As a busy mom, my smartphone is attached to my hip. I might as well refer to it as my fourth child. Not only do I use it to keep organized but also to stay sane. It’s my outlet to the outside world; it’s what I do on my “down-time” (aka when I try to sneak to the bathroom alone for a few moments of peace and quiet). It’s also my secret weapon to combat my kids’ boredom and tantrums when all else fails or when I’m short a hand (with three boys, that’s always). It’s my most important daily accessory. Since I rely on my smartphone for so much, not just any smartphone will do. It’s the one thing I’m extremely picky about when normally, I’m even keel about everything else.
A year ago, I got to test out two different smartphones along with with my existing one. One of those phones was the LG G2. It was the one I selected to keep and use, giving away the rest. As luck would have it, a few months ago I dropped my G2 on the ground and it broke. Yes, I dropped it and it broke; Of course, it never breaks when my kids drop it, go figure. I digress. It was such an amazing phone that I didn’t want to settle for any of the other phones that I already owned. That’s why I was thrilled to try out the new LG G3 phone. Overall, I love that it has all of the features that I previously enjoyed on the G2 but tons of new features as well. Here are some of my favourite aspects that I think most other parents could use and love as well.
Camera
Picture Quality
I’m going to say it upfront. A smartphone’s camera is ultimately my key decision factor when selecting a phone. That’s how I ultimately choose to use the LG G2 over the other phones that I had. I even gave away my other two smartphones because I knew that I wouldn’t use them due to the camera quality. The camera’s 13 Megapixel sensor is almost as high as most digital cameras but just as amazing to the naked eye. The phone’s camera comes with image stabilization and laser auto focus which is ideal for fast moving kids, which is exactly what I need for my constantly moving boys. You can take a picture much quicker on this phone compared to others to ensure you capture the moment. What parent wouldn’t love that feature?
Selfies
If you love taking selfies (of you alone or with your kids), this is the camera for you. The screen illuminates, providing both a flash option (perfect for night shots or dark settings) and a soft light for your face. Hello!!!….anyone for a flawless look at all times? Another great feature as part of the “selfie” mode is the ability to take a picture by the use of a hand gesture instead of actually touching the phone. This is a total game changer! All you have to do is put up your hand until the camera detects it and a box appears on the screen and then make a fist to take a photo. It’s so easy to use even my four year old son can do it!
Screen size
The phone’s big (but not enormous), 5.5″ Quad HD display is perfect for viewing those quality pictures of your family. It’s also great for when my kids use the phone to play their games or watch their shows on.
Smart Notice / Cleaning
The Smart Notice feature is a great new feature that provides you with some great information and tips to keep you organized and to help your phone’s longevity. For example, an alert will pop up to let you know that rain is expected at night, so you might want to bring an umbrella with you. It also alerts you when your battery is low and reminds you to call back your missed calls. Smart cleaning helps you clear up space on your phone by letting you know which apps haven’t been used in a while and recommending that you remove them.
Battery Life
Compared to most of the other android phones that I have used or tested in the past, I have to say that the LG G3 has one of the longest lasting batteries. As mentioned above, my smartphone is my outlet to the outside world, so this is definitely important to me, especially when I’m on the road and rely on it for directions or to stay in touch with my husband, or to take pictures of my kids to ensure I capture our fun times together.
Some of the other nice to have features include:
1. Knock Code. Instead of a password, you can use a knock code to turn the phone on.
2. Guest mode. Perfect for when you lend your phone to your kids. Simply set a guest knock code and your kids will only have access to those apps that you have chosen. This ensures that they won’t place an unwanted call or send e-mails to your boss or clients
3. Smart keyboard. The LG G3 keyboard analysis the way you type and automatically adjusts the keyboard size to help you type more efficiently.
GIVEAWAY
I’m sure that by now, I have you all running out the door to go pick up the new LG G3 smartphone. Luckily, one of you can own one for FREE. That’s right! Together with my friends at LG Canada, I am giving away an LG G3 Smartphone valued at $700. Enter the giveaway via Rafflecopter below (please give it a few seconds to load). Contest is open to Canadians (excludes Quebec) and ends Wednesday November 19, 2014. Good-luck!
Disclosure: I am part of the Mom Central Canada LG G3 Blogger Campaign and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.
UglyMummy (@Uglymummy) says
i like the guest mode that i would use for the kids so they don’t get into things they shouldn’t lol
Andrea B. says
The guest mode is my favorite because I sometimes let my kids use my phone to play games on and I like to play things on the safe side. Thank you for the opportunity!
