[RUMOUR] We could be seeing the LG G3 as soon as June 2014 according to Source
We’ve heard of rumours surrounding another LG flagship emerging early in 2014 to replace their current flagship, the LG G2. This device, presumed to be named the LG G3, was said to be announced in May 2013, but according to another source that spoke with Giga.de, we can expect the follow-up to the G2 to come in June 2014. The source, who wanted to remain anonymous, also mentioned that the device would be equipped with a new device; whether this means a different screen-size, screen resolution or screen-type is up for interpretation.
While it’s hard to say whether this or previous rumours are correct, but seeing as even Sony has announced its mobile strategy to comprise of bi-annual flagships, it’s entirely possible for us to see LG launching a new flagship sometime in the middle of 2014 in an effort to catch up to Samsung. The general theory of this would be to release another flagship device with mostly the same design by with updated hardware, and with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 on the horizon, that doesn’t sound like a bad strategy to try and catch that train.
What do you think about this rumour? And do you think launching flagships in such close proximity to each other will help or hurt LG’s position in the market? Let us know your opinion.
Source: Giga.de
LG updates F Series with two new LTE phones (hands-on)
With all this G2 mini and G Pro 2 talk recently, you’d be forgiven for forgetting that LG also has other handset lines. On the table (literally and figuratively) today are the F70 and F90 mid-rangers. The former is a 4.5-inch (WVGA) device with a 1.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 taking care of bi’niz, pls a 5-megapixel camera, 2,440 mAh battery and just 4GB of internal storage. As for the F90? Well, it’s a little bigger at 4.7-inches, but has the same chipset and onboard memory. You will get a slightly better camera though, with LG giving it an 8-megapixel shooter. Thankfully, both come with a microSD card slot to augment that lacklustre amount of onboard storage.
The phones themselves? Well they’re a plucky pair, that’s for sure. It’s easy to dismiss mid-spec handsets like these out of hand in the design department, but LG has clearly made enough effort to make sure that they feel well-built and don’t look entirely terrible. The textured back panels go along way to brush off that low-end feel you can sometimes get at this level, and the small details around the edges, ports and buttons also add a nice aesthetic touch. The menu and UI, however, definitely feels like it’s more intended for users who like to keep things simple with bigger fonts and basic options, and that’s no bad thing. Power users will of course already be looking elsewhere. One other thing to remember is that, toe to toe, these two cheeky chaps aren’t all that different in specification to the LG G2 mini, even down to the much touted “knock knock” feature. Food for thought right there.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG
Google and LG Working on Android Smart Watch Set for June Reveal
Google and LG are working on a smart watch that will likely be unveiled at the Google I/O developer conference in June, reports CNET. Google will reveal details on the device’s operating system in advance of the hardware announcement, giving developers time to create apps for the device’s retail launch.
Google’s smart watch endeavor will mirror its Nexus line of mobile devices, with Google providing the software and a manufacturer partner designing the hardware. Google is said to be working with LG on the smart watch, continuing a partnership established with the development of the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5. Similar to their work on the Nexus devices, Google will lead the marketing and sale of the smart watch, while LG will focus on developing the hardware.
Google’s smart watch will be powered by a version of Android that will integrate the company’s Google Now voice assistant and search feature. The Wall Street Journal also adds that Google’s smart watch will be compatible with a variety of Android devices, setting it apart from other smart watches such as the Samsung Galaxy Gear and Gear 2.
Apple is rumored to be working on its own iWatch smart watch that could debut later this year. Recent reports suggest the device may include advanced sensors to track several health-related functions, such as blood glucose and hydration levels. Other rumors also suggest that Apple is developing Healthbook, an iOS 8 app that would utilize both the iPhone and iWatch for monitoring health statistics like weight, heart rate, calories and step counts.
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Google and LG are reportedly working together on an Android smartwatch
Rumors of a Google-powered smartwatch just got a little more tangible — both CNET and the Wall Street Journal claim that the search firm is teaming up with LG to make the Android-based wristwear. We still don’t know much about the hardware’s capabilities, but CNET believes that Google would follow the Nexus model and create a reference device that would launch at Google I/O in June. The WSJ notes that other manufacturers could also join the fray. None of the companies involved have commented on the rumor so far, so you won’t want to start budgeting for the gadget just yet. However, a Google-badged, LG-made smartwatch would make sense when the two companies have enjoyed success making phones like the Nexus 5, and LG is already designing wearables like the Lifeband Touch.
