LG G Pad 8.3
Verdict
Key specs
Critic consensus
“Despite these shortcomings though, the capable software package and powerful hardware are enough to make the Pad 8.3 a strong competitor. The fact that LG was able to fit all that into such a compact package is impressive in its own right, and there are even hints of an LTE version in the works, so maybe you will be able to have it all.”
“The G Pad is the first Google Play edition tablet, and for the most part it's a pretty impressive entry. It's a great option for anyone who had a Nexus 7, but bigger on their wishlist somewhere. You do give a few things up in exchange for that larger screen size, vibration motor, and SD card slot, though: the screen isn't as bright, your notification light is gone, and you don't get wireless charging or NFC.The one aspect in which the G Pad could stand to be more like a Nexus is in price—$349 isn't unheard of for an Android tablet, but if you can stand a slightly smaller screen, the Nexus 7 can be had for over $100 less. This close to $400, the Retina iPad mini is the better buy—it has a slightly denser screen, better performance, better battery life, and a much stronger app and media ecosystem. None of that will matter to you if you can't abide iOS, but things that are easy to overlook in the Nexus 7 become more difficult to dismiss when you put an iPad and an Android tablet on even financial footing.”
“Overall, the LG G Pad 8.3 is recommendable for those who usually use their tablet with headphones, indoors and not too far away from the next power outlet. These will get a more than solidly designed, fast tablet with full HD display. However, the Google Nexus 7 still has the better price performance ratio.”
“If LG continues participating in the tablet industry, the G Pad 8.3 is a solid restart. Its zippy performance, expandable memory, and crystal-clear screen fulfill most of what users are looking for.However, $350 is a lot to shell out for a small, Wi-Fi-only tablet. Consider another expensive tablet: the Apple iPad Mini with Retina Display is only $50 more, but features supreme build quality, a brighter, more vivid screen, and access to the largest app ecosystem.”
Watch before you decide
In Depth
The LG G Pad 8.3 is a mid-range, Android-powered tablet featuring an 8.3 inch, 1920×1200 resolution display, a quad-core, Snapdragon processor running at 1.7GHz, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of onboard memory – expandable to 64GB, and dual-cameras. It’s 8.3mm thick, with an exterior comprised of glass, plastic and brushed metal.
The 1920×1200 LCD IPS display generates 273 ppi, which is equal to the Nexus 7 and considerably higher than many competitors, including the iPad Mini (162 ppi), and the Galaxy Note 8.0 (189 ppi). Reviewers found the display to be very good, representing colors accurately and with no pixelation problems. “Certainly, you’ll be pleased with the clarity of the G Pad’s screen and the crispness of text and images,” Engadget said. And according to Phonearena, “LG’s tablet manages to output some very clean and pixelization-free visuals.”
In addition to the Snapdragon 600 processor, the G Pad has a separate, Adreno 320 graphics chip, which means gamers will be able to enjoy their favorite titles. “We experienced very little slowdown or jerkiness in any of the games we tested, including the notoriously demanding Shadowgun,” according to Expertreviews.
The tablet features the same skin used on the LG G2 smartphone, which comes with a host of features, including Knock-On, which allows you to turn the tablet on by knocking on the screen, and QPair, which allows you to tether the tablet to your Android phone. While many reviewers found the LG UI useful, others found it distracting. According to The Verge, “LG’s taken Android and made it uglier and more cluttered.” (The LG G2 is also available in a Google Play edition, which is identical except that it comes with a stock Android OS).
Additional features include a rear-facing 5 megapixel camera with image stabilization, touch focus and face detection, stereo speakers, 3.5mm jack, and a non-removable Li-Po 4600 mAh battery.
Overall, reviewers gave a thumbs up to the LG G Pad. They were impressed with its display and found the design to be slim and comfortable. Techradar said, “ It’s a great tablet which offers a wide array of features and a beautiful screen at a price which pips Apple’s latest offering.”
What people actually want to know
When was the LG G Pad 8.3 released?
The LG G Pad 8.3 was released on October 17, 2013.
How long does the battery last on the LG G Pad 8.3?
The LG G Pad 8.3 has a 4,600 mAh battery.
Does the LG G Pad 8.3 support wireless charging?
No, the LG G Pad 8.3 does not support wireless charging.
Does the LG G Pad 8.3 have NFC?
No, the LG G Pad 8.3 does not have NFC. Contactless payments and tap-to-pair will not be available.
Where can I download the LG G Pad 8.3 manual?
You can view and download the LG G Pad 8.3 manual on our dedicated manual page.
Questions & answers
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