Suzanne Giroux says
I think the Smart Notice would be my favourite. I like the that you get reminded to return missed calls as I often forget to do so. I also like how it lets you know which apps you have not used lately and you may want to get rid of them as my phone is full of apps and I find I never get around to going through them to delete unused ones.
Lori R Jackson says
Loving the camera! The fact that it takes a picture…the fact that I just use my hand is a genius invention!
M Gibb says
I love Guest mode
Brenda Penton says
My favourite feature is the Selfie feature for the front facing camera. That is my biggest pet peeve with my current phone…selfies that are too dark or grainy. Any the fact that you can use gestures?! So nice!
lori b says
it would be the camera function
JaimeeM says
Cameraaaaa and I dont owna smartphone, or a cell phone at all so I think I like the entire idea of having one haha
Jody D says
I love the screen size! They really have it over the competition don’t they?
christinetopley says
Love the Guest Mode and the long battery life!!!
mongupp says
Taking a selfie with your hand gesture sounds neat! I also like that it has a long battery life.
Darrah Bailey says
Long battery life sounds AWESOME.. lol
Christina B. says
The smart keyboard! That seems really cool to me! Plus anything is better then my old cell phone with the lousiest battery! :p
Belinda Swim says
The camera sounds like it would be much easier to take selfies and I do take a lot of them lol
sandra dooley lefebvre says
Battery life is important to me… hate phones that are constantly having to be charged after using a few of the apps
Erin McSweeney says
the longer battery life would be awesome, i hate how quickly my cellphone drains right now.
Erika Letson says
I think the Knock Code feature is my favourite!
Angela Mitchell says
The picture quality of this phone would be the most important feature for me as well. I currently have an ancient phone that I can’t take any pictures with and I’d love to be able to catch those spur of the moment photos of the kids.
tammy harrison says
The longer battery life would be a huge feature that I would really like!
Cheryl Almas says
The camera sounds like it’s great for taking selfies.
Anne Taylor says
The camera sounds amazing and I’m going to be taking lots of pics soon when my grandson is born in March! This phone would be perfect for mThanks!e!
Cheryl says
The screen size, seems perfect
josephine evans says
I love the guest mode and the selfie feature!
Krista M says
The hand gesture for the camera is a great idea & I love the large screen size. I only have a tiny old flip-phone with zero features so this would be amazing to own.
kristen visser says
the guest mode is such a great idea!! my daughter always has my phone
Pat Drouillard says
the camera, love pictures that turn out nice
michelle tremblett says
I love the camera, I don’t use a digital camera so I really rely on a great phone camera, also I love the guest mode, awesome !
Judy Cowan says
I love the quality of the camera. My current camera takes terrible pictures so I never use it so it would be nice to have a phone with a great camera. I also think that the Knock Code is a nice feature.
SueSueper says
I think GUEST MODE is perfect. Often people want to check out the phone or make a quick call. This sounds like a great feature.
Nancy J Montgomery says
One feature I really like is the automatic adjustment of keyboard size. What will they think of next?
Manuel Vizcaya (@MARIOLOIS) says
I like that the phone’s camera comes with image stabilization. My pictures are normally jittery.
SweetPanda says
I love the Smart Notice feature! It will certainly make my life easier!
Vinma Joseph (@amomlessmom) says
Awesome! I really want to win this. Your pics looks great and camera quality is something I would look for when purchasing a new phone!
JusticeSadie (@JusticeSadie) says
i like the guest mode BRILLIANT! Thanks for the chance.
Florence C says
The keyboard size would be a big advantage for me.
christinadragan says
I like how it helps you save battery life by removing apps that you no longer use. I think thats so clever.
Natasha says
Battery life!!!
Florence C says
The Keyboard size is big factor for me.
nomnombearinyvr says
I love the quality of the pictures with this camera on the phone!!
Jeannie Lam
sarah jackson says
I really have to say I like the idea of long lasting battery life , I find my phone dies way too quickly
Nicole VanderHeide says
Camera…always the camera!
Silvia D says
The feature of the phone I really like is the camera, the Picture Quality! Impressive for a phone!
loriag says
The 5.5″ Quad HD display is my fav feature from your review.
Amy Heffernan says
LOVE the HD quality!
Chris Stockford (@ONPStockford) says
Battery life and big screen
BlessedTA says
The camera
hmrcarlson says
The Picture Quality looks amazing. I have yet to have owned a phone that takes good photos.
edmontonjb says
I love the idea of the Guest Mode
Jonnie
tamar says
Wow! Many of the features you listed sound great! I also think the camera in a phone is a very important feature.