Filed under: Cellphones, Wearables, Mobile, Google, LG
Source: Wall Street Journal, CNET
LG’s L Series III budget smartphones (hands-on)
We just caught our first glimpse of LG’s L Series III mid- to low-range smartphones, and though they weren’t the stars of LG’s MWC 2014 event (that would be LG’s G Pro 2), at least it’s trying to do something different with them. First off, all three devices (the 3.5-inch L40, 4.5-inch L70 and 4.7-inch L90) will share the high-end model’s new KnockOn software, which brings tap-to-unlock from a locked screen. Secondly, all three phones pack Android 4.4.2 KitKat, a welcome addition considering how much that version helps lower-end devices run more smoothly. You can even get the L70 and L90 with smart covers that can show the time and other notifications without cracking them open.
As for fit and finish, while the handsets are clearly budget models in terms of materials, there are some nice touches like textured back covers on the L70 and L90. KitKat keeps things running pretty smoothly, despite the tame 1.2GHz dual-core chips installed in all three devices. Unfortunately, the low-res displays (960 x 540 for the L90, 800 x 400 for the L70 and 480 x 320 on the L40) were not very contrasty and had poor viewing angles, but that’s part for the course on devices in that category. There’s no pricing or availability yet, but we imagine LG will have to keep them low to compete, despite having some nice software options.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, LG
Hands-on with the LG G Pro 2
Knock, knock. Excuse us, we’re just unlocking LG’s new G Pro 2 with some light taps from our fist. Yes, the Korean company’s showing off its 5.9-inch flagship here at Mobile World Congress and its once again gunning for rival Galaxy Note 3′s place in the spotlight. Aside from sporting a de rigeur 1080p display, the G Pro 2 comes loaded up with Android 4.4 KitKat, 32GB of storage and a 13-megapixel rear camera that’s primed to shoot video in 4K. We’ve got one in hand right now, so follow along for our first impressions.
Developing…
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, LG
Hands-on with LG’s G2 mini
Just because it’s smaller and has the same branding, that doesn’t mean LG’s G2 mini is anything like its elder namesake. It’s just borrowing a bit of the G2′s tech halo, is all. With a 4.7-inch, 960 x 540 qHD display, Snapdragon 400 heart (or Tegra 4i, depending on your market) and 1GB RAM, it’s clear LG’s positioning this as a budget Android KitKat device. But budget doesn’t have to mean bad and here at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, we got a chance to see just how modest the G2 mini really is. Read on for our initial thoughts.
Developing…
Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Mobile, LG
Engadget’s smartphone buyer’s guide: winter 2014 edition
You don’t need to cast bones or read entrails to know that smartphones arrive in predictable cycles. February, home of Mobile World Congress, is likely to see the launch of new handsets from heavy hitters like HTC, Samsung and LG. Those new flagships will rule the mobile hill until the fall, when Apple and Google are likely to wheel out next-gen devices of their own. Sony, meanwhile, recently launched its latest handset, the Z1 Compact, which reverses the “bigger is better” trend to great effect.
There may have only been one top-tier phone launching in January, but the phone industry has hardly been hibernating this winter. Two years after Google bought Motorola for $12.5 billion, it sold the rejuvenated handset maker to Lenovo. AT&T, meanwhile, has rejigged its mobile share plans to shrink your monthly data bill; T-Mobile will now pay you to leave your carrier; and we’re inching ever closer to a Sprint/T-Mobile merger, the FCC permitting. If you’re already on the hunt for a new smartphone, or your deal’s only for a few more months left and you like to be prepared, this is your guide to the best handsets on the market.
