LG G2 becomes the first smartphone that's completely devoid of buttons on the sides.

LG G2, LG G2 Philippines, LG G2 In The Flesh

Above the Rear Key, we'll find the phone's 13 MegaPixel autofocus camera with LED flash, BSI sensor, and Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS), a feature usually found in DSLR cameras. OIS prevents blurring and allows clearer, brighter, and sharper images even when in motion or shooting in low-light environments. TP Friends, check out these indoor and macro shots that I took using LG G2's very snappy main camera.


With Flash

With Flash

Without Flash

Notice the slight bokeh effect on this shot

Low-light Macro

LG G2 also has a 2 MegaPixel front-facing camera with BSI sensor, which likewise performs well even in not so well-lit environments. Here's a selfie that I took using the front cam.

The colors could be more vibrant or lively. But the details are quite crisp. 

Specs-wise, LG G2 runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean skinned by the company's custom interface with a Quad Core 2.26 GHz Krait 400 CPU and Adreno 330 GPU in its Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 chipset that's powerful enough to deliver a lag-free and enjoyable touch and gaming experience. The smartphone handles multitasking with 2GB of RAM and features 32 GB of non-expandable internal storage, Full HD 1080p 60 frames per second video recorder at the back and 1080p 30fps front videocam. In terms of connectivity, the device supports WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, 3G HSPA+, and LTE (although we've yet to check if it's compatible with the LTE frequency bands of either Globe or Smart).

TP Friends, here's my exclusive, quick unboxing video of LG's award-winning 2013 flagship smartphone.


Kimstore Promo

If you're already sure that you want LG G2 to be your next (or first) smartphone, you might want to get it from Kimstore as they're currently offering a really cool exclusive promo.

LG G2, LG G2 Philippines, LG G2 In The Flesh

Kim is selling the handset for Php 26,300 and if you're one of the first 50 buyers, you will get this free Original LG G2 Quick Window Case worth Php 2,500!

LG G2, LG G2 Philippines, LG G2 In The Flesh

The special promo box includes the unit itself, the charger, microUSB to USB connector cable, earphones, warranty information, quick start guide, the pin for opening the microSIM card tray, and the free window case.

LG G2, LG G2 Philippines, LG G2 In The Flesh

For more information about LG G2 (warranty coverage, available accessories, etc.) or if you already want to purchase your unit, you can give Kimstore a ring at +63905-320-1818, +63922-885-9799, +63908-886-9799, or (02) 904-2966. Again, don't forget to mention TechPinas when you talk to her staff.

TP Thoughts

When it comes to design, technical specifications, and price, LG G2 is clearly a sound release. But when you factor in all the amazing and unique software features that LG has added to the phone like QuickMemo and Slide Aside for Multitasking among many others, it becomes all the more great. (QuickMemo lets the you quickly write and share ideas onscreen using our fingers while Slide Aside enables easier or more snappy multitasking by simply "sliding" open apps off to the side using a three-finger swipe.) Right now, I'm just looking forward to playing more with the flagship handset so I can shoot more photos using its rather powerful camera and explore all the software capabilities that LG G2 offers.