LG G3 Quick Circle case Review

Introduction

It's not that we hadn't seen cases with windows cut-outs before, it's just that LG brainstormed some clever twists to sell theirs. Not only does the circular window show the time and date in terrific Moto 360-like watch-faces, it also shows notification icons and gives users access to basic functions, such as calls, music controls, and camera without them having to open the cover. The addition of wireless charging - of which owners of Korean and USA LG G3 models are deprived - is the icing on the cake.

Alas, this cake is an expensive treat. The official Quick Circle case by LG sells for $45 to $60, and enjoying wireless charging the way LG intended with its official WCD-100 charger could cost you about as much. Considering a healthy selection of affordable third-party cases (sans-wireless charging) is available next to the official one, is the heavy price LG asks for justified?

Design

Nice looks, solid grip, and relative slimness.

The Quick Circle case is alluring with its nice looks, solid grip, and relative slimness. Made entirely of plastic, the front cover features a fabric texture, while the back panel is all plastic and harkens to the LG G Pro 2's design. From both sides, the case feels pleasantly rough on the fingers and there's no slipperiness whatsoever. The case has nothing to do with how the LG G3 itself looks and feels, but it's a good fit for the smartphone.

The case looks terrific when exposed to light, emitting an impressive metallic glow. Ergonomics wise, the case adds little bulk to the phone's sides, allowing the LG G3 to retain most of the effect of its slimmed bezels. The display cover folds completely to the back, letting users lay the phone on the table or use it right handed without any annoyances.

As you might or might not know already, the Quick Circle case acts as a replacement back panel paired with a display cover. In a way, this ensures complete safety for the phone's original back panel, as it's going to stay safe at home while the case handles all eventual calamities.

Korean G3 owners, beware! The case that LG sent us didn't have the cut-out for the antenna to the top left, which made it impossible to use with Korean models. If you plan on purchasing one, contact the seller and make sure the cut-out is there first!

That aside, replacing the back panel is as simple as removing the original one and installing the case. Right off the bat, the LG G3 recognizes it's in the Quick Circle case, and when you double tap the screen, the watch-face and shortcuts will show up. Using the wireless charger is an instant as well - just put the phone on the cradle.

Although the case lacks a magnet to keep it closed, the display cover doesn't stick out and firmly covers the screen. The build quality is good, but the case isn't exactly rugged. It will protect the G3 from left and right, while its top and bottom remain partially exposed. For the price, we would have preferred full top and bottom coverage. Additionally, the case completely covers the G3's front camera, making selfies impossible to take without opening the cover.

Functionality

Tap twice, and you'll be greeted by a watch-face.

Finally, let's have a quick look at the Quick Circle functionality. When the phone is idle, the circle doesn't show anything. But tap twice, and you'll be greeted by a watch-face, which shows the time and date. LG offers nine different styles to choose from, so if you want a different look, simply swipe the watch-face, and a bunch of shortcuts appear. When you haven't had any calls or received any messages recently, you'll only see the Settings, Camera, and Music shortcuts.

The Settings menu is all about choosing a different watch-face. The Camera shortcut launches the G3's rear camera and lets you use the Quick Circle as a view-finder. The Music shortcut simply displays Play, Pause, Previous, and Next buttons. When you've had a new call or message, two additional shortcuts appear. One lets you access the call log and quickly dial a recently contacted number. The other lets you read recent messages. Another thing you'll witness is the alarm clock appearing in the Quick Circle as the alarm is sounded. It lets you hit the snooze or off buttons right from the window. Finally, the LG Health app uses the circular window to show how much steps you've taken today.

Conclusion

So, is it worth splurging for the official Quick Circle case? Well, no. Although the QuickCircle functionality is stylish and practical, and the case itself is of good quality, the asking price (starting at $45) is outrageous. Priced under $30, products such as the Baseus Quick Circle Stand Case ($26), the Verus LG G3 PU leather case ($16), and the USAMS LG G3 Quick Circle cover case ($12) are a much more reasonable option. The only thing LG's case has against them is the wireless charging.