Android
HTC One
HTC’s 2013-era flagship is due for a revamp, and we’re certain that the gods of irony will ensure that, as soon as we’ve published this guide, the smartphone currently codenamed as “M8″ will officially arrive. In the meantime, however, the HTC One remains a handset that we’re happy to recommend. Combining jaw-dropping unibody aluminum design, powerful BoomSound speakers and an IR blaster, it’s as at home in front of your TV as on the road. The quick performance and general polish of both hardware and software mean that it hasn’t shown its age, and the UltraPixel camera is perfect for low-light shooting. Hopefully the arrival of the One’s replacement will help knock the price down, so we’d suggest keeping your eyes peeled for a bargain in the next few weeks.
Bottom line: Good hardware, good software and some innovative little touches put the HTC One ahead of the Android pack, even though it’s now several months older than many of the other phones on this list.
Key specs: 4.7-inch 1080p (1,920 x 1,080) S-LCD 3 display, 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon 600, 4MP rear/2.1MP front cameras, 32GB/64GB non-expandable storage, Android 4.2 (US, to be updated shortly)/Android 4.3 (global edition).
Price: $50 (Verizon), $100 (Sprint) from Amazon and Best Buy or $200 (AT&T)
Motorola Moto X
Since our last guide, the Motorola Moto X went on sale in Europe as an off-the-shelf retail option, and the company went from being Google’s plaything to becoming part of Lenovo. The news of the purchase shouldn’t distract you, however, as the handset is still reasonably new, with much to recommend it. In the US, customization is the name of the game, with the ability to choose colors on the front, back and accent pieces. There’s even an optional wood finish. It may not appeal to those who judge a phone’s performance on its spec sheet, but Motorola (and Google) worked hard to ensure there are some neat tricks under the hood. For example, you just need to say “OK Google” at the device for it to activate and offer up its voice search prowess. Then there’s the Active Display, which will show you your notifications if it feels you holding the handset toward your face.
Bottom line: Rather than cramming in ultra-fast internals, Motorola’s tried to make the phone especially intuitive to use, with Active Display and touchless controls. Oh, and it’s assembled in the USA, which might tug at your patriotic heartstrings.
Key specs: 4.7-inch (1,280 x 720) AMOLED display, 1.7GHz dual-core Qualcomm MSM8960 Pro, 10MP rear/2MP front cameras, 16GB or 32GB non-expandable storage, Android 4.2.2 (upgradeable to 4.4 KitKat).
Price: $50 (AT&T, Verizon) from Amazon and Best Buy, $100 (Sprint) or $330 (unlocked)
Samsung Galaxy Note 3
When Samsung presented the idea of a smartphone with a display larger than five inches, we were more than a little skeptical. The Galaxy Note’s surprise success, however, has forged a trend where colossal devices are now the rule, not the exception. For the Galaxy Note 3, Samsung took everything we loved about its predecessors and turned them up to 11. Instead of mildly useful note-taking, the company has ensured that the S Pen stylus now serves a deeper purpose. It also offers whip-smart performance and a battery that’ll last close to two days with normal usage. The only downside is that you’ll still look a bit silly using one as a phone, but let’s be honest: Who uses their smartphones to make calls anymore, eh?
Bottom line: The third-generation Note is an improvement over its predecessors thanks to a more useful stylus and a longer-lasting battery.
Key specs: 5.7-inch (1,920 x 1,080) Super AMOLED display, 2.3GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800, 13MP rear/2MP front cameras, 16GB/32GB/64GB expandable storage, Android 4.3.
Price: $300 (AT&T, Verizon) from Amazon and Best Buy, $350 (Sprint) or $708 (T-Mobile)
Google Nexus 5
When Google picked LG to produce the Nexus 4, heads and eyebrows were raised, but when it launched, no one could doubt that the duo had pulled off something special. For the Nexus 5, Google raised the price to $349, but for a little extra cash, you’re getting one of the finest flagships for a mid-range price. Since it’s a Nexus device, users are entitled to the latest and greatest version of Android whenever it’s out. And, despite the low price, you’re getting speedy internals and good-quality hardware. Just be prepared for some weak battery life and poor roaming options. Otherwise, we suggest you buy it contract-free, with just a prepaid SIM plan, and don’t look back. Your wallet will thank you for it.
Bottom line: We’re baffled as to why more people don’t just buy Nexus phones over all others. After all, you’re getting a flagship smartphone for $350.
