LG G3 review: An impressive smartphone with a WQHD display

LG G3 review:  Software

Note: The LG G3 can now be upgraded to Android v6.0 Marshmallow.

It’s not just the display and camera that make the G3 stand out from the crowd, though, as we’re also big fans of LG’s customised Android interface. This highly personalised version of 4.4.2 KitKat has a much cleaner, simpler design than that of previous LG handsets, and it helps make LG’s new smart features easier to use.

On your home page, Smart Bulletins provide useful information cards about the day, such as advice on whether to take an umbrella if it’s going to rain later or reminders about forgotten missed calls. Swipe left from the main home page and you’ll find a screen dedicated entirely to LG’s Smart Bulletin feature, which monitors your health with the LG Health app and provides access to video tips on how to use the G3.

LG has also made the G3 easier to use one-handed, as you can swipe left or right on the keyboard, dial pad and lock screen PIN number to change its position so it’s nearer your free thumb. The Smart Keyboard’s another great tool, as this lets you adjust the height of the keyboard and make the keys bigger or smaller depending on the size of your hand.

The keys practically double in size when the keyboard is raised to its maximum height compared to its smallest setting, so those with big hands should have plenty of room to type accurately. It’s a shame you can’t change the height of the keyboard on the fly, but at least there’s a shortcut to the main keyboard settings right next to the space bar.

Even the G3’s lock screen has been customised to make room for LG’s new Knock Code. Instead of typing in a PIN code or swiping a pattern onscreen to unlock your phone, you can simply tap out your own personalised code on four main areas of the screen. This way, fingerprints are kept to a minimum, making it harder for others to guess your code, but other lock screens are available if you prefer, including a simple swipe, PIN or password setting, facial recognition or your own personalised pattern.

LG G3 review: Conclusion

The G3 has tumbled in price since we first reviewed it, as it’s now available for around £120 SIM-free. For a handset with such a great, high-res display, innovative features and excellent performance, it clearly outguns the Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC One (m8), which were also launched in 2014, and we’d definitely chose it over 2015’s HTC One (M9), which received very few significant improvements.

However, when it’s also got to contend with the new Moto G4, which now has the same sized screen and is available for just £160 SIM-free, the G3 does start to show its age. While the G3’s Snapdragon 801 processor has aged relatively well – it was, after all, the processor of choice on OnePlus’ recent OnePlus X – the Moto G4’s Snapdragon 617 is now more or less on par with the 801, and the G4 also has a longer-lasting battery to boot. Plus, you get the latest version of Android with the Moto G4. The LG G3 has definitely had very good innings, but now the Moto G4 is a much better buy.