LG G3 Australian release: details begin to emerge

Right on the heels of today’s launch of the LG G3, we’re starting to details emerge about Australian availability of LG’s new hotness.

We haven’t heard from LG directly yet (we’re told a statement is coming), but Telstra is first out of the gate with an announcement.

We’ll update this post as we hear back from other carriers.

Telstra

The carrier advised in a blog post on their Exchange site that the phone will be available in stores from August 2014, but that’s all the specifics you’re getting so far – pricing and pre-sale dates will be announced in the future.

Customers interested in the G3 are invited to register their interest with Telstra to ensure they’re kept informed about the launch.

Other carriers

We haven’t heard back from Optus, Vodafone or Virgin Mobile about their launch plans for the phone yet, but we’ll update this story as we get them.

UPDATE:

Outright

LG has updated their website, adding a product page for the LG G3 offering the phone in ‘Metallic Black’ for an outright price of $799. The phone has no ETA, but is listed as ‘Coming Soon’. Also of note is the listing for the Qi Wireless charging dock, which LG has advises on the page ‘Wireless charging dock sold and supplied as a separate accessory’.

Technical specifications confirm that Australia will be receiving the LG-D855 model of the LG G3, which includes 2GB of RAM and 16GB of on-board storage (with microSD card). Connectivity wise, the phone will be a single SIM version which will be compatible with all LTE frequencies in Australia (including the Optus 4G Plus Network), as well as 3G frequencies for all carriers as well.

• 2G (GSM/EDGE): 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• 3G (HSPA+42Mbps/HSPA+21Mbps): 850 / 900 / 2100 MHz
• 4G / LTE: 700 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600 FD , 2300 TD

If you’re interested in availability, you can enter your details into the LG page for updates on when the phone will become availabile for outright purchase. We’re still hopeful of more colour options for the phone, but at this stage only Metallic Black has been listed.

Update 2
LG has advised that the G3 will be made available across all three carriers from August. While the phone has been announced on the LG website in Metallic Black, LG is still confirming if we will see the Silk White, Gold, Violet, Burgundy Red colour options in Australia. LG has advised they will update availability on colour options as we approach the launch.

Telstra has already delivered their information on the phone – minus specifics like pricing and plans – but Vodafone and Optus will also be carrying the phone on their networks and announcing pricing and plan details closer to the launch.

Vodafone

For those interested in the G3 on the Vodafone network, potential customers are encouraged to sign up to the Vodafone Buzz mailing group to receive updates on upcoming handsets.

Optus

Optus has a similar service for notifying you when smartphones are coming and you can sign up for information on upcoming handsets, on the Optus Website.

Accessories

LG has advised that they will be supplying three accessories for the LG G3 – the QuickCircle Case, LG Tone InfinimT(HBS-900) headset and the Wireless Charger. No pricing has been announced for these accessories as yet, but we expect them to come closer to launch.

