As far as Google Play Edition devices go, we have atleast 5 or 6 including the now latest LG G Pad 8.3 GPE. The tablet was being rumoured for quite some time and now that its finally announced and available, we take it for a review and hope you join us. If at any point you want to read the original LG G Pad 8.3 review go here.
Hardware
The moment you turn on your G Pad 8.3 GPE, you'll notice a big difference in screen contrast and color reproduction, not necessarily a bad difference but something when compared to the original G Pad's screen. Thats probably because the latest G Pad is on Android 4.4 with an update to 4.4.2 releasing today, meaning you have the dark holo like feel from the very beginning. Jumping right at the specs, LG hasn't changed anything there either except for the fact that now the GPE has a complete jet-black front panel making it look like the tablet has a bigger screen that the original, which is not the case. With a 1.7Ghz Quad Core Snapdragon 600 Chipset, Adreno 320 GPU, 2GB RAM all packed into an 8.3 inch FULL HD 1920x1200 IPS LCD panel. The tablet has everything you need ranging from Bluetooth to Wi-fi 802.11 a/b/g/n. You get 16GB of internal storage and expandability upto 64GB via microSD card. Its a got a 5MP camera at the back with a 1.3MP in the front. MicroUSB port, Volume rockers are present on the bottom and sides respectively.
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Software
With stock Android 4.4 inside, your Google experience won't be much different than any other GPE device that's running Kitkat. When compared to the original G Pad, the GPE lacks the impressive QNotes and QRemote which come in handy many times but that's just what you are gonna have to deal with especially when you get it at a cheaper price. Other than that the GPE G Pad doesn't lag behind software updates like it richer counterpart. With Android 4.4.2 released today, you'll probably have it installed if you order one right now. One thing is for sure that GPE devices are guaranteed the software update crown right after the Nexus devices so if you love the latest stuff that Google brings you every 4 to 5 months (or longer) then this is the device for you. But if you want what LG offers with the original G Pad, we strongly recommend shelling some extra bucks for what its worth but no guarantee on an exact date when LG will be releasing the official Android 4.4 for the non-GPE tablet.
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Camera
When it comes to the camera, you have a pretty basic set of features that range from ISO, Exposure, timer etc but no flash. It kinda bugs me why provide a camera when you don't want to stick a flash with it. Someday my rant as well as others will be heard and LG will decide. Untill then you get a pretty good 5MP camera on the back that does 1080p @ 30fps with HDR Mode On/Off so that's good and a front facing 1.3MP that does 720p @ 30fps and can be used ofcourse for video chatting. One thing to keep in mind if you are hoping that this will help you scare of vampires when you go hunting at night(I don't recommend that you do) , well it won't since it doesn't carry a flash, just like its pricier brother.
Battery & Conclusion
Expect no miracles with the 4600mAh battery in the back but it should do great for a day's usage when used heavily and get more than 5 days of stand-by. Since LG's TouchWiz-style software additions were one of the sticking points in the original G Pad review and many others, I'm sure the G Pad 8.3 GPE will find at least a few fans among Android purists, especially since it looks like we won't be getting a new Nexus 10 this year. It's on the pricey side, $349 to be exact, especially when compared to Google's own Nexus tablets. But if you want its very specific screen size, expandable storage, and a clean AOSP experience, not to mention a safe bet on ROM developer support, I think it's a good pick.
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LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition - Full Tablet Specifications
| Specifications | LG G Pad 8.3 GPE |
|---|---|
| 2G Network | No |
| 3G Network | No |
| 4G Network | No |
| SIM | No Sim |
| Display Type | IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors |
| Display Size | 1920 x 1200 pixels, 8.3 inches (~285 ppi pixel density) |
| Features | 8.3mm Thickness, Aluminium body, Qualcomm Snapdragon krait 300 1.7Ghz Quad-Core Processor, Android OS v4.4.2 (Kitkat), 2 GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes, Practically Unlimited |
| Call Records | Yes, Practically Unlimited |
| Internal Memory | 16 GB Internal Storage, 2 GB RAM |
| Card Slot Memory | Yes, upto 64GB |
| GPRS | No |
| EDGE | No |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct |
| USB | Yes, microUSB v2.0 |
| Bluetooth | Yes, v4.0 with A2DP |
| 3G | No |
| Camera Primary | 5 MP, 2592х1944 pixels, autofocus, NO LED flash |
| Video | Yes, FUll HD Capture 1080p@30fps |
| Secondary | Yes, 1.2 MP |
| Sound Alert Type | Vibration, MP3, WAV ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
| 3.5mm jack | Yes |
| OS, CPU, Chipset, And GPU | Android OS v4.4.2 (Kitkat), Quad-Core 1.7 GHz Processor, Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 Chipset And Adreno 320 GPU |
| Messaging | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Mail, IM |
| Browser | HTML5 And Flash (Download From Outside) |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio with RDS |
| GPS | Yes, with A-GPS support |
| Java | Yes, via Java MIDP emulator |
| Colors | Black |
| Battery | Li-Po 4600 mAh battery |
| Talktime | Not Available |
| Standby | Not Available |
| Price | $349, can be bought from the Google PlayStore |
Author : Nadeem Ansari
Designation: Senior Editor
Bio: A gadget freak who can't make a day without his tiny little toys and is constantly trying to keep himself up to date with the latest events in tech history. Loves to read and write articles.
Bio: A gadget freak who can't make a day without his tiny little toys and is constantly trying to keep himself up to date with the latest events in tech history. Loves to read and write articles.
