Any LG G3 users here? Opinions?

[ControlD]

So I am thinking about using my Verizon upgrade to get a newer phone. I am currently on a Note 2. I never use the stylus so I am OK with going away from the Note series. Just as a side note, I am not on an unlimited data plan so I don't need to worry about losing that.

It seems like the G3 is about the best bang for your buck phone on Verizon right now. 32GB internal storage, removable battery, SD slot, wireless charging capable, unlocked bootloader (I believe). All of those tick my most wanted features. Camera quality is NOT a factor at all in my buying decision.

The only thing I don't know about is performance. I know the Note 4 has better specs overall, but I'm not exactly a power user on my phone. The only game I play is Words With Friends. Still, this needs to last me two years so I would like a decent performer.

Honestly I would just stick with my Note 2 if it was Qi compatible but it isn't. My office has very weak cell reception and I can't connect to my company's wireless during work hours, so rather than always having my phone plugged in being able to rest it on a charging pad would be a big convenience.

 

[destrekor]

Three of my buddies have the G3 and love it. I was strongly considering it for a time, too, but ultimately was swayed by the Sony Xperia Z3V. I strongly suggest it, but at the same time, I sort of strongly agree with pointing you towards the G3. The Z3V requires accepting a lot of limitations. It is quite unlikely to ever have an unlocked bootloader, and due to it being a one-off device, the dev community will remain small and root is unlikely. Root on Lollipop is supposed to be more difficult, and will likely require unlocked bootloader entirely. (the Z3V is a custom device, using body style of the Z2, and mostly Z3 hardware but some differences, with obvious Verizon touches)

Camera quality is of mixed opinion, but it seems to be better than the G3. Signal strength was similar, but it might have a better time holding onto weaker signals, it sure holds onto LTE signals better than my Moto X (2013). What really swayed me was the UI is closer to stock, the screen is gorgeous, and battery life was supposed to be phenomenal (it is).
The biggest hit against the G3 is that display: 1440p has a battery life hit, not only to drive the image, but also for the backlight. It also wasn't well-reviewed in terms of color accuracy, if that matters at all to you. It does to me, considering I do actively enjoy photography (with a real camera ), and like to show photos or review them on a mobile device. The IP68 waterproof nature of it is a huge bonus that sort of played a role too, as I am actively considering taking this thing under water in the summer to play around.

 

[Anubis]

I have one, ive had it since launch. performance IMO is fine, every now and then it will flake out and require me to reboot it but every phone I have owned has don this so....

only real complaint is screen brightness, its can be pretty dim, but you can change it how you want and I find with it set to Auto and a min level of 40% I don't have issues with it. Camera quality when its light out is really good IMO

battery life is fine for me as well, easily lasting a day with good use

 

[ControlD]

Hmm, I actually hadn't even looked at the Sony phone. I'll take a look at it, but probably still rather go with something less locked down if possible.

Color accuracy isn't a concern for me (partially colorblind anyhow).

 

[poofyhairguy]

Dave, if you are going to blow a Verizon upgrade you should RUN to that Droid Turbo.

Unlike the G3 the Droid Turbo has:
-A SoC that is a better fit for the resolution
-A bigger battery
-Stock Android without roming

Point three is basically the point I was making the other day. With options like Moto, why even ROM?

 

[ControlD]

Dave, if you are going to blow a Verizon upgrade you should RUN to that Droid Turbo.

Unlike the G3 the Droid Turbo has:
-A SoC that is a better fit for the resolution
-A bigger battery
-Stock Android without roming

Point three is basically the point I was making the other day. With options like Moto, why even ROM?

I know, I keep looking at the Turbo. It's just so damned chunky and ugly. I'm sure I could get used to it, but man, it just isn't inspiring at all to hold.

 

[Strk]

The Sony looks nice, but I'd also give the Droid Turbo a look at

You can usually get a good deal on it at Best Buy.

 

[poofyhairguy]

I know, I keep looking at the Turbo. It's just so damned chunky and ugly. I'm sure I could get used to it, but man, it just isn't inspiring at all to hold.

I can see that.

Ok, here is my new idea:

Buy an iPhone 6, sell it, and get a Nexus 6. They work on Verizon:

http://www.droid-life.com/2014/10/31/nexus-6-working-on-verizon-out-of-the-box/

That would give you Note 2-esc phablet size, and a AOSP supported stock rom for its life.

