LG G Pad 8.3

The LG G Pad 8.3 is basically the same device as the Nexus 5 and the other AOSP devices. It has a V510 badge and an Android 4.4 platform, which is a bit of a disappointment because it is one of the reasons why people had been hesitant to buy the standard version of the device earlier. A tablet size of 8 to 9 inches is the “just right” size for almost everyone. The Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 was a favorite tablet in terms of hardware, but since then it has aged, and the LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play version seems to be a great replacement for it because it also has a good hardware, screen, and software.

The G Pad’s close competitor seems to be the Nexus 7, but the Galaxy Note 8.0 and the iPad Mini Retina, and the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 are also worthy competitors. Here are some points:

The LG G Pad 8.3 has a bigger screen, a 1920×1200 resolution, a microSD card slot, loud speakers, and a vibration motor. In comparison, the Nexus 7 is smaller and lighter, receives software updates faster, and is cheaper by $120.
The LG G Pad 8.3 is currently offered with the 16gb variant. There is a Nexus 7 LTE variant, but it costs a bit more so it would only be great for people who are willing to spend a few extra bucks. The retail LG G Pad does not have an LTE variant.
The LG G Pad is offered only in the color aluminum black. It looks and feels more premium than Samsung or Nexus tablets, except that it is a fingerprint magnet.
It comes with the Android 4.4 platform, which is slightly a letdown because it could have been shipped with Android 4.4.1 or Android 4.4.2.
Its remaining advantage is that it is currently the only Google Play Edition tablet in the market now.

The points to improve:

The 5mp rear camera and the 1.3 front cameras of the LG G Pad 8.3 are not outstanding in any way, but it’s hardly a big deal.
It has no access to the Google Experience Launcher.
The interface of the LG G Pad 8.3 stutters a bit despite the Adreno 320 GPU and the 2gb RAM.

The TouchWiz-style software of the LG G Pad 8.3 is a sticking point in some reviews of the device, but the Google Play Edition model will most definitely have some fans especially for the Android loyalists out there. Also, it seems like there will not be a new Nexus 10, which is good news for the LG G Pad 8.3.

The device is slightly pricey, particularly when you compare it against the Nexus tablets. The “just right” screen size, the AOSP platform, the expandable storage, and the ROM developer support makes the LG G Pad 8.3 a good choice.

Would you consider buying the device? Tell us what you think through the comments section below!