LG today announced a new variant of its flagship G3 smartphone, dubbed the G3 Stylus. As you would expect, it features stylus-enhanced functionality making it a device likely to rival Samsung's Galaxy Note range of smartphone/tablet crossover devices (AKA phablets).
The company will be debuting the device at IFA in Berlin which kicks off next week. The LG G3 Stylus will join the likes of the G3 Beat, and the G Vista in LG's lineup of G3 variations for 2014. The G3 Stylus will sport the same 5.5-inch sized display and 13MP rear-facing camera as the flagship G3. However, the front-facing camera is reduced from 2.1MP on the G3 to 1.3MP here, and there is also a downgrade in processor from G3's 2.5GHz Snapdragon 801 processor to an unnamed 1.3GHz quad-core SoC.
Other specs of the device include Android 4.4.2 KitKat OS, a 960x540 pixel 200ppi display, 8GB of memory expandable via microSD, 1GB RAM, a 3,000mAh battery, and dimensions of 149.3 x 75.9 x 10.2mm, weighing in at 163g. Due to slight step-down in specs compared to the original G3, primarily the screen resolution, processor and the amount of RAM and built-in storage, the G3 Stylus looks like a fairly mid-range handset.
LG is boasting that the device will have an "exceptional price", and the stylus is said to be "perfect for effortless jotting, doodling and sketching with precision". This largely indicates that it will undercut the price of Samsung's Galaxy Note 4, which is also set to be unveiled at IFA. Moreover the specs suggest that it should undercut any new Samsung Galaxy Note by quite a margin.
Initial target markets are those that are often associated with budget and entry level smartphones. The G3 Stylus will start shipments in Brazil in September, followed by countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. However, a US and/or Europe launch has yet to be detailed. More information about the pricing, specifications, and availability of the handset should be forthcoming at IFA. (As will LG's new round faced smartwatch)
