LG just unveiled the Optimus G Pro handset, the bigger and badder version of the original Optimus G. The Pro version features a 5.5-inch IPS full-HD display, the largest so far on an LG smartphone. This display has 1920 x 1080 resolution, which translates to 400ppi. That sounds good enough for me and with a display size as huge as 5.5 inches, I can see no other reason not to like this phone.
Apart from the display, the other major feature of the Optimus Pro G is the processor. The phone runs on the new 1.7GHz Quad-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor. This new processor from Qualcomm is paired with 2GB of RAM so this rig is meant for intense gaming and heavy multi-tasking. Rounding up the main specs are the 3,140mAh battery, a 13-megapixel rear camera, a 2.1-megapixel front camera, 32GB of internal storage with microSD card slot (up to 32GB), 4G LTE and Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean. The design is quite nice and the almost edge-to-edge display makes this phone drool-worthy. Compare to the Optimus G, this one is more curvy and actually reminds me of the Galaxy Note II, especially with the design and placement of the home button.
The LG Optimus G Pro also features an updated UX Android skin with Dual Recording and Virtual Reality (VR) Panorama. Dual Recording makes it possible to capture video with both the front and rear cameras simultaneously. VR Panorama, on the other hand, allows panoramic shots both horizontal and vertical. Other UX features previously seen on the Optimus G including QSlide, Live Zooming and QuickMemo are also available on this device. The LG Optimus G Pro will be showcased at the upcoming Mobile World Congress. The phone will be released on Korean carriers with a price tag of about $897. Release in other parts of the world is said to be on the second quarter of 2013.
The LG Optimus G is definitely a beast of a phone. Its display and hardware specs make it a worthy flagship for the Korean company. However, the price is too steep for a smartphone, if indeed the final price is set at $897. Current phablets can be bought just above P30,000 in the Philippines (about $750), making the Optimus G Pro quite unreachable for most buyers. Admittedly, though, the full-HD display makes the price premium quite reasonable.
LG Optimus Pro Specs
- 5.5-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels / 400ppi)
- 1.7GHz Quad-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 Processor
- 2GB DDR RAM
- 32GB internal storage
- MicroSD slot (up to 32GB)
- 13megapixel rear camera with LED Flash
- 2.1-megapixel front camera
- 3,140mAh removable battery
- 4G LTE
- Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean OS
- Size: 150.2 x 76.1 x 9.4mm