Jasen H says
The battery life! I’m tired of having to constantly recharge things so often!
Steph Bkn says
Love the camera with laser zoom feature and the screen size!
Chris says
Battery life & HD screen!
Michael says
Battery life is SO important for someone like me who always forgets to charge it…
Nicole King says
I love that it has a guest mode and knock code!
Lisa Neutel says
I love the screen size and the awesome camera
Julie Knight says
Guest mode sounds great and the camera!
Viv Sluys says
I love the guest feature. I let my kids use my phone and sometimes apps get opened that they don’t need to be using (like Facebook and then they accidentally post gibberish!)
nicolthepickle says
My favourite feature is the good camera on it. So much better than my dinky phone.
zahra premji says
I love the camera and the battery life. I don’t like having to find a charging station during the day so a phone that can let me use it all day and not need to be recharged until bedtime is awesome!
elaing8 says
I like the long battery life.
Holly Messana says
THe smart keyboard sounds like a great feature!
Josh S says
The camera sounds amazing for a phone. Would love to test it out.
Eva Mitton-Urban says
Hands on parent – Communication is key with my 10 year old son Evan, so setting a guest knock code and allowing access to the apps that I have chosen. Sign of the times….allow more freedom – but be wise enough to be Parent Aware.
Eva Mitton-Urban
Lisa McLain says
Love the camera !!!!
kathy downey says
I have never owned a phone,but the Smart Notice would be my favorite.
Jennifer P. says
The Guest mode is my favourite feature. I don’t have a smart phone yet, but if I ever get one I think I would definitely like this kind of feature so that if my kids got a hold of my phone they would only be able to access things I wanted them to. Thanks for the chance!
409cope says
I like that it uses a knock code.
Ayelet says
Love the selfie option!
Amirah says
Guest mode and the camera are my favorite features 🙂
Kati says
Best feature for me would be the camera. I always taking pictures!
Stacey Dempsey says
I would have to say the camera is my favorite feature for sure
jenny (@jnylala) says
My favourite feature is definitely the 13 megapixel sensor camera. Your photos look amazing! I’d love to be able to share good quality photos instantly with my friends and family around the country! No more crappy low-resolution grainy pics for us! 😉
Juliee Fitze says
I like the smart keyboard , I need the bigger keyboard.
Suzie M says
I like the camera function, always something I look for
whatiadore says
The picture quality would probably be my number one. My phone is old so the pixel power is no where near the new phones these days!
Becky Best says
I love the long battery life, who wouldn’t?!? LOL
Victoria Ess says
I love the great camera, which puts my current smartphone to shame.
Bonnie Way says
The camera mode sounds great! I take a lot of pictures on my regular camera so I’d probably take even more if I had a phone! Plus I like guest mode – I’m really careful about letting my kids use technology so that sounds great. Thanks for sharing!
Wendy hutton says
the camera is my favorite feature
Katharine W says
Probably the 5.5″ Quad HD display… would be neat for viewing movies too.
Lee-Ann says
Love, love that camera! (Which is basically all I use my phone for.hahahahah)
billiondollarprincesss says
I think the guest mode and the camera are the best features.
SUMMER PLEWES says
The automatic size adjusting keyboard and the camera are my favorite features from the review.
Mark V. says
Love the simple hand gestures to take a picture.
Alayne Langford says
Love the camera and all of its features, LG really knows how to make a dynamic product! 🙂
kristineewald says
The guest mode is awesome
Kim DeCoste says
Long battery life
binabug says
for me it would be the camera 🙂
Lori JB says
The long battery life is great!
Tricia Cooper says
I’m with you — picture quality is key for me as well!
Bev says
The Smart cleaning is definitely useful! My phone gets full quickly!
mrdisco1 says
the long lasting battery is my fav feature
karinespace says
I love the big 5.5″ Quad HD screen
ZJ says
Love the guest mode “feature”! It never occurred to me to have such a feature but I can just sense the benefit two fold – you protect the device from a child accessing other apps/features, the child can only access meant for him or her, and if you’re busy, the child can enable and operate the device himself or herself and without needing to ask a grown up to do it.
Hiba says
13 Megapixel!!!! That’s insane! Much better than the iPhone! I use my phone for all pictures, even in vacation! I take a lot of food pics and selfies. And when it comes to food pics, you need great focus and that’s what I love the most about what you wrote about this phone!
Brandy says
I would love the Guest Mode and the Knock Code. They sound awesome.
Davindra says
The battery life is most impressive
Sara Rai says
The camera is tempting lol.
