LG launched the compact version of its flagship G3 handset in the form G3 Beat in September at a price of Rs 25,000. Within three months the price dropped to around Rs 18,000 and is now available at Rs 16,999 on flipkart.com. Still, the G3 Beat couldn’t attract much attention. The review comes in a bit late but then it’s for the good. LG launched the smartphone as a compact version of the flagship G3 handset but then is it successful in delivering the ‘beat’? Let’s find out. Specs: 5-inch HD IPS (1280 x 720, 294ppi); 1.2 GHz Quad-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor; Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS; 1 GB RAM; 8 GB internal memory, Micro SD slot; 8MP with Laser Auto Focus rear camera; Front 1.3MP camera; 2,540mAh (removable) battery; 4G LTE / HSPA+ 21Mbps (3G), Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, A-GPS/ Glonass, NFC Price: Rs 25,000 (launch price); Rs 16,999 (at Flipkart) Design: The G3 Beat has the similar floating arc metallic design but is made entirely of plastic. The phone looks similar to the G3, but the feel of plastic is prominent. The LG G3 Beat features the same rear button design, where the volume rocker buttons and power/wake button is nicely integrated below the camera module. For new users, it will take some time to get used to it. Overall, the phone looks premium and will please most. The build quality is good and design-wise, the LG G3 Beat gets full marks. Display: The G3 Beat has an average display. It features a 5-inch 720p display at 294ppi. In this price range we have seen smartphones with better displays. Overall, most users shouldn’t have any complains as such but then they will surely crave for more, The viewing angles are good but then you will have to live with a reflective screen. Performance: Armed with a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, the smartphone offers a smooth experience. Going by the hardware specifications, users might feel that they are paying more. The AnTuTu benchmark score were around 17000, which is pretty ordinary, when compared to other low end smartphones. The device runs on Android 4.4.2 KitKat operating system but LG has customized the UI a way too much. Overall, the performance is okay. However, it appeared like a low end phone blessed with LTE connectivity. On the multimedia front, the speaker delivered the beat- it was loud but cannot say it was pleasant. Video playback, gaming was decent, nothing exceptional. Camera: It is quick, thanks to the Laser Auto Focus camera but the image quality is again average. Under good lighting conditions, the results were good but after sunset, it was grainy. The 8MP camera produced decent colours and good detailing as well. The front 1.3MP camera is good for a few casual selfies. Battery: The 2,540mAh battery will manage to squeeze a day of moderate usage which includes a bit gaming as well. Connectivity: The device offers 4G LTE connectivity along with Wi-Fi b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, A-GPS/ Glonass, NFC and USB 2.0. Overall, there are no issues with connectivity. I have not tested 4G on it. Verdict: While the device was launched in September, it was among the early handsets to offer 4G connectivity. The 4G modem seemed to be the only USP of the phone as rest of the spec sheet is average and I felt it to be overpriced. After seeing the Lenovo Vibe X2, Huawei Honor 6, Yu Yureka, Xiaomi Redmi Note among several other value for money devices, I feel the G3 Beat totally fails to justify its price. It’s a good looking phone. Buy it if you are a big fan of the G3 but cannot afford it. Are you using the G3 Beat? Feel free to share your experience in the comment section below.
