LG G3 smartphone: Everything you expected, plus a laser focus camera

LG’s new flagship phone features a high-resolution display, a fast processor, and a big battery. But thanks to a steady stream of leaks, you probably knew all of that already.

Now that LG has officially unveiled the LG G3 though, it turns out there were still a few surprises. For example, the smartphone’s camera uses a laser to help autofocus and LG’s camera software features a new “Touch & Shoot” feature that lets you tap the screen to select an area to focus and snap a photo (something that normally takes 2 separate taps with other cameras).

LG says it takes 276 milliseconds for the camera to focus using the laser autofocus feature.

The LG G3 features a 5.5 inch, 2560 x 1440 pixel IPS display with 538 pixels per inch, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor, a 13MP rear camera and 2.1MP front-facing camera, and a 3000mAh battery as well as support for wireless charging. The phone runs Android 4.4.2 KitKat with LG’s custom user interface and suite of apps.

While the front-facing camera doesn’t have all the features of the 13MP back camera, LG has added a few selfie-enhancing features, including the ability to snap a photo by raising your hand in front of the camera to let the phone know you’re ready without touching it.

Like the LG G2 smartphone the power and volume buttons are on the back of the phone instead of the sides. The phone has a 1 watt speaker, and LG’s custom software including “Knock Code,” which lets you unlock your device by tapping a pattern on the screen.

The LG G3 will come in a couple of different configurations: It’ll be available with 2GB or 3GB of RAM, and 16GB or 32GB of storage.

Each model supports 4G LTE and HSPA+ as well as 802.11ac WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC and Miracast Wireless display technology.

LG says that while the G3 has a large, high-resolution display which could normally be a battery hog, it’s implemented adaptive frame rates, clocking, and timing controls to reduce power consumption by about 20 percent.

Optional accessories include the QuickCircle case which comes in 5 colors and allows you to view text messages, answer calls, control music playback, or perform other basic functions without opening the case, the LG Tone Infinim Bluetooth stereo headset, and a foldable wireless charger.