If you're just getting a new LG G3, we've got some tips to help you on your way
For some lucky souls around the globe the LG G3 has been in their hands for a few weeks now. For lucky folks stateside, the fun is just about to begin with the four major carriers getting them in hands real soon, if not already. It's a really great smartphone – coming a close second in our recent look at the best Android phones you can buy — and it's going to have plenty of folks running out to pick one up.
And so, without further ado, here are 10 things new owners need to know about the LG G3.
1. That display and how it affects battery life. Or not.
The LG G3 display measures in at 5.5 inches diagonally, with a QHD resolution – that's 1440 x 2560 in pixels. And it is stunning. There's not much else you can say without always coming back around to it. As our own Alex Dobie pointed out in our review, "It looks absolutely amazing," and after a month or so of use the novelty still hasn't worn off.
Sure, it's probably a little too much for most of the apps, games, movies and photos you're going to be viewing on it, but that doesn't mean it's any less impressive. In fact, check out the Quad HD video content LG pre-loads onto the G3 and you'll really get a sense of what the display can do.
There have been some instances where text can be over-sharpened and look a little odd, but most of the time you're going to look at probably the best display ever put on a smartphone to this date. Better yet, all those pixels — 543 pixels per inch, if you're counting — don't seem to have had a detrimental effect on battery life. We're still easily getting through the day, and we can't ask for a whole lot more than that.
2. How to take a screenshot on the LG G3
Whether you're an Android pro, new to the platform or somewhere in between, you're going to want to take a screenshot at some point. On the G3 there are a couple of ways to do it using either the buttons on the back or LG's QMemo feature. Hit up the link below for the full rundown
3. You can customize the on-screen buttons
With the G3, LG offers up the standard Android fare of on-screen back, home and recent apps buttons. But it doesn't end there, not at all. Not only can you change the background appearance you can also move about the order of the buttons and add some others that tie in to some of LGs custom features. You can't get rid of the default buttons, but you're free to add to them.
You can also make the on-screen buttons hide completely in certain apps which is a nice added touch.
4. Don't like smart bulletin? Turn it off
When you're using the stock launcher on the G3 you'll see that way off to the left there's the smart bulletin screen — labelled by a "G." What it does is display smart tips and the information from the LG Health application. If you don't like it, you can just turn it off. Real simple.
Be aware though, if you want to use LG Health you'll need to leave it turned on. For some strange reason LG decided not to put a shortcut to it in the app drawer.
5. There's still a legacy menu button if you need it
On the G2, LG went with a legacy menu button instead of recent apps. While things have changed with the arrival of the G3, LG still left in that legacy menu button should you ever really need it. It's easy to use but not immediately obvious where it is — you long press on the recent apps button — and is a handy extra to have on a phone with a 5.5-inch display.
And after all, you might not always want to go up to the top to get into the menu.
6. Control the TV with your phone
It still remains one of those underrated features, but with the infrared port and built-in QuickRemote app, the LG G3 can control your TV. It's ridiculously easy to set up, has support for a huge variety of TVs and set-top boxes and honestly, it's a pretty awesome universal remote to have around.
LG has also put some serious work into QuickRemote for the G3 and it looks a lot nicer than its previous incarnation on the G2. Same features, great new look.
And it's still a great way to mess with your friends.
7. Knock Code is a great way to lock your phone
LG first brought us Knock Code with the G Pro 2 and some of its other devices announced at Mobile World Congress. And it's a pretty awesome way to lock your phone. Building on the Knock On feature that came with the G2, Knock Code lets you replace a PIN code or pattern lock with a pattern of taps on the lock screen. There are thousands of different combinations but so long as you don't tell anyone which you chose, it's plenty secure.
Find out more about Knock Code here
8. It's a big phone, but you can use it one-handed
At 5.5 inches the G3 is a big phone. Yes, LG has worked wonders with the overall size and form factor – and having those buttons on the back helps with that – but you can't escape that it is quite large. For most things you'll be using two hands but there are some times that you just have to manage with one. Be it calling, texting, or even just unlocking the phone, sometimes you can't spare the extra digits.
Fortunately LG has included a one-handed operation mode that kicks in on the lock screen, the stock LG keyboard and the phone dialler. Just to make it a little easier for you.
9. Keep things quiet when you really need them to be
Android doesn't yet have a do-not disturb mode baked in – though it is coming – so LG has included one for you. It's called quiet mode and it's pretty customizable to make sure that you're not bothered when you really don't want to be.
You can also make exceptions, so if there are folks or situations where you want calls to get through, they can.
10. If you're looking for a case, definitely give the QuickCircle a look
A development from the QuickWindow case that came with the G2, the QuickCircle offers a circular window through which certain apps can be accessed without having to open the case and unlock the phone. You get access to things like the phone app, camera, stock LG Email app and more, all through that little circular window.
Better still, LG is opening it up to third-party developers. So there's a good chance down the line your favorite apps might also be accessible through the QuickCircle.
The only thing you really need to do is find them. There are different variations, one clips over the existing back and one replaces it entirely, but retail availability seems a little hit-and-miss at the moment. Online retailer Expansys currently has both available in different colors for $46 and $61 depending on which you want – a replacement back naturally bumps the price a little – but if you can get your hands on one it's definitely worth a look.
Bonus tips
We're lucky enough to have had the G3 in our hands for a little while now so we've really started to deep dive into all its features. There's plenty to look at, and we're keeping it all together at a couple of handy portals. We've got one dedicated to all the G3 help and how-to content and another for absolutely everything you'll ever want to know about the phone. Hit the links below to find it all.
10 things new LG G3 owners need to know
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Reviewed by Anonymous
on
July 13, 2014
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