Note: We may earn commissions (at no cost to you) if you buy through links on our site. Learn more.
NOTE: This model is discontinued and may no longer be available to purchase new. See the latest cell phones or compare used prices.

LG G3 review

8.7/10 AVG.
RATING
Compare Compare  
Compare Compare  

LG G3
LG G3
LG G3
LG G3
LG G3
LG G3
LG G3
...


8.7/10
Informr score
The LG G3 currently has an Informr score of 8.7 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 62 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Removeable battery
  • Beautiful, crisp QHD display
  • MicroSD slot
  • Wireless Charging

What's bad

  • Slight performance lag
  • Plastic chassis
  • Large dimensions
  • Mono loudspeaker

LG turned a number of smartphone conventions on their head with the G2. With the G3, they are looking to secure a place in the upper ranks of the high-end smartphone market. But did their “best of everything” approach work? Many reviews seem to think so. Let’s take a deeper look.

One of the first things noted in many reviews, as well as one of the most touted features of the phone, is it’s massive 5.5-inch IPS display. The phone is the first of its kind from major companies to sport a QHD display at nearly 540 pixels-per-inch. Reviews were divided as to if this had a major impact on image quality. Vlad Savov of The Verge says, “the G3 renders everything beautifully, but I cannot discern any advantage from the extra pixels” while TechRadar states, “The QHD screen is something that has to be seen to be believed.”

While reviews might be divided on the impact of QHD, all reviewers agree that the display is sharp, clear and plenty bright. Perhaps Engadget properly describes the issue when they say, “All told, while it's a great display, it's a bit like having an HDTV in 2004. Great if you can get the content for it, otherwise it's just a good TV.” As content continues to climb in resolution, the benefits of a QHD display will likely become more apparent.

Of course, wrangling all those pixels requires some considerable power. With a quad-core Snapdragon processor and 3GB of RAM, the specs would appear to be up to the task on paper. In real performance, tests indicate that this is mostly true. Nearly every review pointed out one minor flaw in performance--a slight delay in the interface. Engadget notes, “Everything opens quickly, and the scrolling is plenty smooth, but there's just the tiniest of moments between moving your finger and the menu following along.”

Then you’ve got the issue of the size of the screen. 5.5-inch displays are typically reserved for phablets and other larger devices. However, several critics noted that the unique curved design of the phone and ultra-slim bezels on the screen help to mitigate the phone feeling overly large. Engadget says, “the G3 is easily the most comfortable handset of this size I've encountered to date. That said, it's definitely still going to be a stretch for some people.” While most noted it can be held with one hand, they also recommended two-handed operation for a secure grip.

This brings us to the most debated element--the phone’s case. LG opted for a plastic removable back with a metallic finish. TechRadar was quick to note concern where Gareth Beavis remarked, “the fact that the battery is removable might be a big win for some, but it comes at the cost of feel in the hand. The result is that despite being made of a more refined material, the LG G3 actually feels cheaper in the hand than the G2.” PhoneArena had a slightly more positive opinion, stating that the smooth polycarbonate used for the exterior of the G3 "may not be decidedly premium, but it's still a notch above your typical plastic finish. It's really like you're getting the best from both worlds.”

Lastly, there is battery life. With a 3,000-mAh cell, the phone boasts on the largest batteries in the smartphone market. A removable cell also makes it possible to carry a spare and swap batteries for power users. Unfortunately, the QHD display and high-end processing does appear to require more power from the battery. Average battery life across benchmark tests rated from a scant six hours up to a full day of average usage. PhoneArena states, “the G3 will last you through a day of moderate usage, but don't expect wonders from it.”

In all, LG G3 reviews indicate that the device lives up to the hype and is more than a worthy successor to the reputation of the G2. The bleeding-edge specs push the limits of smartphone technology, though there are a few quirks to be found. However, for most, it seems the good outranks the bad by a significant margin. CNet says, “The G3 is the perfect new gadget for ‘early adopter’ types who want the latest and greatest.” while Engadget says, “LG has almost produced a power user's dream.”


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
2.46 GHz
Processor
Processor
2.46 GHz
5.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5.5"
13+ MP
Camera
Camera
13+ MP
3000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

It's really hard not to like the LG G3. It definitely stands out against the current crop of flagship phones, and it isn't outrageously expensive either. If you're looking for an extra-large phone, it doesn't get a lot better than this. That said, you have to be willing to get used to the buttons on...

- Jamshed Avari, Gadgets 360
Beta News
Beta News

This handset is proof that the success of the G2 was just the beginning for LG. By no means a one trick pony, the Korean company has released a top of the line Android smartphone that rivals some of the best flagships on the market. An unbeatable spec sheet, razor sharp and screen and beautifully si...

- Alysia Judge, Beta News
Beta News
Beta News

The phone builds upon the successes of last year's LG G2 and makes everything better. The specs of the flagship phone are increased to new levels. This phone can accomplish everything that the typical Android enthusiast can want -- it has a top notch camera (with laser), 4K video recording, Quad HD...

- Brian Fagioli, Beta News
PC Pro
PC Pro

On paper, the G3 looks like it’s got the chops to land some knockout blows on its premium smartphone rivals. In reality, though, we’re not convinced the pixel-packed screen is of any practical benefit; it’s more about one-upmanship than useful technological advancement. While the p...

- Sasha Muller, PC Pro
BitBitByte
BitBitByte

The G3 is a great phone. It has a pretty nice design, chart topping specs and is still somehow manageable despite the 5.5-inch display alluding to otherwise. But at the end of the day, LG is marketing the G3 for it’s camera and display. And when it comes to both, neither are really massive upg...

- Mike Norris, BitBitByte


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the LG G3 user manual here.


LG backs up the G3 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your G3 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact LG support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find LG's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




Resources


Manuals / User Guides Helpful Links Share / Embed

Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.


Compare this phone to:

Quick view

Screen Size
5.5"

The LG G3's screen size is 5.5 inches with 1440 x 2560 pixels resolution.

Processor
2.46 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 Quad core 2.46 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Android 4.4 KitKat (Update Available: 6.0 Marshmallow) operating system (OS).

Camera
13+ MP

You can take photos with the phone's onboard 13+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
16/32 GB

Internal memory is 16/32 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 128 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
3000mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 3000 mAh battery. LG's performance ratings are 1494 minutes, 400 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

LG G3 Specs

Overview
Release Date May 28, 2014
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Android 4.4 KitKat (Update Available: 6.0 Marshmallow)

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 Quad core 2.46 GHz
Internal Storage 16/32 GB
RAM 2 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation Yes
SAR Head: 0.43 W/kg
Body: 1.1 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Mobile / Cellular Data
4G/LTE
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
Micro-SIM
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared Yes
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, OPP/FTP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC, aptX
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 128 GB)
NFC Yes
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
13+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes (Dual LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, Image stabilization, Laser Auto Focus
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1440 x 2560 pixels
Pixel Density 534 pixels
Size 5.5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 3000 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging Yes
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 597 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 400 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 1494 minutes
Standby Time Up to 25 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Metallic Black, Silk White, Shine Gold, Moon Violet, Burgundy Red, Blue Steel
Dimensions [H x W x D] 14.6 x 7.5 x 0.9 cm (5.8 x 3 x 0.4 in)
Weight 149 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Other Names (AKA): LG D855

32GB storage model has 3GB of RAM

Related Links Manual (PDF)
LG G3 Reviews
Where to buy LG G3
Suggest a correction