AUSTIN, Texas – LG debuted its G2 smartphone at the “LG G2 Experience” last night at The Belmont in Austin, Texas. Over a dozen of the G2 phones were on display with attendees offered discount coupons for the device via purchase through retail giant Best Buy. Festivities included drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a photo booth, live music from DJ 12th Planet, and several opportunities throughout the evening for attendees to win a G2 smartphone by tweeting with the hashtag #LGG2.
LG held a similar event this week in San Francisco, with plans for two more events in Miami and Los Angeles on Sept. 27. The events are open to the public 21 and older, though space is limited.
The device itself, which was announced last month, is LG’s latest flagship smartphone, boasting all of the usual specifications that go along with such a designation, including a 2.26 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor; 3,000 mAh battery; 5.2-inch, 1080p screen; 13-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization; and its most unique feature, which is the volume and power buttons placed on the back of the device. LG notes the placement is more ergonomical and is designed to reduce accidental volume adjustments.
The phone is currently available through AT&T Mobility, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile US, with Sprint set to carry the device later this year.
Here’s a video that gives a demo of the product, highlighting some of these features:
Impressions
My first impressions of using the device are very positive. The phone’s screen is as beautiful of a display as I’ve ever seen on a device of its size, streaming crystal clear video in 1080p. The rear keys are a clever new innovation that makes sense and after you adjust to it, moving your fingers there to turn off the phone or increase volume feels natural. It’s just a matter of retraining your brain after years of being conditioned to search for buttons on the front or side of the phone.
Having no buttons on the side also alter the look and feel of the phone, making the device feel very sleek compared to its competitors. While I’m generally not a fan of large screen “phablets” such as this, the LG G2 makes a strong case for them with its ergonomic design and gorgeous display.
For more information on the LG G2, visit the official site.
