The LG Optimus G Android phone
LG has today confirmed its flagship Optimus G smartphone will be sold exclusively through Telstra in Australia, but the device won't be available until March.
The 4G-capable smartphone, which is described by LG as a "premium flagship device", went on sale in Korea last September and launched in most other global markets late in 2012. However, the Australian launch has been delayed due to network testing requirements.
"We are very excited to announce our partnership with Telstra," said LG Australia's General Marketing Manager, Lambro Skropidis, in a media statement. "Telstra 4G is the perfect complement for the Optimus G, a smartphone that represents the very best that LG offers in innovation and technology."
The LG Optimus G has a 4.7in IPS screen and is powered by a 1.5GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 processor. It also has a 13-megapixel camera, 32GB of internal memory, 2GB of RAM and a large 2100mAh battery.
The Optimus G's specifications make it a high end device but most flagship smartphones set for release in 2013, including the upcoming Sony Xperia Z, will feature full HD 1080p displays, a feature the Optimus G can't boast. Further, a number of new smartphones are expected to be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) event at Barcelona in February, the world's largest exhibition for the mobile industry.
The Optimus G forms part of LG's plan to release at least four LTE smartphones in Australia by the early part of 2013. In May last year, LG's Australia's Head of Mobile Communications, Ben Glimmerveen, told PC World Australia the company admitted it had "dropped the ball" in smartphones but planned to make up for that with 4G devices.
Neither LG or Telstra have announced pricing for the Optimus G, but the telco says a "registrations of interest page" will soon be available on its website.
Related articles
• LG Optimus G preview
• 4G-capable Optimus G won't see light of day Down Under until 2013
• LG: We "dropped the ball" in smartphones