Key specs: 4.95-inch (1,920 x 1,080) IPS LCD display, 2.26GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800, 8MP rear/1.3MP front cameras, 16GB/32GB non-expandable storage, Android 4.4.
Price: $100 (Sprint) from Best Buy, $349 to $399 (unlocked) or $396 (T-Mobile)
Sony Xperia Z1 Compact
We’ve noted that a lot of Android device makers like to release a handset, like the Galaxy S 4, and then release a smaller, more pocket-friendly version shortly afterward. Unfortunately, cramming the same technology down into a tighter package causes a raft of compromises, sending prospective buyers scurrying back to the full-size edition. Sony, however, decided that it would try and produce the Xperia Z1 Compact, a shrunken down, 4.3-inch version of the original Xperia Z1, which has a 5-inch screen. The only differences of note are that the display now has 720p resolution, instead of 1080p, and the battery capacity has dropped by 700mAh due to the hardware’s reduced dimensions. If you’re interested in a top-tier waterproof smartphone, but don’t fancy carrying around a device that can double as a table tennis bat, the Z1 Compact is absolutely worth investigating.
Bottom line: Sony’s struggled to sell its Xperia handsets in the past, but this one deserves to be a hit, thanks to its 20.7-megapixel camera, great build quality and blistering performance. Oh, and it’s waterproof, so if you like dunking your phone in your friend’s drinks, this one’s for you.
Key specs: 4.3-inch (1,280 x 720) Triluminos LCD display, 2.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800, 20.7MP rear/2MP front cameras, 16GB expandable storage, Android 4.3.
Price: $625.50 to $689.50 (unlocked, from Negri Electronics)
Motorola Moto G
The partnership between Motorola and Google may have only produced two handsets, but the ones we got were special. Aimed squarely at the lower end of the market, the Moto G is the rare beast that doesn’t feel like it costs just $180. It can beat the HTC One mini and Galaxy S4 Mini in the benchmark stakes; it features a solid camera; and the 4.5-inch display is actually quite fantastic. If you’re not dead-set on LTE or carrying around a big music collection, but want a quick and up-to-date Android smartphone, then this is the device you should be ordering.
Bottom line: If you want a Google handset, but can’t stretch to a Nexus 5, then the Moto G is your next best option. There’s no LTE, no expandable storage and the camera’s just OK, but for this price, who cares?
Key specs: 4.5-inch (1,280 x 720) IPS LCD display, 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400, 5MP rear/1.3MP front cameras, 8GB/16GB non-expandable storage, Android 4.3 (Android 4.4 KitKat on Google Play edition).
Price: $100 (Verizon), $80 (US Cellular), $130 (Boost) or $179 to $199 (GSM, unlocked) from Amazon
iOS
Apple iPhone 5s
You know the deal by now. Apple’s flagship iPhone 5s is the best iPhone ever made, thanks to improvements both inside and outside. Though it remains dwarfed in size by many rival phones, it benefits from Touch ID, an easy-to-use fingerprint scanner built right into the home button. Then there’s the future-proof A7 chip, which offers fast 64-bit performance. Add in iOS 7, with its stark new design, and you’ve got a seventh-generation iPhone that still manages to look and feel new.
Bottom line: The best iPhone yet, and among the top smartphones, period. However, if you already own an iPhone 5, you’re probably better off waiting for the 6, as nothing here really justifies the early upgrade fee.
Key specs: 4-inch (1,136 x 640) IPS Retina display, Touch ID, A7 chip with M7 motion coprocessor, 8MP rear/1.2MP front cameras, 16GB/32GB/64GB non-expandable storage, iOS 7.
Price: $199 to $399 (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint) from Best Buy or $649 to $848 (T-Mobile)
Apple iPhone 5c
Apple’s middle child is the iPhone 5c, which is basically 2012′s iPhone 5 with a plastic shell. That switch means you’ll now be able to buy the phone in a variety of bright, Lumia-esque colors, but in every other respect, it’s the same phone that came out in 2012. So, you’ll sacrifice the headline-grabbing features you’d otherwise get with the 5s, like the aluminum shell and fingerprint recognition, but if your wallet won’t stretch the extra $100 to get the higher-end model, this is a fine choice.