 

[ControlD]

I can see that.

Ok, here is my new idea:

Buy an iPhone 6, sell it, and get a Nexus 6. They work on Verizon:

[

lol I never thought of such a scheme. That's not a bad idea at all.

 

[rcpratt]

Note 4...

 

[ControlD]

Note 4...

I've gone back and forth several times in regards to the Note 4. The thing is, I don't use the stylus ... ever. I don't really like TouchWiz anymore. I know the specs are top of the line, but at $299 for the upgrade price it seems like I am paying more for things I wouldn't be using.

 

[rcpratt]

I hardly use my S-pen either. On the Note 4, TouchWiz is WAY watered down from what it used to be. It doesn't bother me at all. And you can get a Qi receiver for like $10 on Amazon.

But yeah, I understand the G3 is $200 cheaper. I just couldn't rationalize spending $200 on the Turbo over $300 on the Note 4.

 

[ControlD]

I hardly use my S-pen either. On the Note 4, TouchWiz is WAY watered down from what it used to be. It doesn't bother me at all. And you can get a Qi receiver for like $10 on Amazon.

But yeah, I understand the G3 is $200 cheaper. I just couldn't rationalize spending $200 on the Turbo over $300 on the Note 4.

Most likely if I were going with the Turbo it would be $249 vs. $299 for the Note 4 because I would opt for the 64GB version. Makes things even more difficult to decide on.

 

[ControlD]

Just in case anyone else was thinking about the G3, Verizon has the 32GB model for $0.01 right now (on contract obviously). That might end up being too good of a deal for me to pass up.

 

[zaydq]

I just picked up an LG G3 for my wife. She's very happy with it and I was utterly impressed with how smooth and clear it was. For $0 on a 2 year contract, I felt it was the best device to get until I got to the $200+ on a 2 year arena.

 

[homebrew2ny]

Picked up my verizon g3 about a month ago and it is simply perfect. Every aspect of the phone screams quality, and in every function it just works well. I did get mine at best buy for $1 and it came with a $100 best buy gift card on the spot as well.

 

[spaceman]

i like my g3 alot

 

[holden j caufield]

have the g2, thought about the g3 but it's just so darn big. I use my phone in one hand only 99% of the time and the g2 is a good size for that. Thinking the g3 will be too big.

 

[Kelvrick]

I just picked up a G3 today after my Sony Z3 bit the dust. I wanted another Z3, but tmo had the g3 on sale for 450, so that is what I got.

I've only played with it a little bit, and I like a lot of the little features. The tap to turn on (z3 had this) but also the "knock code" sequence where you tap the screen in a certain sequence and it unlocks as well. The home screens have a lot more space for icons and customization. I feel like the skin is about as intrusive as Sony's version, but I kind of like Sony's app menu more since you can swap between different orders. Jury is still out on battery life since I have just been charging it up all day. I like that I can grab a QI pad and use wireless charging but I think I'll miss my Z3's built in waterproofness. It made applying screen protectors in the shower worry free.

Size wize, I adapted to the Z3 and have pretty much already adapted to the G3. Although, the G3 is currently caseless and the Z3 had a slim niilkin case on it.

 

[ControlD]

Have any of you G3 users verified that the phone has an unlocked boot loader? Honestly that is one main reason I am so intrigued by the phone.

 

[blankslate]

I'm leaning toward the G3 over any phone that has a non-removable battery....

Speaking from experience a removable battery is a great feature if you take advantage of it by getting an extra battery or two and and external charger. Which can be an advantage if you're able to run it from a computer USB port since the charge will be slower and slower charges mean less heat which helps prolong the battery lifespan.

I just charge the battery outside the phone no unnecessary wear and tear on the microUSB connection that I hear can happen. Plus I'm more likely to inspect the battery for signs of bulging... will be more important in the hot summer months.

I carry an extra battery and don't have to worry about battery conservation throughout the day anymore.

 

[richierich1212]

I love my G3

 

[XJustMeX21]

Went from the G2 to the Turbo, then iPhone 6, then a blaze red G3. Really happy with the G3 and I think I'll be sticking with it for awhile.