User-friendly features in unique phone

The world of smartphones is so dominated by Samsung and Apple that we often forget that there are other smartphones with the same, or better, features.

South Korean brand LG has been offering some interesting, albeit largely unnoticed, smartphones. Its latest, the 5.2-inch G2, is unique in a number of ways.

All the buttons are at the back of the phone. The rear-keys approach was adopted after LG found that it was difficult to access the side buttons of a phone as they got larger. It does seem easier to use the back buttons for power, volume control, camera shutter, zoom and other functions.

Features include best-in-class power capacity (3,000mAh battery), 13MP rear camera (2.1MP front camera) with optical image stabiliser and multi-point autofocus, audio zoom, knock on (users can turn the device on or off by tapping the screen twice), Answer Me (this answers calls after lowering ringtone when phone is placed near the ear), Slide Aside (users can push open apps to the side with a three-finger swipe, thus freeing screen space to open more apps), and acting as a remote control for some LG devices.

The G2 comes with 32GB memory, but lacks a microSD slot. The operating system is the Android 4.2.2.

How much: $898, available here from Saturday, in white or black.

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