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5.9-inch LG G3 Screen is G3's octa-core cousin (hands-on)

With its new G3 variant, LG gets into octa-core chipsets and gives it customers a cheaper local offer.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
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Jessica Dolcourt
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The LG G3 Screen (right) dwarfs the 5.5-inch G3 flagship. Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

If it's a larger, cheaper version of the LG G3 you're looking for, turn your attention to the LG G3 Screen, a 5.9-inch Android device that also happens to run on LG's first proprietary octa-core chipset.

Called Nuclun (and pronounced NOO-klun), the LTE-A Category 6-capable phone pairs a 1.5GHz quad-core application processor (based on ARM Cortex-A15) with a less intensive 1.2GHz quad-core processor (based on ARM Cortex-A7) to carry out tasks.

LG told CNET in a demo that it wants to show off its exclusive and competitive in-house solution. More importantly for value-seekers, using its own product lets LG cut costs, since it can avoid buying a processor from vendors like Qualcomm.

What you get in the LG G3 Screen

The handset's nearly half-inch larger screen size and processor aren't the only differences between the G3 and the G3 Screen. It also has a 1080p HD display rather than the G3's Quad-HD 1,440-pixel resolution. Instead of using costly real metal, the G3 Screen employs black or white plastic with a brushed-metal coating.

LG G3 Screen is larger inside and out (pictures)

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Despite that, the phone still looks and feels pretty nice in the hand, and a curved backing helps make it more palm-friendly. The materials may not be as premium, but the plastic construction also helps keep the weight down. The G3 Screen's very large size will make it an impediment for some, since it overflows pockets and will seem large to smaller hands. Still, the size will satisfy those looking for an extra-large screen.

With a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 2.1-megapixel front-facing camera, the G3 Screen sports the same cameras, battery and laser-guided auto-focus as the G3. You'll find 32GB of internal storage and 2GB of RAM, plus a microSD card slot to pack in even more storage. A large 3,000mAh battery promises long life.

The G3 Screen measures 157.8mm x 81.8mm x 9.5mm and weighs 182g. For now it'll sell only in Korea for KRW800,000, or about $740 or £450.

Editors' note: Article updated November 5, 2014, to correct the phone's price.