LG Optimus G for AT&T hands-on

Hard to imagine it, but the most premium offering from LG since the beginning of this year has been the LG Nitro HD, which was the first AT&T bound device from the manufacturer that carried along a snazzy 720p display. Call it a long wait or something else entirely, it’s soon going to be forgotten now that the mightier LG Optimus G is coming in the very near future.

Needless to say, there’s a lot of excitement and buzz surrounding this beauty, since it’s yet another premier Android powered smartphone coming to market. Already, we’ve gotten a good look at the international variant of the smartphone, but with AT&T’s offering, there are some notable changes that make it a bit different.

Honestly, it’s unknown why many devices overseas end up becoming lower grade versions of themselves when they’re released here, such as the case when many of the popular smartphones were outfitted with dual-core processors instead of quad-core ones. We won’t get into the specifics now on it, but you’ll see below in our slideshow what really stood out to us with AT&T’s version of the LG Optimus G. Regardless, it should no doubt fit in nicely with the carrier’s lineup, which is increasingly becoming stacked with plenty of high-end offerings.

Initial standouts with the LG Optimus G for AT&T

1. It’s sporting a lower 8-megapixel camera

2. Gorilla Glass 2 is all over this one

Adding some strength and durability to the handset’s design, its body is covered in Gorilla Glass 2 to ensure it’s going to be well protected from most things – though, it tends to get smudged very quickly with fingerprints and whatnot. With its durability, it’s nice to see that it’s still sporting a slim body since Gorilla Glass 2 is thinner, without any compromise to strength.

3. Speed demon with its quad-core CPU

Just like the international version, the AT&T LG Optimus G screams at a fanatical pace with its performance, thanks primarily to its quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 2GB of RAM. In fact, it performed effortless as we moved in and out of its homescreen, which is riddled with plenty of 3D transitions and effects.

4. Brilliant looking IPS-LCD screen

Being a high-end device and all, its 4.7” WXGA (768 x 1280) True HD IPS Plus display splashes plenty of character to the device. Catching our attention with its strong brightness output, wide viewing angles, and natural color reproduction, it’s sure to be one of the initial things to grab most people.

5. There’s no Crystal Reflection rear casing

Strangely, we’re told by the LG representative on hand that AT&T’s version of the LG Optimus G is lacking the company’s very own patented “Crystal Reflection” finish with its rear casing. Instead, it has a somewhat carbon fiber appearance to it. Indeed, it’s not a major downer, but it really makes us wonder why they decided to omit it.