LG G3 vs LG G3 S
First we saw the flagship LG G3 hit the shelves, quickly followed by the LG G3 S- so is this smartphone an improved and updated G3 or somethings else entirely? You can find out as we take a look at the LG G3 vs LG G3 S.
It’s what’s on the inside that matters
The exterior design of both of these smartphones are almost identical and boast a luxurious and premium finish with a brushed light-weight metallic skin. The arc-shaped design is intended to improve hold-ability for one-handed use but the grip is best on the LG G3 S which is slightly smaller and lighter.
The similarities end here though as what’s on the inside is most certainly not the same!
One of the most powerful processors we have seen on a smartphone is inside the LG G3 (2.46GHz quad-core processor with 2GB RAM) and this powers the visual experience that is splashed across the 5.5” Quad HD display that has a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels at 538ppi.
The LG G3 S on the other hand has a mid-range 1.2GHz quad-core processor with 1GB RAM that powers a 5” HD IPS display that has a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels at 294ppi.
From this it’s clear that the ‘S’ in LG G3 S stands for smaller and this is reflected in a reduction of size, processing power, visual quality and ultimately price.
The same user interface
The user interface of both handsets, however, is like-for-like, so this is great news for anyone looking for a smaller and more pocket friendly version of the G3. The intuitive graphic interface features a reduced number of pre-installed apps for a cleaner and less cluttered look.
Apps that used to have the same functionality have been merged together so for example QuickMemo+ is the culmination of three apps brought together as one. You can also further personalise those home screens by removing unused pre-installed apps and unused visual elements.
Both the LG G3 and the LG G3 S have the Android KitKat v4.4 operating system on board and there is a new Smart Keyboard that eases the creation of messages with keys that can be resized and preemptive word completion.
Fewer features
The LG G3 S doesn’t have LG Health included like on the LG G3- a real shame considering the latest wearable tech has put the focus onto health-based features on mobile tech. The LG G3 S also doesn’t have the Smart Tips feature which helps you get to know some of those hidden or less obvious features.
That said, it’s not all bad news; you do get most of the other LG features and these include Smart Notice- a feature that asks questions prompted by your status, location and behavior. These prompts could be to turn on your Wi-Fi when you arrive home or to prompt you to delete apps which you haven’t used for months.
Fancy the cheaper option? Then get the LG G3 S on a pay monthly contract.
Great photographic results at different resolutions
There may be a difference in the number of pixels captured by the cameras but Laser Auto Focus is present on both phones, making for a great camera phone. The laser measures the distance to objects in the shot and this gives near perfect results every time.
The LG G3 S has a decent 8MP camera with LED flash and video recording at 1080p high-definition. There is also a 1.3MP camera on the front for taking selfies or making video calls.
The LG G3 has a bigger 13MP camera and it is supreme under low-light conditions thanks to a dual LED flash that uses two colour tones to light the scene and capture more natural colours. Video is captured at 4K quality which far exceeds that of 1080p high-definition but this boost is only really useful if you have a 4K TV to watch your masterpieces on. On the front there is also a higher quality 2.1MP camera for selfies and video calling.
LG G3 vs LG G3 S verdict
There is no doubt that the LG G3 is the better of the two smartphones but we should remember that they are pitched at two different ends of the market. The LG G3 S is sold at a reduced cost and so it opens up the fantastic LG design elements to those on a lower budget.
The LG G3 S still has the wow-factor next to other phones in its pricing bracket so I see no reason why you wouldn’t snap one up if you have a close eye on your monthly budget.