Bottom line: For $100 less than the iPhone 5s, it’s 2012′s best phone in a choice of fun colors.
Key specs: 4-inch (1,136 x 640) IPS Retina display, 1.3GHz dual-core A6, 8MP rear/1.2MP front cameras, 16GB/32GB non-expandable storage, iOS 7.
Price: $99 to $199 (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint) from Best Buy or $549 to $649 (unlocked or on T-Mobile)
Apple iPhone 4s
It’s a testament to the iPhone 4s that Apple can still sell it as an entry-level device more than two years after it first went on sale. Of course, it’s missing a few key specs that early adopters will be lusting after — namely, it rocks a smaller 3.5-inch display, and makes do with a slower chip and 3G-only data. That said, it still has a fantastic camera and that 3.5-inch display is at least Retina-quality. More importantly, the phone will still run iOS 7, so you won’t feel too behind your friends on more modern hardware. Of course, you’re not eligible for every new iOS feature, and there’s no guarantee your handset will be supported in a year’s time. Still, for a free-on-contract offering, it’s tremendously compelling.
Bottom line: Despite being more than two years old, the iPhone 4s can still hold its own with brand-new budget models from its rivals — and it’s a steal if you can get it for free. Speed freaks and LTE fans won’t be interested, but it’ll beat plenty of other smartphones you can get for nothing.
Key specs: 3.5-inch (960 x 640) IPS Retina display, 1GHz A5, 8MP rear/VGA front cameras, 8GB non-expandable storage, iOS 7.
Price: Free (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint) or $450 (unlocked on T-Mobile)
Windows Phone
Nokia Lumia 1520
A handset that exists in the corridor of uncertainty between a phone and a tablet, Nokia’s Lumia 1520 is the company’s first attempt at a 6-inch device to rival the Galaxy Note. With the first 1080p display on a Windows Phone device, as well as a Snapdragon 800 processor, the 1520 offers plenty to love. Pairing this massive device with a 20-megapixel PureView module puts most other devices to shame, and it’s even reasonably comfortable in a pocket — assuming you’re not wearing skinny jeans, anyway. If you’re a Verizon customer and feel left out, then the Icon, which combines similar internals with a 5-inch display, could be right up your street.
Bottom line: It’s too early to tell if Windows Phone 8 will flourish on a massive device that sits between a fully fledged tablet and a smartphone, but nonetheless, this stands as the best Windows Phone device we’ve ever seen.
Key specs: 6-inch (1,920 x 1,080) IPS LCD display, 2.2GHz Snapdragon 800, 20MP rear/1.2MP front cameras, 16/32GB expandable storage, Windows Phone 8.
Price: $150 (AT&T) from Amazon and Best Buy or $750 (unlocked)
Nokia Lumia 1020
When Nokia announced the “experimental” 808 PureView, it set the hearts of gadget fiends afire. The device came with a 41-megapixel sensor and some clever number-crunching that gave your photos much greater depth and clarity. Best of all, you could even zoom into them to a much greater level, finally bringing a CSI-style “enhance” to your images. The common consensus was that as soon as Nokia could put that 41-megapixel sensor onto a regular Windows Phone device, people would start paying attention to the platform. Well, that phone has arrived: The Lumia 1020 combines staggering imaging technology with Windows Phone’s user-friendly interface. Moreover, now that Microsoft and Nokia are filling the holes in Windows Phone’s app catalog, a flagship like the 1020 is more appealing than ever.
Bottom line: If you want to take amazing images with a smartphone, this is the device you need.
Key specs: 4.5-inch WXGA (1,280 x 768) PureMotion HD+ AMOLED display, 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 Plus, 41MP rear/1.2MP front cameras, 32GB non-expandable storage, Windows Phone 8.
