Leave your glasses at home with LG's Optimus 3D Max (photos)

BARCELONA, Spain--It was just last year at Mobile World Congress when LG introduced the first Optimus 3D. Though reviews of that phone were ecstatic, LG is back for more with the Optimus 3D Max. Of course, it can shoot 3D photos and videos, and you won't need glasses to see the results.

Though we're still stuck with Gingerbread, the 3D Max is thinner and lighter than its predecessor and it has a faster processor (1.2GHz dual-core vs. 1GHz) and more memory. New features include support for NFC and 21Mbps HSPA+ networking.

When taking photos, there's a control in the top-left corner for switching between 2D and 3D shots. Though it's difficult to see here, objects appear to float slightly above the 4.3-inch WVGA display.

Of course, you can shoot 3D video, as well. This clip wasn't shot on the phone, but you can see here how there is depth between the church and the ground. It's subtle and nothing like watching a 3D film in a movie theater, but you can't miss it.

But regardless of whether you're using 3D, videos on the 3D Max are pretty.

In addition to the camera, the 3D MAX also supports 3D views in some features. To get started, just choose the app and add a 3D shortcut to the home screen.

The 3D gaming was pretty cool.

But the 3D Google Earth app was even better. Again, it's hard to really show the experience in a still photo.

To produce 3D, the Optimus 3D Max has two 5-megapixel cameras on its back.

The virtual keyboard isn't in 3D, but that's probably a good thing.

The Optimus 3D Max has a slick minimalist profile with few external controls.