LG arrived at Mobile World Congress (MWC) this year with a number of new and updated Android smartphones. The company's new L-Style series kicks off with three handsets ranging from the 3.2-inch L3, through the 4-inch L5, to the flagship 4.3-inch L7. Meanwhile the Optimus 3D gets an update in the form of the Optimus 3D Max, while the new Optimus Vu with its 5-inch display pits itself against Samsung's Galaxy Note. The show also sees the debut of the company's first quad-core powered smartphone, the LG Optimus 4X HD.
L-Style range
Looking to satisfy users who don't necessarily need the latest and greatest in terms of specs, the L-Style series starts with the entry level L3 that measures 11.7 mm (0.46-in) thin, sports a 3.2-inch QVGA display, and comes running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). It is powered by an 800 MHz processor and packs a fixed-focus 3-megapixel camera.
Next step up in the range is the L5, which is also powered by an 800 MHz processor, but ups the screen size to 4-inches (HVGA), gets a custom skinned Android 4.0 and is a bit thinner than the L3 at 9.68 mm (0.38-in). It also includes a 5-megapixel camera and NFC support.
As the flagship of the L-Style line, the L7 sports a 4.3-inch display, is powered by a 1 GHz processor and comes with Android 4.0 preinstalled. It also boasts a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash. Like the L3 and L5, the L7 will feature what LG calls a "floating mass display" that LG says allows for a slimmer look.
The L3 is due to launch in Europe in March, with the L5 and L7 due out before mid year.
Optimus 3D Max
A year after displaying the Optimus 3D at MWC 2011, LG has unveiled its sequel, the Optimus 3D Max (aka Cube). While it shares much with its predecessor - 4.3-inch glasses-free 3D display, dual 5-mp cameras for shooting 3D stills and video, 8 GB internal storage, HDMI port, DLNA - the Max gets a faster 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, Android 2.3 (with an Android 4.0 update shortly after launch), 1,520 mAh battery and HSPA+ 21 Mbps and NFC (Near Field Communications) support. The redesigned Max is also slightly thinner at 9.89 mm (0.39-in). It is due out in Korea in March, with other markets to follow starting with Europe.
Optimus Vu
Like Samsung's Galaxy Note, the Vu is a super-sized smartphone that fits somewhere between a smartphone and a tablet. It features a 5-inch, 1024 x 768, 4:3 aspect ratio IPS display and is powered by a 1.5 GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor and 1 GB of RAM. It will initially come running Android 2.3, but LG has promised an update to Android 4.0 shortly after launch. It features LTE support and comes with 32 GB of internal memory and a 2,080 mAh battery.
Optimus 4X HD
The biggest news from LG at MWC 2012 is the Optimus 4X HD, which is the company's first quad-core powered smartphone thanks to a 1.5 GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, which is assisted by 1 GB of RAM and 16 GB of internal storage. It comes running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), and boasts a 4.7-inch 1280 x 720 True HD IPS display. There's an 8-megapixel rear camera and 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera along with a 2,150 mAh battery packed inside an 8.9 mm (0.35-in) thin body. It is due to launch in Europe before mid year.
LG is yet to release pricing details for the new handsets.