LG G3 Beat announced, a 'mini' version of the LG G3

The LG G3 is quite a beast, with its Snapdragon 801 CPU and 2K 5.5-inch display. Of course, for some it might be just a tad too big, despite the fact that LG’s unique design allows the company to fit more screen in less space. Thankfully LG is preparing a smaller version of its flagship, currently announced in China as the LG G3 Beat.

The strangely named LG G3 variant features a brushed aluminum design and the G3’s laser auto-focus tech. As for the rest of the specs? The Beat offers a 5.0-inch 720p display, 2GB RAM, 16GB storage, a 2540 mAh batery, a 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 CPU and Android 4.4.2 KitKat. There’s also an 8MP camera with OIS, and a 2MP front-shooter.

While not nearly as impressive as the LG G3, its a major step-up when compared to the LG G2 Mini. Of course with a 5.0-inch display, the LG G3 Beat isn’t exactly a mini-handset, even if it is smaller than the standard LG G3. Right now the LG G3 Beat is exclusively for the Chinese and Asian market, though we wouldn’t be too surprised to see it make its way to other markets, possibly under the name LG G3 Mini.

If LG does go with the “Mini” moniker, this could be one the largest minis ever, with the same screen size as the 5-inch OPPO N1 Mini. Thanks to its thin bezels, however, we imagine the actual dimensions of the device makes it smaller than your average phone with a 5-inch display.

The LG G3 Beat is expected to cost 2,500RMB when it formally launches later this year, or around $400. If and when it arrives in Europe and the United States, the pricing could be even lower. What do you think, would you like to see a 5-inch LG G3 “mini”, with slightly more modest specs or would consumers be better off simply picking up the LG G2 if they want something smaller but similar to the LG G3?