Amie says
I love the smart keyboard ! I always have problems texting 🙂
ginette4 says
For me it would be the camera feature..my phone is so old and the picture quality isn’t so good
Nic says
I love the Guest mode option!
Tracey says
The guest mode would be extremely helpful!
rebby says
The front camera with Selfie feature…maybe I can finally take a decent selfie!!
andrea amy (@mommy2fiveboys) says
The longer battery life 🙂
sojeles says
Definitely the selfie option for group family photos…i would love that !
Darlene says
I love the screen size and the long lasting battery life. I have wanted a smart phone for a long time.
Wayne Lecoy says
I am entering your giveaway.
It would be great to win the LG G3 smartphone.
In response to your question of
Based on my review of the LG G3 phone, which of the features that I mentioned is your favourite?
My favourite feature is the Guest mode and i like that it has a 5.5″ Quad HD display.
Thank you for having this giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lisa bolduc says
What’s not to like about it. I really love the guest feature part. My son would love that part too
Rene says
I really like the idea of Guest Mode – but all the features sound fantastic. Great review!
Tammy (@inRdream) says
Smart notice is so cool! I love that your phone notifies you of the weather, haha! I have to say the Selfie mode is a sure winner. I cannot tell you how many times I wish a hand gesture would take the picture. the size is something I love! I have a Samsung note and size is not a matter, but I need a camera I can trust. I think the LG G3 has the camera this busy mom of 4 needs!
tanyab79 says
Guest mode and the battery life are my favourite feature and the big screen doesn’t hurt. 🙂
Soozle says
I really love the idea of guest mode!
Courtney says
Definitely the camera! It`s a must for a phone
Rachel says
Smart note sounds like my kind of feature…for the person who needs information and likes to be prepared!
Lindsay Cyr says
My favorite feature is definitely the camera, it sounds amazing!
Lori bazan says
The LG G3 has LTE data speeds, a great camera, and fantastic screen size. I would love to own this!
Tina F says
Mine would be the camera function and screen size.fingers are crossed
Treen Goodwin says
I love the screen size and the camera sound amazing thanks for the chance 🙂
Crystal Sell says
I like the guest mode. I have never heard of a setting like that. I also love how long the battery seems to last. Seems like every phone I’ve ever had it never has enough battery life in it!
Devora says
Love the picture quality and size!!
Michelle Policelli says
I love the Guest Mode and the long battery life 🙂
jenny says
the clock on the back
Carol M (Lushka S) says
The automatic size adjusting keyboard sounds like a great feature
jessica s says
guest mode! my kid always wants on my phone and ‘accidentally’ calls people. love that feature!
eirra h. says
I love the smart notice feature and long battery life
julie bolduc says
I love the quality of the camera
Bailey Dexter says
There are so many wonderful perks but my favourites are the guest mode and the keyboard option
seham merzib says
I like Guest mode
Gian says
Screen size because it’s all about the pixels.
Josephine Rose (@josie_kitten) says
would love to win! thanks for the chance!
Elizabeth Vlug says
I love that the LG G3 has one of the longest lasting batteries. Nothing worse than no battery. And it happens to me all the time with my ancient cell. Thanks for the giveaway.
Christina says
Other then the incredible camera, the screen, the button on the back and finally guest mode.. great for the kiddos!
Sunshine G says
I like the camera – most of my photos now are on my phone.
nicole jean says
picture quality
Athena says
The camera
Lucy says
I love the camera
Kevin Vancity (@KevinVancity) says
The guest mode is my favourite
Karry Knisley says
I would have to say the guest mode. It is an awesome feature. I would rather be safe than sorry.
Tina L. says
I love the guest mode.
Michelle Michaud says
Love the screen size and the camera of course, love taking pics of my granddaughter!
angela m says
I love the camera , I love that you just make a hand gesture for it to take selfies.
Nicole B says
The guest mode for the kids!
monicamiller105 says
The camera for sure. I hate that the iPhone has a decent camera on the back and a crappy one on the front 🙁
Rochel S says
The screen size and the quality of the pictures is amazing!
sunshine h says
All of them. I don’t have a smart phone yet and it all seems very exciting. It would be especially nice to be able to take pictures whenever I wanted.
missbobloblaw says
Love the camera (and the Knock Code feature….shave and a haircut….)
Jodi Brown says
Sounds like the LG G3 has one wicked good camera!
jenny says
Definitely the longer battery life…i feel like I am always looking for an outlet to charge my phone
Erika Cochran says
I love the Guest Mode feature, makes it perfectly safe for my 7 year old to use!
