LG Optimus 3D

The availability of 3D content is a big issue at the moment so the justification for purchasing a 3D device is, simply put, a way to future proof yourself. Content is however, on an express train to Delivery-town so the wait is not going to be too long. Thus 3D fans will be happy to know that LG’s Optimus 3D smartphone is on its way and should be here in just a couple of months. However, at a recent press conference showcasing LG’s latest line of Smart 3D TVs, I got an opportunity to check out the handset that also happened to be part of their experience zone. Here are my first impressions.

Design
I’ll be brutally honest here - I’m not too thrilled with the design as it’s quite generic as high-end smartphones go. Not like the Xperia Arc or the Incredible S that do have that certain flair about them. The Optimus 3D’s most unusual feature are the dual camera cameras at the rear with an LED flash in between. Touch sensitive keys are located below the rather impressive looking glassless 3D ready display. The 4.3-inch LCD panel features a 480 x 800 pixel resolution with 16 million colors and is as sharp as it is bright. Even in the psychedelic glare of the colorful lights at the display, the screen was easily visible.

At just 11.9mm in depth it’s slim phone but a bit on the heavy side, weighing in at about 168 grams. On the right hand side is where you’ll find a micro USB port which is almost attached to the HDMI out port. 3D content can easily be viewed on supported TV’s or monitors via this channel but you will of course need the glasses for viewing.

Like I said, it might not have a design that you’d go crazy about but its USP is 3D content support.

Features
Products like the Optimus 3D mobile with its 3D rendering capabilities are going to be big when they’re launched. Since the whole 3D bug is already doing the rounds, the superb 3D UI and functionality of the handset to increase or decrease the level and depth of 3D (from every screen be it videos, images or games) will make this a hard handset to pass up. The fact that you have the option of easily switching to 3D and and so easily makes it quite appealing.

Playing games like Asphalt 6 and Nova on this large glass-less 3D display was quite an experience. Since you could reduce the level of 3D rendering, it was much easier on the eyes depending on the external lighting conditions. Games and even LG’s own Optimus 3D’s 3D media gallery and 3D UI are already in place for these products to showcase all kinds of preloaded goodies (hopefully). The YouTube 3D app will direct you to all the 3D content available on the web.