[showhide type=”detailedspecs” more_text=”Show Full Press Release (%s More Words)” less_text=”Hide Detailed Specs (%s Less Words)”]
LG DECLARES ‘SIMPLE IS THE NEW SMART’
WITH GLOBAL LAUNCH OF THE LG G3
LG launches its best smartphone yet with the remarkable LG G3
SYDNEY, 28 May, 2014 — LG Electronics (LG) today globally introduced the world to its eagerly anticipated LG G3 smartphone. With launch events taking place in six cities world-wide — London, New York, San Francisco, Seoul, Singapore and Istanbul — LG has pulled out all stops to wow consumers with its best smartphone to date in the new LG G3.
Developed with the concept ‘Simple is the New Smart’ in mind, the LG G3 is a culmination of research based on LG’s consumer focused product development philosophy. Powered by the best of what LG’s current technology has to offer, the LG G3 provides consumers with a user experience more ambitious than anything ever offered before by LG.
“We are extremely excited to be launching this amazing smartphone. We believe this is one of our best innovations yet, and in such a fast evolving smartphone market, it is important for advanced technology and a simplified user experience to be harmoniously combined,” said Lambro Skropidis, General Manager Marketing at LG Electronics Australia. “The LG G3 is the result of our efforts to turn that idea into a tangible product and we are extremely happy with the results.”
Highlights of the new LG G3 include:
 5.5-inch Quad HD display with 538ppi delivers four times the reso1ution of a current HD smartphone screen and 1.8 times higher resolution than a Full HD display.
www.LG.com.au
2
 13MP OIS+ (Optical Image Stabilizer Plus) camera with a revolutionary Laser Auto Focus that can shoot stunningly sharp images in a fraction of the time required by con-ventional phone cameras.
 A rear cover that is lightweight, textured and most of all integrated with a wireless charging inductive loop.
 The Floating Arc form factor feels incredibly comfortable in one hand and incorporates the innovative design heritage of the G2 Rear Key
 Redesigned graphic user interface (GUI) consistent with the Simple is the New Smart concept of the LG G3
True-to-Life Viewing Experience
LG is renowned for its achievements in the display arena, with the development of the G3’s breathtaking Quad HD display a result of years of research. With a pixel density of 538ppi, the G3’s Quad HD display sets new viewing standards by producing images that are at a higher resolution than traditional smartphone displays.
The high resolution display on the G3 also required that LG engineers pair it with battery technology that is just as innovative. LG has equipped the G3 with a 3,000mAh removable battery and advanced optimisation technologies to further maximise battery efficiency. By replacing the metal in the battery cathode with graphite, LG engineers were able to extend the lifespan of the G3’s battery. The result is a battery that can keep up with the Quad HD display’s great performance.
Simply Captivating
The G3’s advanced 13MP OIS+ camera is designed to quickly and easily capture life’s spe-cial moments as they occur. Made possible with the G3’s innovative Laser Auto Focus, this technology enables the G3 to capture the moment — even in low light — by measuring the distance between the subject and the camera using laser technology. This means that there will be fewer fuzzy pictures of your son scoring his first football goal or missed shots because
www.LG.com.au
3
your camera couldn’t decide quickly enough which toddler in the playground to focus on. Combined with the proven and popular OIS+ technology first seen in the G2, the G3 is sure to impress even the most discerning shutterbugs.
LG has also simplified the process of actually capturing those special moments. Rather than having to focus on the subject in preview mode and then pressing the shutter button, with the G3, tapping the subject to focus will simultaneously also trigger the shutter. What’s more, the G3’s 2.1MP front facing camera incorporates several new enhancements such as a larger image sensor and larger aperture for better-looking photos. A unique twist has been added to the standard timed self mode by incorporating gesture controls — when ready to shoot, users simply need to clench their hands into a fist and the G3 will recognise the gesture and begin the automatic three-second countdown. It couldn’t get any simpler than that.
For video, the G3 offers great sound quality with instinctive microphones that measure the environment to identify the optimal audio level for the clearest recording. With the built-in 1W speaker with Boost AMP, users can also enjoy videos and music accompanied by rich sounds and clear tones.
Balanced and Simplified Design Language
The Floating Arc design of the G3, with its ergonomic arc and slim side profi1e, provides an extremely comfortable grip for everyday one-handed use. The Rear Key continues to anchor LG’s innovative design language, with a newly designed power key and volume buttons as well as more premium quality materials and finish. LG has also refined sophisticated technical features and advancements located on the rear by arranging them in a clean and singular layout consistent with the G3’s well-balanced design language. The stylish metallic feel skin with matte finish, which helps keep the G3 looking clean and fingerprint-free, will be offered in Metallic Black. (Silk White, Gold, Violet and Burgundy Red are yet to be confirmed for Australian release)