Erin W says
I love the picture quality of this phone, plus the fact that you can take selfies with a hand gesture! So smart.
AlexConde (@AlexConde) says
Battery life is such a ridiculously key feature for me. The best phone in the world is only as good as it’s battery life. I like the sounds of this phone.
Darlene Schuller says
I love that smart notice feature but battery life is for sure #1 priority!
Cathy C says
I love the Knock Code and the picture quality so I can use it for blog pics
candice k says
love the Guest mode feature!
Gillian Morgan says
I like the guest mode feature.
sarah w says
I love the camera feature…my current phone camera is only 2mp and takes very poor, grainy pics! I would love to upgrade my old phone.
Yuen C says
My favourite is the camera
Lisa says
I’m loving the guest mode, screen size and long battery life! 🙂
DP says
Great phone.. thanks for the giveaway
wobbles13 says
battery life is very important!
Stephanie LaPlante says
I have 3 favorite features. The Knock Code is by far the coolest thing ever. I’ve never ever even heard of that before. Long battery life would be great. Our current phone dies within 12 hours dropping 5% every time you look at it. Lastly, the camera! Extremely handy!
Neil T says
Have to go with the 13MP camera. As the old saying goes, the best camera is the one you have with you. And you always have your cell phone with you. So that’s why its important to me.
sschool2010 says
Long life battery as I always seem to forget to charge my electronics! (Suzi)
Kristi Renout says
I love the camera!
Jolie says
The Selfie feature hands-down. My daughter loves to take selfies and would surely appreciate it.
kittypride says
The Keyboard adjusting to typing style sounds neat
Francine says
I like the guest mode
Andrew P (@apham17) says
The 13MP Camera is my fav feature
Marla says
I like the smart notice
Noelle says
Definitely the Guest mode. That’s awesome!!!
Krista Embertson says
Wow Guest mode!
Journeys of The Zoo says
Love the Knock Code. I can never remember my password. And the picture quality if tops! My phone is cracked so I’m definitely in the market for one that will withstand the “love” of two five-year olds. Quite a tall order.
Besos, Sarah
Journeys of The Zoo
Sherry Haydon says
I really like the long battery life.
Bree says
The camera is the best feature! It is also the first thing I look at when checking out phones!
kathryn says
I need a camera on my phone so this is the most appealing feature for me
Megan says
Love the guest pass idea. That would make life so much easier, and I would not have to worry about kids getting in to things that they shouldn’t!
Chandra Christine O'Connor says
the camera function since I dont own a camera
SandyT (@sassygirlcanada) says
The fabulous camera and HD quality!
Kristy Short says
The guest mode sounds amazing
Karla Sceviour says
I love the camera feature.,,I actually don1`t own a cell phone at all,,so this would be great! 🙂
Marlene says
Camera, screen size
Gene D says
The Guest Mode.
truckerofbc says
Battery Life is huge for me as i am in the truck and mobile upwards of 14 hours a day and having no battery would suck in my job
Doris Calvert says
The camera looks amazing and the long battery life is a bonus!
Abel Belay says
I love the guest access and the battery life
aly3360 says
the Battery Life if my favorite feature that you mentioned. I always feel like my devices die way to quickly from day to day. Maybe it’s me and maybe it’s them, but i’ll take your word on this one and I’d love to give ‘er a try.
– Amber Y
homewithaneta says
Guest mode would have to be the kicker for me!
Bons says
I love the camera feature. My current phone doesn’t have high MP so a phone with higher picture quality would be great!
Vanessa Grillone says
The great battery life! Not a lot of phones can last a full day anymore!
Lorraine says
Would say the larger screen, my kids keep saying I’m getting old so I need everything lager so I can see it lol
Aeryn Lynne says
Absolutely love the guest mode option on their LG G2, but can’t help but hope that its improved a bit in the G3. We use it often with our nephew, so that he can play Angry Birds without us having to worry that he’ll accidentally call someone long distance when he’d rather explore my phone, lol. One of the few small things that we wanted to change about that guest mode was the background. I know its such a small thing, but the unchangeable default background was still sorta distracting, LOL.
Tennille says
The camera and screen size are also important to me and it sounds like they both were good!
Tracy D says
The quality of the camera seems so much better than my current phone. Thanks for the giveaway!
bailey says
battery life! a huge issue with my current iphone 🙁
Tammy Dalley says
I love the camera function!
Wai Wai says
I love the HD camera and its feature
Joyce says
I need a phone with a big clear screen…which is the G3
Eldon says
My fav is the camera!