Specs: 13MP, 2GB internal RAM, 32GB internal ROM, Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2, Snapdragon S4 Pro Processor, Quad Core 1.5Ghz

Overview: Korean underdogs LG look to stick it to poster-boy rivals Samsung with a super phone that challenges the Galaxy SIII in terms of multi-tasking capabilities and speed.
(+) The rapid Snapdragon S4 Pro Processor has been proven to outrun numerous competitors by a mile.
(+) Its QSlide Function allows not just screens of two applications to be shown at once, but also in their entirety.
(+) There are slick tricks you can pull off with the Dual Screen Dual Play capability, such as reading song lyrics off the phone while it screens the music video on TV.
(+) Critics of the Super AMOLED display (us) will appreciate the Optimus G’s more natural screen.
(+) The phone is also protected by the fiercely robust Corning Gorilla Glass 2, but why not the Glass 3?
(-) The 13MP camera lets you capture fast-moving objects without all the normal blur using its simple yet ingenious Smart Shutter technology, but the camera is not great in low-light conditions.
(-) The phone’s ability to take a photo whenever someone says “cheese”, “smile”, “LG” or “kimchi” might yield more snorts than wows.
(-) While it’s slightly smaller than most smartphones, the Optimus G is a little big-boned at 145g.

Verdict: Features like Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2 exemplify LG’s commendable but not really good enough push to finish ahead of its rivals. As Samsung has just announced the Galaxy S4, we’d rather hold our breath.

B19,900 from Samsung and all major electronics retailers.