www.LG.com.au
4
To complement the new external design, LG has adopted a minimalistic user interface de-sign with flat graphics. The circular motif of the graphic assets in the new UI was derived from the shape and concept of LG’s logo, reflecting its unique visual style and identity.
Simplified UX to Reflect Simple Pleasures
In addition to advanced core technologies, LG has taken its Learning from You approach to a higher level with great UX features. Highlights include:
 Smart Keyboard: Adaptive technology learns as you type for faster input with fewer mistakes. Smart Keyboard helps to reduce input errors by tracking and analysing typing habits and intuitively “knowing” what word the user intended to type. The height of the keyboard can also be adjusted to better fit the user’s hands and position of the thumbs. Individual keys can also be customised with frequently used symbols for even faster input.
 Smart Notice: Like a personal assistant, Smart Notice provides suggestions and rec-
ommendations based on user behaviour, phone usage patterns and loca-tion to offer user information when it’s needed the most. Smart Notice can remind you of a call you declined earlier and ask if you would like to call that person back. If you have a large number of unused files or apps on the G3 taking up valuable space, Smart Notice will ask if you would like to delete or uninstall them. What sets Smart Notice apart from other personal assistants, however, is its natural language capabilities. For ex-ample, instead of just displaying today’s temperature and weather fore-
cast, Smart Notice will make a recommendation such as, “You may want to take an umbrella today since it will rain this evening.”
 Smart Security: Understanding the importance of maintaining and securing con-fidential data when smartphones are shared, misplaced, lost or stolen, the LG G3 offers a number of enhanced security features such as:
www.LG.com.au
5
Knock CodeTM enables users to unlock their device with a pattern of taps. Merging
security and convenience, users can create a personalised code that can be
entered anywhere on the screen. With the LG G3, users have the option of being
able to use KnockON to wake the screen to check the time as well as enter the
home screen directly via Knock CodeTM.
Content Lock keeps personal files safe and hidden from view when sharing the
G3 with friends. When the G3 is connected to a PC, Content Lock prevents file
previews so the data is still safe. The locked files can reside either on the G3’s
internal memory or on the microSD card.
LG will also be offering a collection of optional premium accessories* to accompany the LG
G3:
 QuickCircleTM Case: Available in five colours, the
QuickCircleTM Case allows easy access to frequently
used functions such as calling, text messaging, music
and camera all from the QuickCircle window without
opening the cover. In addition to the QuickCircleTM
Case, LG will offer a lineup of Slim Guard Cases and
premium Slim Hard Cases to protect the G3 in handsome style.
 LG Tone InfinimTM (HBS-900): Developed in collaboration with Harman/Kardon,
the Bluetooth stereo headset delivers premium audio quality
sound with stylish design. Built with retractable wire management
technology and jog buttons for effortless search, Tone
InfinimTM also features Name AlertTM to verbally notify you
who is calling before you answer.
www.LG.com.au
6
 Wireless Charger: Compact and foldable, LG’s Wireless Charger is optimised for easy portability. Compatible with Qi’s wireless power charging technology, the Wire-less Charger from LG makes staying powered up as convenient as possible.
Beginning with South Korea on 28 May, the LG G3 will begin rolling out worldwide on over 170 carriers.
Australian customers will be able to purchase the LG G3 via all local operators (Telstra, Optus and Vodafone). Details of retailers will follow in the near future.
The LG G3 will be available from the beginning of August via Post paid contracts and out-right sales.
Final pricing and pre-sales offers will be announced in July ahead of the handset going on sale.
*Accessories sold separately. Availability for the Australian market will be confirmed at a later date.
Key Specifications*:
 Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 801 (up to 2.5GHz Quad-Core)
 Display: 5.5-inch Quad HD IPS (2560 x 1440, 538ppi)
 Memory: 16/32GB eMMC ROM / 2/3GB DDR3 RAM / microSD slot (128GB max)
 Camera: Rear 13.0MP with OIS+ and Laser Auto Focus / Front 2.1MP
 Battery: 3,000mAh (removable)
 Operating System: Android 4.4.2 KitKat
 Size: 146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9mm
 Weight: 149g
 Network: 2G, 3G, 4G
www.LG.com.au
7
 Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth Smart Ready (Apt-X), NFC,
SlimPort, A-GPS/Glonass, USB 2.0
 Colour: Metallic Black
o (Si1k White, Gold, Violet, Burgundy Red to be confirmed closer to start of sales in AustraIia)
 Other: Smart Keyboard, Smart Notice, Knock CodeTM , Guest Mode, etc.
*Specifications may vary depending on market
[/showhide]

Are you excited for the LG G3? Will you be looking for it on-contract, or will you buy it outright? Let us know in the comments!