LG Optimus G smartphone

Photo: LG전자 via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

LG

LG Optimus G

November 2012 8/10 Rating Updated
In brief: The LG Optimus G was a flagship Android smartphone released in late 2012, notable for being one of the first devices to feature a powerful quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor and 2GB of RAM. It boasted a 4.7-inch True HD IPS+ display and offered either an 8MP or 13MP main camera, depending on the market.
Display4.7-inch True HD IPS+ LCD (1280x768)
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro APQ8064
Main Camera13 MP or 8 MP (region dependent)
BatteryNon-removable Li-Po 2100 mAh
Starting from $23

💰 LG Optimus G Price

The LG Optimus G lowest price is $23, based on current retailer listings.

📌 Full Specifications

Display

TypeTrue HD-IPS + LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size4.7 inches, 62.9 cm2 (~69.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution768 x 1280 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~318 ppi density)
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 2

Platform

OSAndroid 4.0.4 (Ice Cream Sandwich), upgradable to 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean), 4.4.2 (KitKat)
ChipsetQualcomm APQ8064 Snapdragon S4 Pro
CPUQuad-core 1.5 GHz Krait
GPUAdreno 320

Memory

RAM2GB LPDDR2
Internal Storage16GB or 32GB
Card SlotmicroSDXC, up to 64GB (AT&T, Japan & Taiwan models only)

Main Camera

ModulesSingle
Resolution13 MP or 8 MP (market/carrier dependent)
FeaturesAutofocus, LED flash, BSI sensor, HDR, panorama, continuous shot, Time Machine Camera
Video1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera

Resolution1.3 MP
Video720p@30fps

Battery

TypeNon-removable Li-Po 2100 mAh (most variants)
Stand-byUp to 320 h (3G)
Talk timeUp to 15 h 30 min (3G)

Body

Dimensions131.9 x 68.9 x 8.5 mm (5.19 x 2.71 x 0.33 in)
Weight145 g (5.11 oz)
SIMMicro-SIM
BuildGlass front (Corning Gorilla Glass 2), glass back ('Crystal Reflection' finish), plastic frame

Comms

WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot
Bluetooth4.0, A2DP, LE
GPSYes, with A-GPS, GLONASS
NFCYes
RadioNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0, USB On-The-Go

Launch

AnnouncedSeptember 19, 2012
StatusDiscontinued

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Powerful quad-core processor for its release era
  • Vibrant and crisp True HD IPS+ display
  • Ample 2GB of RAM for smooth multitasking
  • Good battery life for talk time
  • Sleek and premium design with glass back

Cons

  • Non-removable battery for most variants
  • No microSD card slot on global models
  • Camera performance could be inconsistent between 8MP and 13MP variants
  • Glass back is prone to fingerprints
  • Launched with an older Android version (Ice Cream Sandwich)
★ Our Verdict

The LG Optimus G was a highly competitive flagship at its launch, offering cutting-edge performance and a premium display, despite minor drawbacks like regional camera variations and limited storage expansion on some models.

As a smartphone released in 2012, the LG Optimus G is now considered a vintage device and is not suitable for modern daily use in 2026. Its operating system is severely outdated, meaning it will not support current applications, security updates, or offer adequate performance for contemporary tasks. For collectors or enthusiasts of smartphone history, it represents a significant model from its era. If purchasing, do so for its historical value rather than practical functionality, and be aware that finding replacement parts or technical support will be extremely challenging.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • LG Optimus G smartphone
  • Stereo headset with in-ear headphones
  • Wall charger
  • MicroUSB cable
  • SIM card ejection tool
  • Quick start guide

LG typically provides a 1-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship for its smartphones.

❓ Questions & Answers

When was the LG Optimus G released?

The LG Optimus G was officially announced on September 19, 2012, and began its release in November 2012, with availability starting November 2nd and 11th, respectively.

What operating system did the LG Optimus G run?

It initially launched with Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich and was later upgradable to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and eventually Android 4.4.2 KitKat.

Does the LG Optimus G have a microSD card slot?

Only specific regional variants, such as those for AT&T, Japan, and Taiwan, included a microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 64 GB. Global models did not feature this option.

What was the main camera resolution of the LG Optimus G?

The main camera resolution varied by market and carrier; some versions, like the Sprint model, featured a 13 MP camera, while others, such as the AT&T model, came with an 8 MP camera.

Is the LG Optimus G still a viable smartphone for daily use?

No, the LG Optimus G is an outdated smartphone from 2012. Its hardware and software are not compatible with modern applications and security standards, making it unsuitable for daily use in 2026.

What was notable about the LG Optimus G at its launch?

At its launch, the LG Optimus G was notable for being one of the first smartphones to integrate the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM, offering cutting-edge performance for its time.