LG Trims Features in Latest Phones, Puts Focus on Cameras, Displays

LG also announced a premium Tone Platinum Bluetooth headset and a case for the not-so-secret LG G5 smartphone that is expected to launch at Mobile World Congress.

The new Stylus 2 features a 5.7-inch HD touch-screen display, a 1.2GHz quad-core processor and 1.5GB of LPDDR3 memory, as well as 16GB of onboard storage and a microSD slot for expanded storage. The phone also includes a 13-megapixel rear camera and an 8MP front camera, a 3,000mAh removable battery, LTE, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, and the Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system.

The LG Stylus 2 also includes a built-in stylus for writing on the device’s screen, as well as a pop-up on-screen message to remind users to return the stylus to its storage bay when they are finished using it. The handset, which comes in Titan Black, White or Brown, is 6.1 inches long, 3.13 inches wide and 0.29 inches thick and weighs 5.11 ounces.

The new LG X cam phone includes a 5.2-inch full HD curved glass display, a 1.14GHz octa-core processor, 2GB of memory, 16GB of onboard storage and a 2,520mAh battery. The phone also has dual 13MP and 5MP rear cameras and an 8MP front camera, and runs on the Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system. The phone will come in Titan Silver, White, Gold or Pink Gold colors.

The LG X screen handset features a 4.93-inch HD main touch-screen display as well as a 1.76-inch second always-on LCD display that can show users frequently used information. The X screen also includes a 1.2GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of memory, 16GB of onboard storage, a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. Additionally, the handset has a 2,300mAh battery, runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and comes in Black, White or Pink Gold colors.

The X cam (left) and the X screen handsets are aimed at consumers who aren’t interested in a fully loaded smartphone, but who want a device with a nice display or camera. The X series devices will make their debut in markets in Asia, Europe and Latin America starting in March, though there’s no word as to whether the handsets will make it to North American stores.

LG’s latest Tone Platinum Bluetooth headset is its most premium version yet thanks to a partnership with Harmon Kardon and a balanced armature design to minimize distortion. The headphones use an aluminum earphone housing for better sound performance and feature an aptX HD Audio Codec to deliver CD-quality audio over Bluetooth and dual noise-canceling microphones for clearer calls even in noisy environments. The device will be available in the United States in March.

LG also will show off its new Quick Cover case for its rumored, but still unannounced LG G5 smartphone. The Quick Cover includes a new feature that allows users to take calls and control alarm settings without opening the case. Users also can check the time, date and notifications on the always-on display of the upcoming G5 phone while the cover is closed. The cover has a glossy metallic finish to look good with the rumored phone.