LG G Pad 8.3 review: Gorgeous Android tablet and handy smartphone companion

LG continues to release some fantastic products and the new LG G Pad 8.3 follows the exciting LG G2 while also serving as a smartphone companion.

The eight inch tablet market is growing and LG's latest offering is priced competitively while offering up some unique functions and features. If I did not already have a new 2013 Nexus 7, then this is probably the tablet I would be purchasing.

LG announced the US availability of the G Pad 8.3 in mid-October and I have been using one for the last couple of weeks. THe first thing I thought when I took it out of the box was that the tablet is a more modern version of my HTC Flyer with the silver metal back and white plastic ends.

The LG G Pad 8.3 is an attractive tablet with a gorgeous 8.3 inch 1920 x 1200 pixels (273 ppi) display. LG took a similar approach to what they did on the G2 and have minimal side bezels on the G Pad 8.3.

The G Pad 8.3 is pretty large for a smaller tablet, I am comparing it to my Nexus 7, and the width (126.5 mm) is at just about the maximum span I have to hold it in one hand. There is nothing on the left side, the power and volume are on the right, the microUSB is on the bottom, and the headphone jack and microSD card slot are on the top.

Dual stereo speakers are positioned on the back and they sound great. I enjoyed watching movies and video content on the LG G Pad 8.3.

The rear camera is found in the top left of the back while the front facing camera is just to the right of center on the front above the display.

The G Pad 8.3 is quite thin at 8.3 mm and I enjoy holding it. Most of the back is metal and this material gives it a sense of high quality.

The software is really where the LG G Pad 8.3 stands out from other eight inch tablets. The Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 is unique because of its S Pen functionality. The LG G Pad 8.3 doesn't include stylus support, but just about everything you can do with a G2 you can do with a LG G Pad 8.3

Knock On, QRemote, Qslide, Slide Aside, and Quick Memo are all present on the LG G Pad 8.3.

The major new functionality we haven't seen until now is Q Pair. With this utility on your G Pad 8.3 and compatible Android smartphone you can view call notification on the tablet, get text messages and respond from the phone, receive social networking notifications, transfer QuickMemos, and more. It was handy to use the G Pad 8.3 while using various Android smartphone.

I am a big fan of the IR remotes found in some Android smartphones and am pleased to see it on the G Pad 8.3, along with the QuickRemote application.

Apps work in landscape and portrait while the device handled everything I threw at it with ease.

It feels like I have a $500+ tablet in my hand every time I pick up the G Pad 8.3. LG did a fantastic job with this tablet and it offers you everything you want in an Android device, along with a way to keep it in touch with your phone.

I was able to easily go a couple of days with pretty heavy use, including watching a couple of movies. Using all of the software on the G Pad 8.3 actually has me considering a G2 as a smartphone for myself.

To summarize my experiences and the specifications, here are my pros and cons.

Pros

Solid construction that feels much more expensive than the priceBeautiful displayLong battery lifeSuper fast performanceMany software enhancements, including phone connectivity

Cons

Bit overloaded with apps and utilitiesCamera isn't great, but who needs one on a tablet anyway?

You can pick up the LG G Pad 8.3 now for $350. This actually is a decent price considering it is an eight inch tablet and priced $150 less than a comparable WiFi iPad Mini with retina display.

There are a few competitors in the growing eight inch tablet market, including Apple with two iPad mini versions and Samsung with their Note 8.0 and Galaxy Tab 3 8.0. The LG G Pad 8.3 has a better display than both of the Samsung models and the original iPad mini. It's tough to beat the iPad Mini with retina display, but a 32GB WiFi model is priced at $$499 so that is a major factor in your decision.

Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean OS1.7 GHz Snapdragon 600 quad-core processor2GB RAM and 16GB flash storage memorymicroSD expansion capability8.3 inch 1920x1200 HD IPS display5 megapixel rear camera and 1.3 megapixel front facing camera4,600 mAh batterySensors include proximity, barometer, temperature & humidity, accelerometer, gyroscopeDimensions of 216.8 x 126.5 x 8.3 mm and 338 grams

The LG G Pad 8.3 has a lot going for it, including solid hardware and functional software. If I could return my Nexus 7 or sell it for a good price, then I would buy the LG G Pad 8.3 for myself. I am not a fan of the name though.

I had a tough time coming up with any cons for the tablet. Rather, it does just what a tablet should do and serves as a great companion for your smartphone. I love that LG allows other Android smartphones the ability to download and use Q Pair with the LG G Pad 8.3 and think this will help them sell this tablet to more consumers.