Camera review: LG's G2 smartphone is first 13MP Android with OIS

Introduction

The G2 follows the Optimus G/G Pro as LG's flagship smartphone and the Korean manufacturer is hoping to significantly increase its market share in the Android smartphone world with the new device. Looking at the spec sheet, the chances for that happening are not too bad.

The G2 comes with Qualcomm's latest and greatest quad-core processor, the Snapdragon 800, 2GB RAM and a 3,000mAH battery that should go a long way toward powering the G2's headline feature: a huge 5.2-inch IPS LCD display. The G2's ultra-thin bezel means the device is still not any larger than its main competitors with 5-inch screens, like the Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One or Sony Xperia Z1. In the camera department the G2 combines a 13MP CMOS sensor with an optical image stabilization system — a first on an Android device. 

In an attempt to differentiate the G2 further from the competition LG has also taken a slightly different approach toward device ergonomics and removed all buttons and keys from the edges of the phone. The G2's external controls are limited to a power button and +/- volume keys, all of which are located on the rear of the phone, just below the camera lens. The reasoning here is that when holding the phone in portrait orientation, this is precisely where your index finger naturally falls. 

Keep reading on the following pages to see how the G2's ergonomics work in real life and how it performs in the image quality department.

Key Photographic / Video Specifications

• 13MP 1/3-inch CMOS sensor
• F2.4 lens
• Optical Image Stabilization
• 1080p/60fps video

Other Specifications

• 5.2-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS LCD display, 424ppi
• 3,000mAH battery
• Quad-core Snapdragon 800 chipset
• Android 4.2.2
• 2GB RAM
• 16/32 GB internal storage with 2 GB RAM