Price: $50-$100 (AT&T) from Amazon and Best Buy
Nokia Lumia 1320
When it comes to Windows Phone devices, Nokia’s (and Microsoft’s) strategy has been easy to understand, if a bit scattergun. Produce a high-powered phone, and then whittle out features to produce sequentially cheaper versions from the 925 all the way down to the 520. The company adopted a similar approach to 6-inch units, with the 1520 acting as the “flagship,” and the 1320 being a cheaper, lower-powered version for the masses. It keeps the large display and battery, but ditches the PureView camera, large internal storage and high-power internals. That said, if you’re actively seeking out a phone/tablet hybrid, but aren’t thrilled at spending the thick end of $800, this is probably your first port of call.
Bottom line: Despite its size, this 6-inch device isn’t an all-powerful phablet — it’s more like the Lumia 620 after a bout of elephantiasis. If you want a big phone without a big price tag, however, this is probably where you’ll end up.
Key specs: 6-inch (1,280 x 720) ClearBlack LCD display, 1.7Ghz dual-core Snapdragon 400, 5MP rear/VGA front cameras, 8GB expandable storage, Windows Phone 8.
Price: $390 (unlocked, from Amazon)
Nokia Lumia 520
Nokia’s Lumia 520 (and 521) are the Windows Phone handsets that lurk at the very bottom of the company’s bargain basement. In fact, this handset is so cheap, it’s often handed out as a sweetener when you buy other Microsoft products. The price, combined with the user-friendliness of Windows Phone 8, makes it a pretty easy purchase for smartphone virgins. On the downside, the handset doesn’t have much going for it in the spec department — with a weak display, OK-ish camera and a short battery life. If, however, the purse strings are tight and you’re only browsing Twitter, then this is a reasonably safe bet.
Bottom line: It’s cheap to the point of being free, and while it may not be the greatest phone out there, Nokia has always known how to knock out a solid device for those on a budget. Take advantage of the right deal, and you’ll even be able to grab one of these for free as a party favor.
Key specs: 4-inch (800 x 480) IPS LCD, 1GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 Plus, 5MP rear camera, 8GB expandable storage, Windows Phone 8.
Price: $29 (521, Metro PCS), $100 (520, AT&T) or $126 (521, T-Mobile) from Amazon
BlackBerry 10
BlackBerry Z30
The Z30 is, in our opinion, the best BlackBerry 10 device on the market. Thanks to the handset’s 5-inch display, BB10 suddenly feels much more comfortable than on the cramped Z10, and while it’s still just a year old, the operating system at least feels mature now. Then there’s the battery, which lasts more than a full day with intermittent usage and nearly 13 hours with nonstop use. Thankfully, the company has now moved to address the weak app selection — BB10 will now install and run plenty of Android apps at the push of a button. If you’re dead set on buying a touchscreen BlackBerry, this is the one that we’d recommend.
Bottom line: We doubt BlackBerry virgins will find anything to convince them to buy this device, but enthusiasts will find plenty to like. The bigger display and better internals make for a more comfortable experience, but beware that the usual BlackBerry issues remain.
Key specs: 5-inch (1,280 x 720) Super AMOLED display, dual-core 1.7 GHz Qualcomm MSM8960T Pro, 8MP rear/2MP front cameras, 16GB expandable storage, BlackBerry OS 10.2.
Price: $100 (Verizon) from Amazon, $520.50 (unlocked, at Negri Electronics)
BlackBerry Q10
Who can count themselves among BlackBerry devotees? Security fans and those for whom only a real QWERTY input will do. The Q10 is the only BlackBerry 10 device with a keyboard that’s worth getting. Combining BlackBerry 10′s beefy operating system with smooth, but imperfect performance, the real star of the show here is that comfortable and easy-to-use QWERTY layout. If you’re eyeing the Q5, we’d suggest saving up a little more cash and going for its bigger brother; you’ll get a significantly better handset for the money.
Bottom line: In a world where the physical keyboard is an endangered species, the Q10 is the only place you can turn to, so be glad that it’s got the best of the old Bolds with a modern spin.
Key specs: 3.1-inch (720 x 720) Super AMOLED display, 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon MSM8960, 8MP rear/2MP front cameras, 16GB expandable storage, BlackBerry OS 10.
Price: Free (AT&T) from Amazon, $50 (Verizon), $150 (Sprint) or $500 (unlocked)
Please note, all prices are contract unless otherwise stated. T-Mobile pricing is for full handset cost rather than subsidized.
Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Apple, Samsung, Sony, Microsoft, HTC, Nokia, Google, Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, LG, Blackberry, T-Mobile, Lenovo
[VIDEO] What are the differences between Jelly Bean and KitKat on the LG G2?
Since the release of Android KitKat, many of us have accepted that the new Android OS is just simply better, though we don’t know exactly how much better it is. Particularly for owners of the LG G2 which was launched running Android 4.4.2 Jelly Bean, it might be a little difficult to imagine what the differences between Jelly Bean and KitKat on the LG G2 might actually entail considering the device is already so speedy. Well, LG has made a video to show in particular the speed increases you can expect from the LG G2 when it is updated to Android 4.4 from Android 4.4.2:
As you can see, there is a massive 9ms knocked off (excuse the pun) of the G2′s highly touted KnockOn feature. Jokes aside, the upgrade to KitKat looks like it will be bringing some hefty speed increases coming from Jelly Bean right across the board. Probably most impressive for me was the speed increase in accessing the Gallery, something which as a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 owner I am extremely jealous of. LG says that apps in general will be up to 17% faster on the newer software, which can make a pretty sizeable difference when you’re using these apps on a daily basis.
This is a great representation of how much of an improvement Android KitKat is over Jelly Bean, and it begs the question of why other manufacturers don’t also make videos like this to show exactly how much better their new software builds are. Let us know what you think about this video in the comments below.
Source: YouTube via Phone Arena
Mobile World Congress 2014: What to expect at the biggest mobile show on Earth
If you care about the latest smartphones, you need to pay attention to Mobile World Congress. The annual show will be held in Barcelona next week, and it’s going to be filled to the brim with handsets, tablets and wearables of every shape, size and color. We’ve compiled all of the major rumors, teasers and official company announcements to give you a glimpse at what’s to come. For more from Samsung, Nokia, LG and beyond, follows us after the break and keep it locked here next week for more from MWC.
Samsung
There are enough rumors circulating about the Samsung Galaxy S5 that we’re pretty sure it will be the star of the show. With a 2K display, fingerprint scanner, Android 4.4 KitKat and other goodies as likely features, Samsung is hoping for a hit that will generate sales beyond its current 2014 estimate.
Even though the Galaxy S5 will get the majority of the attention in Barcelona, it may not come all by itself. There’s talk of other variants, which won’t surprise Samsung fans: The company is known for its gratuitous lineup of Galaxy devices, and last year’s Galaxy S flagship was just the first in a family bearing derivatives of the same name. In this case, we’re hearing that there will be a 1080p version of the GS5 in addition to the much-anticipated 2K version, but we aren’t sure if both will be announced at the same event. There are also rumors about a stylish Galaxy F clad in metal.
And let’s not forget the company’s newfound interest in wearables. According to several reports, Samsung plans to announce at least one follow-up to last fall’s Galaxy Gear, if not multiple versions. What’s more, there’s a chance it will run Tizen.
Nokia
Traditionally Nokia saves some of its biggest news for Mobile World Congress. Recent headline-stealers include its transition from Symbian to Windows Phone in 2011, its first 41MP PureView phone in 2012 and the low-end Lumia 520 in 2013. What special, groundbreaking announcement will Nokia make this year? An Android device. In fact, Re/Code reports that no Lumia smartphones will even be revealed at next week’s press conference.
According to numerous leaks (and a telltale teaser), Nokia’s Android smartphone will likely be called the X and come with a forked version of Google’s operating system similar to what Amazon did on its Kindle Fires. The pictures we’ve seen show a device that looks a lot like the latest Asha phones, which makes us wonder if the X is either meant to replace the Asha series, or if it’s just another low-cost option for emerging markets. We’re also very curious to find out if and why Microsoft signed off on such a project.
LG
LG’s always easy to predict before trade shows, because it often announces its products ahead of them. This time, the company pulled the curtain off of the G Pro 2, G2 mini and L Series III. Granted, LG still hasn’t unveiled all of the details on the new devices — it has to keep some element of surprise, after all. But we do know they will all come loaded with Android 4.4 KitKat.
