LG's flagship mobile gadgets - the G2 smartphone and the G Pad 8.3 tablet - are great mobile devices that have fantastic screens, top-end cameras and ample processing power.
But making an impressive device is not enough to stand apart from the crowd in the ultra-competitive mobile phone market, which probably pushed LG Electronics Inc to make some bold design decisions in a bid to differentiate its G series from Samsung's Galaxy line and Apple's iPad Mini.
For the G2, which was released last month in the US, LG moved the power and volume controls to the back of the phone. For the G Pad, which goes on sale in the US next week, LG added a full HD screen.
The resolution on the G Pad's 21cm screen, measured diagonally, is better than Samsung's Galaxy Note 8.0 and Apple's iPad Mini, though Apple is expected to refresh its lineup next week.
Slightly smaller, 17.8cm tablets from Google and Amazon have full HD screens comparable to LG's.
LG's design choices set the G2 and the G Pad apart from "me, too" devices trying to catch up with Samsung and Apple, but they might also limit their appeal. The G2 has a 13.2cm screen.
Not everyone will be pleased with having to change the basic habits of smartphone operation, but after a couple of days it should become apparent that having a power button on the back makes it easier to use a big handset with one hand.
LG came up with a double-tap gesture to activate the phone, which is easier and quicker than pressing a home button and then sliding to unlock as with an iPhone 4S. The double-tap to start also applies to the G Pad.
LG replaced the physical home button on the front for the G2 and the G Pad with virtual buttons for back, home and menu actions when the screen is activated.
But the design elements that make the G2 and the G Pad different from rivals stopped there.
LG has packed the G2 with other features, but many of them are no better than what is already available.
For example, a feature called Task Slider allows multi-tasking by swiping the screen with three fingers to hide or reopen an application, but Android users are familiar with an extended press of the home button to bring up a list of applications in use, which is quick and more intuitive.
The G2 will be a great choice, but only for people who don't mind re-learning how to use a smartphone.
In the US, the G2 smartphone is available at $US200 ($A208.08) with a two-year service contract or $US600 ($A624.25) without a contract from a carrier.
While the US price has yet to be announced for the G Pad, the tablet is offered at 550,000 won ($A539,000) in South Korea.
By contrast, the iPad Mini sells for $US329 in the US, and the retail price for the Note is $US400. That full HD display makes the G Pad a couple of hundred dollars more expensive than other 21cm tablets.
It's a decent choice - for those willing to pay for the better screen.
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