MWC 2012: Hands-on with the LG Optimus 3D Max

It's fairly safe to say that LG's original Optimus 3D handset failed to take the UK by storm last year, having been pushed hard - alongside the company's first dual-core handset - at Mobile World Congress 2011.

This means that its bigger brother, the Optimus 3D Max, may not make it over to these shores this time, which is a bit of a shame, as it's very much a step up from the older model.

Interestingly, when this Android-powered handset does launch in select territories around the world later this year, I've been told LG won't be pushing the 3D part of the phone anyway - instead, the Korean tech firm will concentrate on its abilities as a pure smartphone.

Given the Optimus 3D Max measures in at a relatively thick 11.8mm, though, it doesn't fare particularly well in the pure phone stakes when viewed next to sleeker competition like the Sony Xperia S or even LG's mid-range L Style series. Furthermore, it weighs in at 168 grams, which is just a fraction heavier than you'd expect for a 4.3-inch handset.

Still, these numbers are a vast improvement over its predecessor, which vied with the Xperia Play for the tag of 'Fattest Phone of 2011'.

Oh, and the camera(s) no longer look like they're additional extras on the back, having been lowered more into the device (if you were wondering).

Free-Dee

But, that's enough about the pure phone part. Let's talk 3D.

It's in this area, after all, where the really significant improvements have been made, with the screen now boasting a wider viewing angle. This means you can actually move it a fair amount before the dreaded 'split' occurs.

Indeed, the viewing angle felt slightly wider than the current benchmark for autoscopic devices - the Nintendo 3DS - which is vital considering how much larger the Optimus 3D Max's viewing area is compared to Ninty's handheld.

As with the original Optimus 3D, you can output the Optimus 3D Max's image onto a 3D TV via an HDMI cable: only this time, the resolution is proper 1080, rather than 720.

The big new addition, however, is a feature that was initially promised for the original (and will apparently still be coming) - the ability to convert 2D content into 3D.

I saw this in action for both a 2D film and game (Frontline Commander, specifically), with LG's own app Game Convertor used to perform the conversion process.

It's surprisingly easy to get set up, requiring you just to add your chosen app / game to the list of titles you want converted. You can manually change the depth and strength of the 3D effect for individual titles, and even turn 3D content into 2D if you want to.

Naturally, the look of a converted 2D game isn't quite as subtle or layered as good natural 3D footage, but given the number of mobile games that possess stylish effects on a par with Uncharted 3 is pretty low (as in, I've never seen one), that’s not much of a major issue.

In fact, it's interesting just how effectively it converts the 2D material, with the crosshair sitting above the screen, and elements of the background sitting behind the foreground with no artefacts or bugs.

In truth, this one feature renders the Optimus 3D Max relevant again - you're no longer stuck with the limited range of Gameloft games, for one. Whether this will prove enough to convert those who are sceptical about 3D, I can't say.

The LG Optimus 3D Max will be out later in the year. We'll keep you informed if the company does decide to launch it in the UK, after all.