The G Pro 2 features a 5.9-inch 1080p display (larger than the original’s 5.5-inch screen), 4K recording capability, a 13MP camera with optical image stabilization, 32GB of storage and a G2-esque design, with rear buttons and the knock-to-unlock option. The 4.7-inch G2 mini sadly doesn’t inherit many of the original G2′s specs: Fans of the smaller size will have to make do with either a Snapdragon 400 processor or a Tegra 4i depending on region (making this the very first phone on the market with NVIDIA’s new chip), qHD resolution, 8GB of internal storage and 1GB of RAM. Clearly it’s meant for a lower price point, but it’s unfortunate that so many corners were cut. As for the L Series III, it’s a follow-up to the manufacturer’s line of budget-friendly devices and comes in three sizes, ranging from 3.5 inches to 4.7 inches.
Sony
Sony has a few new devices up its sleeves. Problem is, it’s wearing a see-through shirt. At this point, it seems to be a lock that we’re going to see a new Xperia flagship codenamed “Sirius,” although reports indicate that it’ll be known as the Z2. While the specs are still under debate, we’ve already seen a few leaked images and videos of the smartphone. It appears to be slightly larger than its predecessor and features dual speakers, 4K video recording, a 20MP rear camera and a microSD slot. We’ve also seen a steady flow of leaked images of a tablet by the same name, and we could potentially see a midrange to budget Xperia smartphone, too.
Tizen
In the past couple of months, Tizen smartphone rumors have come to a screeching halt. Whether it’s a result of recent negotiations between Samsung and Google — which reportedly resulted in their renewed commitment to each other — or because the fledgling OS simply isn’t ready, there’s little indication that the Galaxy manufacturer will release a Tizen smartphone soon. A few months ago, we’d heard solid whispers about a phone called the Zeq coming to MWC with Tizen installed. Since then, the rumor mill has significantly dried up.
That doesn’t mean Samsung is the only phone maker considering Tizen, but it’s not a good sign that a large number of previously committed companies recently pulled the plug on the OS. We’re still hearing that ZTE’s working on a Tizen phone called the Geek, but the company hasn’t confirmed that it’ll emerge at MWC. That said, Samsung is reportedly planning to show off a new Galaxy Gear smartwatch based on Tizen OS. In other words, the nascent operating system could largely be a non-starter at MWC, or it could surprise us. We’ve got our money on the former.
In other news…
ZTE went LG’s route and pre-announced two devices: the 6-inch Grand Memo II LTE and the Firefox OS-powered Open C. Unlike LG’s approach, however, this announcement didn’t give us any additional details, aside from the fact that we’ll likely see the latest update to Firefox OS on the Open C at the show.
HTC isn’t releasing its One successor until late March, but it’s still coming to MWC with what reps claim is a “fun booth.” We’re hoping for ice cream sandwiches, smoothies and maybe a waterslide, but in reality, we’ll probably have to make do with a midrange handset or two. HTC’s introduced one so far: the Desire 8, a 5.5-inch device that will feature a 13MP camera on the back and a 5MP selfie shooter on the front. The company’s keeping quiet on other plans, but we suspect the most fun will be had in HTC’s secret meeting rooms. It will reportedly show off its upcoming smartwatch to partners and operators.
Acer will have a couple new handsets at the show, but power users won’t be interested: The Liquid E3 is designed to compete against the Moto G, while the Liquid Z4 aims at even lower price points.
Finally, we can expect a new Huawei device or two, starting with the Ascend P7 (and even a wearable, we’re told). Panasonic will be at the show, and we’ve heard whispers that it’s gearing up for another try at the European smartphone market. Lenovo may have a few new handsets to show off, and Motorola is holding an event where we hope to hear more about its recent acquisition. You can also plan on something from Alcatel OneTouch, which often has a bunch to show at MWC.
Aside from standout announcements by Samsung and Nokia, it’ll be business as usual for most exhibitors at MWC. Hundreds of phones will be shown off at the four-day event, but less than a handful will rise above the crowd. We plan on seeing a lot more emphasis on specific storylines like Nokia’s acquisition, the future of Tizen and, let’s face it, whatever Samsung decides to announce.
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(Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
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