 Normally phone makers release the big brother first, but LG has done it other other way around, announcing a cheaper, smaller version of G3 hero phone, not yet on sale here but due sometime in August.
LG today globally launched G3 Beat, a mid-tier 5 inch variant of the forthcoming 5.5″ G3 Android smartphone. Interestingly, rival Samsung also just announced its mini Galaxy S5 phone.
Aimed at the mid range, 5-inch HD IPS display has a screen-to-body ratio of 74.1 percent – the highest among rivals – says its maker. LG Australia were not available for comment at the time of writing.
Slightly less powerful than its 5.5″ big sister, LG Beat runs a 400 quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor running at 1.2 GHz and Android 4.4.2 KitKat. The camera also looks pretty good – a rear 8mp with Laser Auto Focus and 1.3mp out front. For selfie lovers, the camera’s ‘Gesture Shot’ lets you clench your hand in front of the screen to automatically take a picture after three-seconds. Photographers can also touch anywhere on the display to focus and take a shot.
Beat also sports the same ‘Floating Arc’ design as per G3, curved sides and tapered edges for a better grip.
The new 5 inch smartphone comes in Metallic Black, Silk White, Shine Gold and has a “robust” 2,540mAh battery. “Smartphone manufacturers cannot ignore this growing segment of consumers who want the best balance of looks, features, performance and, of course, price,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, CEO of LG Mobile.
“The LG G3 Beat represents our commitment to the mid-tier smartphone market that demands mature technology, proven branding, great innovation and attractive price, all in a single device.” It also has a Smart Keyboard that learns how you type for faster input with fewer mistakes and QuickMemo+ lets you jot, sketch, take notes on the screen.
The LG G3 Beat will make its debut tommorrow in South Korea and begins global rollout after that.
Prices and details of availability will be announced locally at the time of launch.
Key Specs:
. Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor 1.2 GHz Quad-Core
. Display: 5.0-inch HD IPS (1280 x 720, 294ppi)
. Memory: 8GB / 1GB RAM / MicroSD slot
. Camera: Rear 8MP with Laser Auto Focus / Front 1.3MP
. Battery: 2,540mAh (removable)
. Size: 137.7 x 69.6 x 10.3mm
. Weight: 134 g
. Network: 4G LTE / HSPA+ 21Mbps (3G)
. Connectivity: Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, A-GPS/Glonass, NFC, USB 2.0
Other: Touch & Shoot, Smart Keyboard, QuickMemo+, Gesture Shot
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