Japanese carrier today announced the launch of its first smartphone with a WQHD display. Known as the LG isai FL (model number LGL24), it is unlikely to launch anywhere but Japan. It remains of interest because it may well be our first concrete look at what LG has in mind for the upcoming LG G3. For example, it effectively confirms that it will come with a WQHD display.
LG last year unveiled the LG G2 in August. In October, KDDI unveiled the LG isai (model number LGL22) which was effectively a rebranded LG G2. It appears that LG has taken the same approach this year with the exception that the LG isai FL was announced first this time. At the same time, LG is likely to have a saved a few surprises for the LG G3. Among them could be the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor (none is listed for the LG isai FL), more RAM and even a metal body.
LG isai FL specifications:
- Operating system: Google Android 4.4 KitKat
- Cellular connectivity: LTE
- Other connectivity: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC
- Display: 5.5-inch WQHD (2560×1440 / 538PPI) AH-IPS LCD
- RAM: 2GB
- Internal storage: 32GB
- External storage: MicroSDXC cards up to 128GB
- Rear-facing camera: 13.2MP
- Front-facing camera: 1.3MP
- Battery: 3,000mAh
- Dimensions: 145 × 76 × 10.5 millimeters
- Weight: 160 grams
- Colours: White, Blue, Pink
- Other: Dust and waterproof (no IP rating provided)
The LG isai FL also comes with an updated interface. Among the new features is something called “Isai motion” and LG’s Knock Code feature. The former uses a shaking motion to trigger certain actions. For example, it can be used to launch an app. It can also be used within an app. For example, shaking the phone in the app launcher will change your wallpaper. It’s not quite the advanced personalization features we were expecting but those may have been saved for the LG G3.
The LG isai FL will launch in July. Pricing was not announced.
As for the LG G3, we expect that it will be unveiled on May 27 at a series of events.