LG G2 Review: Innovative Rear Key Controls and a Stunning Display
The LG G2 arrived in 2013 with the ambition to challenge the biggest Android flagships without copying their design language. Its most visible difference was placed on the back: the power and volume controls sat beneath the camera instead of along the sides. This unusual layout gave the phone a clean edge and became the defining feature of LG’s premium smartphone.
The rest of the handset was equally ambitious. A 5.2-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 800 processor, large 3,000mAh battery, optical image stabilization, and slim bezels made the G2 a serious rival to the Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One, and Sony Xperia Z1. It also introduced practical software touches, including KnockOn, that made daily use feel faster.
For Indian buyers in 2013, the LG G2 occupied the high-end segment at a time when display quality and processing power were rapidly improving. Its price was higher than many mainstream Android phones, but the specification sheet offered a great deal for users who wanted flagship performance, strong battery life, and a distinctive design.
Design Built Around The Rear Keys
The rear control arrangement is the feature people notice first. LG placed the power button and volume rocker in a compact vertical cluster directly below the camera lens. The design was intended to match the natural position of the index finger when holding the phone, while the thumb could support the opposite side. After a short adjustment period, changing the volume or locking the display became surprisingly comfortable.
Moving the buttons away from the sides also allowed LG to reduce the bezels around the screen. The G2 feels narrower than its 5.2-inch display suggests, which helps it remain manageable in one hand. Its curved rear cover sits securely in the palm, although the glossy plastic finish attracts fingerprints and can feel less luxurious than the glass or metal bodies used by some competitors.
The rear keys also act as useful shortcuts. Holding the volume-down button with the screen locked opens the camera, while the volume-up key can launch the note-taking function. The camera button is easy to locate by touch, though accidental presses are possible when picking up the phone from a flat surface. The design is inventive, but buyers who prefer familiar side controls may need several days to develop new muscle memory.
A Display That Commands Attention
The 5.2-inch IPS LCD panel is the G2’s strongest visual feature. With a 1920 x 1080 resolution, it delivers roughly 423 pixels per inch, producing sharp text, detailed photographs, and clean edges in games. Colours are lively without appearing excessively artificial, and viewing angles remain excellent when the phone is tilted.
LG’s decision to use a narrow bezel gives the display a larger visual presence than the body measurements imply. Videos, websites, and photographs benefit from the extra space, while the Full HD resolution makes the phone feel ahead of many 2013 models that still used 720p panels. Outdoor visibility is acceptable, though direct sunlight can expose the limitations of the glossy screen surface.
The large screen is particularly useful for browsing India-focused smartphone reviews, reading long articles, and viewing maps. The phone is still portable enough for a trouser pocket, but its 5.2-inch size will not suit buyers seeking a genuinely compact handset. LG found a strong balance between screen area and overall width, even if the glossy plastic frame does not communicate the same premium quality as the display.
Flagship Speed And Everyday Software
At the heart of the G2 is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 800 chipset, with a quad-core Krait 400 processor clocked at up to 2.26GHz and an Adreno 330 graphics processor. Paired with 2GB of RAM, it handles Android navigation, high-resolution video, demanding games, and multitasking with ease. Applications open quickly, scrolling is smooth, and there is considerable performance headroom for long-term use.
The phone launched with Android 4.2.2 and LG’s Optimus user interface. LG added features such as Slide Aside for moving applications away from the main screen, QSlide floating apps, Guest Mode, and a custom notification panel. Some additions are useful, while others add visual clutter and duplicate functions already available through Android.
