LG reveals the G2 - features 5.2-inch display, quad-core CPU, 13MP camera

After numerous leaks, LG has finally revealed its brand new flagship device – the LG G2 – in New York. The phone, designed to be comfortable and functional for the user, will include a large 5.2-inch IPS display (with full HD resolution), a quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor, and a 13-megapixel camera.

LG says they used research to help build and design the phone, and says it has made things more “convenient”.

“We have always listened to and learned from consumers in pursuit of innovation,” Dr. Jong-seok Park, CEO and President of LG’s mobile division, said. “We took these insights to new heights in developing LG G2, the most exciting and ambitious mobile phone in our company’s history.”

The phone’s screen size, it says, is the most comfortable screen size for the user and will let you use the phone with one hand; and the phone does not include any buttons on the side – according to LG, removing those buttons and moving them to the back “resulted in fewer dropped phones when adjusting the volume while talking.”

All the buttons normally found on the sides are now at the back – such as the power button and the volume rocker. It has been placed where your index finger is usually placed, so it doesn’t feel uncomfortable. Given the fact the power button is on the back, the phone has an alternative way to turn it on – simply tap on the screen twice. The volume rocker also doubles as quick-access keys, if you hold down, for the camera and its QuickMemo app.

There is a thinner bezel on the phone – measuring at 2.65mm – and LG says that is because they use two touchscreen connectors as opposed to one.

Hardware-wise, LG’s G2 will also include 2GB of RAM, a 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera, 4G LTE support and a large 3000mAh battery. The phone will come in 16GB and 32GB storage capacities with no expandable memory slot.

Like the Nokia Lumia 920, the phone features optical image stablisation technology with its 13-megapixel lens. This allows it to take clearer, brighter and sharper images (as Nokia likes to tell us with their OIS technology as well). LG does note that it is the first one on a 13-megapixel lens without a protruding lens – taking a jab (and ignoring the fact) at the Lumia 1020‘s 41-megapixel lens.

LG is also touting its sound quality on the phone, saying it can reproduce studio-quality Hi-Fi sound at 24-bit/192kHz. And yes, like Samsung, they’re going to be putting cringeworthy ringtones. LG’s ones will include a choir singing, I’m assuming, “Life is Good”.

On the software side, the phone will feature Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with its own customisations. Their features, according to LG, will be based on the most common features and actions done by people on smartphones. For instance, Plug and Pop will show you the most common options when you plug in a USB cable or headphones. Answer Me will let you answer the call simply by placing the phone on your ear; while you can now embed information from a text to a memo or calendar through Text Link. Multitasking is also a breeze with a three-finger swipe – in a feature called Slide Aside.

There is even a Guest Mode, so you can hand your phone off to another person without fear they may accidentally find something on your phone – or try to post a funny status message on your Facebook profile. The G2 can also be used as a remote control through QuickRemote.

LG says the phone will launch internationally with over 130 carriers in the next eight weeks with South Korea, North America and Europe confirmed. Pricing and availability has not been confirmed for Australia, as of yet.