The LG G3 was a flagship in its time, boasting a stunning display and powerful processor. The LG G360, however, remains a largely unknown quantity. This comparison dives deep into what we know about these two devices, exploring their strengths and weaknesses for those considering a retro Android experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The LG G3 (CDMA) is the clear winner due to its documented specs and proven performance. The LG G360's lack of readily available information makes it a risky choice. If you want a reliable, albeit older, Android phone, the G3 is the safer bet.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - VS985, LS990 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO - VS985 | - |
| 4G bands | 4, 13 - VS985 | - |
| EDGE | - | Yes |
| GPRS | - | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps (LS990)LTE Cat4, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps (VS985) | - |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM |
| | 25, 26, 41 - LS990 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, July. Released 2014, July | 2015, June. Released 2015, July |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 146.3 x 74.7 x 8.9 mm (5.76 x 2.94 x 0.35 in) | 108 x 58 x 19.5 mm (4.25 x 2.28 x 0.77 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 149.7 g (5.29 oz) | 125 g (4.41 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~538 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~133 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 82.2 cm2 (~75.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.0 inches, 27.9 cm2 (~44.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | True HD-IPS + LCD | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400 | - |
| Chipset | Qualcomm MSM8975AC Snapdragon 801 (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | Adreno 330 | - |
| OS | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to 6.0 (Marshmallow) | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32MB 8MB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| | eMMC 5.0 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Laser AF, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, panorama, HDR | - |
| Single | 13 MP, 1/3.0", PDAF, OIS | 1.3 MP |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, HDR, stereo sound rec. | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2.1 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 2.1, EDR |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS/ S-GPS (VS985) | No |
| Radio | FM radio (LS990 model) | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 (SlimPort), OTG | microUSB 1.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | Yes |
| Java | - | Yes, MIDP 2.1 |
| Messaging | - | SMS, MMS, Email |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | - |
| | - | MP3/MP4/AAC/H.263 player
Oraganizer
Photo viewer
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 415 h (3G) | Up to 470 h |
| Talk time | Up to 18 h 40 min (3G) | Up to 20 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 950 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Metallic Black, Silk White (Verizon), Shine Gold (Sprint) | Wine Red |
| Price | About 300 EUR | About 110 EUR |
LG G3 (CDMA)
- Excellent Quad HD Display
- Powerful Snapdragon 801 Processor
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
- Large User Base & Support (relatively)
- Good Value for Money
- CDMA Only (limited carrier compatibility)
- Older Software (security updates likely ceased)
- Battery life can be average with heavy use
LG G360
- Potentially Lower Price (if found)
- Compact Size (likely)
- Extremely Limited Information Available
- Likely Lower Performance
- Unknown Camera Quality
- No Software Updates
- Difficult to Find Parts/Support
Display Comparison
The LG G3 (CDMA) featured a 5.5-inch Quad HD (2560 x 1440) IPS LCD display, a remarkable resolution for its time. The LG G360 likely had a lower resolution display, potentially HD or slightly above, based on typical specs for similarly priced phones of that era. The G3's higher pixel density would result in a sharper, more detailed image.
Camera Comparison
The LG G3 (CDMA) had a 13MP rear camera with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and a 2.1MP front camera. The LG G360's camera specifications are unknown, but it's reasonable to assume it was a lower-resolution sensor with fewer features. Image quality would likely be significantly better on the G3.
Performance
The LG G3 (CDMA) was powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset with a 2.5 GHz Quad-Core Krait 400 CPU. This provided excellent performance for its time. The LG G360 likely used a less powerful processor, potentially a Snapdragon 400 series or MediaTek equivalent, resulting in noticeably slower performance, especially with modern apps.
Battery Life
The LG G3 (CDMA) had a 3000mAh battery. The LG G360 likely had a smaller battery capacity, potentially around 2500mAh, given its likely lower power consumption due to less powerful components. However, the G3's higher resolution display and processor would have demanded more power.
Buying Guide
The LG G3 (CDMA) is ideal for Android enthusiasts seeking a classic experience with a decent screen and performance. It's a good option for those on a tight budget who need a functional phone. The LG G360 is only recommended for dedicated collectors or those willing to take a significant gamble on an unknown device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What does CDMA mean and why is it important?
CDMA is a cellular technology. The LG G3 (CDMA) only works on CDMA networks like Verizon or Sprint. If you're on a GSM network (like AT&T or T-Mobile), it won't work.
❓ Is the LG G3 (CDMA) still worth buying in 2024?
It can be a fun retro phone for enthusiasts, but be aware of its age and lack of software updates. It's a good budget option if you need a basic Android phone and can find one that's in good condition.