KnockOn is more successful. Two taps on the screen wake the phone, removing the need to reach for the rear power button when the handset is lying on a desk. The same gesture locks the display from the home screen. It feels simple, but it changes how often the physical key is used and makes the rear control concept more practical.
| Feature | LG G2 | Samsung Galaxy S4 | HTC One |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.2-inch Full HD IPS LCD | 5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED | 4.7-inch Full HD Super LCD 3 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 800, quad-core 2.26GHz | Snapdragon 600 or Exynos 5, market dependent | Snapdragon 600, quad-core 1.7GHz |
| RAM | 2GB | 2GB | 2GB |
| Rear camera | 13MP with optical image stabilization | 13MP | 4MP UltraPixel |
| Battery | 3,000mAh | 2,600mAh | 2,300mAh |
| Expandable storage | No | Yes, by microSD | No |
| Launch software | Android 4.2.2 | Android 4.2.2 | Android 4.1.2, later updates |
| Key design detail | Rear power and volume controls | Side-mounted controls | Side-mounted controls |
Camera Performance In Different Conditions
The 13-megapixel rear camera uses optical image stabilization, a feature that was still uncommon on smartphones in this price range. OIS helps reduce hand movement while taking photographs and supports slower shutter speeds in dim surroundings. It cannot freeze a moving subject, but it improves the chances of getting a sharp image in restaurants, homes, and evening streets.
In good daylight, the G2 captures detailed images with pleasing colour and strong contrast. The camera application opens quickly through the rear volume shortcut, and touch focus makes it easy to select the main subject. The 2.1-megapixel front camera is suitable for video calls and casual self-portraits, though it lacks the quality expected from later smartphones.
Low-light results are more mixed. The stabilisation system helps, but aggressive noise reduction can soften fine detail, and bright lights may show flare. LG’s camera software offers several shooting modes, but the automatic mode is the most dependable for everyday use. Video recording is strong, with Full HD capture and clear enough sound for ordinary clips.
Battery Life And Storage Limits
The 3,000mAh battery gives the G2 an advantage over several direct rivals. With moderate calls, messaging, browsing, music, and some camera use, it can generally last through a full day. Light users may reach into a second day, while heavy gaming, mobile data, and high screen brightness will reduce endurance considerably.
The large battery is especially valuable because the display and Snapdragon 800 processor are power-hungry components. LG’s software includes battery management options, and the efficient standby behaviour helps when the phone is left unused overnight. Charging is handled through a standard micro-USB port, with no wireless charging included in every regional package.
Storage is the more significant limitation. The G2 was offered in 16GB and 32GB versions, but there is no microSD card slot. The operating system and pre-installed applications consume part of the advertised capacity, leaving less space for high-resolution videos, games, and music. Indian buyers should choose the 32GB model where available, particularly if they plan to keep the phone for several years.
Buying Advice For Indian Shoppers
The G2 remains most appealing to buyers who value a large, sharp screen, fast performance, and long battery life. Its rear keys are a genuine design choice rather than a cosmetic experiment, though comfort depends on whether the user accepts a different control position. The camera and software are capable, but neither is as polished as every part of the hardware specification suggests.
Pricing varied by storage capacity, retailer, and promotional period in India. The launch price placed the G2 among premium Android phones, while later discounts made it far more competitive. Buyers comparing it with Apple devices can also review the broader Apple phone range to decide whether Android flexibility or iOS simplicity better fits their priorities.
- Choose the 32GB version if you store games, videos, or offline music on the phone.
- Test the rear buttons in a shop before buying, especially if side-mounted controls are familiar.
- Prioritise the G2 if display sharpness and battery capacity matter more than removable storage.
- Look for a trustworthy seller with a proper warranty when purchasing discounted stock.
- Compare the final Indian price with newer Snapdragon models before committing to an older flagship.
The LG G2 succeeds because its most distinctive idea supports the rest of the design. The rear controls make room for slim bezels, KnockOn reduces dependence on the power key, and the spacious Full HD display gives the handset a modern feel. Its Snapdragon 800 processor remains fast for everyday Android tasks, while the 3,000mAh battery delivers dependable endurance.
There are compromises: the plastic rear cover lacks the refinement of metal rivals, storage cannot be expanded, and LG’s interface includes features some users may never need. Still, the combination of a brilliant display, strong camera hardware, excellent speed, and practical rear controls makes the G2 one of the more memorable Android flagships from its generation.
Check current availability, compare storage variants, and inspect warranty terms before purchasing an LG G2. For buyers who want a distinctive handset with flagship performance and an immersive screen, it remains a compelling choice when offered at the right price.