While rumors that the LG G2 would be the first device to feature 3GB of RAM didn’t pan out, the new flagship from the second largest Korean smartphone manufacturer is nevertheless a wonder. We can’t wait to put it through its paces, but at least on paper, the G2 looks like a winner.

This afternoon the folks from LG have just announced and detailed their new flagship G2 smartphone, and it’s quite impressive. We knew it was coming, but LG has come out swinging here full of new features and software tweaks aside from offering a top-tier smartphone to rival the best of the best.

Nearly 700 guests from over 30 countries converged at the renowned Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York for the global introduction of the device. Based on LG’s research of consumer lifestyles and behaviors, the smartphone offers users more real-life benefits such as ergonomic design, practical functions and an intuitive user experience.

“Our definition of innovation today is technology that truly resonates with consumers,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company, who welcomed the guests to the event. “We have always listened to and learned from consumers in pursuit of innovation. We took these insights to new heights in developing LG G2, the most exciting and ambitious mobile phone in our company’s history.”

An interesting feature of the G2 is the Graphic RAM (GRAM) technology, which supposedly reduces the energy use of the panel by an impressive 26 percent on a still, and extends overall phone usage time by up to 10 percent.

LG controversially moved the volume rocker on the rear, beneath the camera module, which is supposedly a more ergonomic placement.

The LG G2 brings everything together in a device with a comfortable, functional, convenient and beautiful design. The LG G2 shifts the paradigm in smartphone design by placing all the buttons on the rear of the device, making this the first smartphone to be completely devoid of side buttons. The unique Rear Key concept came from the realization when studying users that the larger the phone became, the more difficult it was to properly access the side keys. Moving the main buttons to the back of the phone gave users more control since this place was where individuals’ index fingers are naturally located. Researchers found that moving the buttons also resulted in fewer dropped phones when adjusting the volume while talking.

Another interesting feature may be what LG calls “Studio Quality Hi-Fi Sound”. While that’s obviously hyperbolic, the 24 bit/192kHz is supposedly a world first.

Now the software here is Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, but as expected LG’s done plenty to differentiate them from the competition. Just like with the Optimus G and G Pro, there’s tons of customization.

The G2 smartphone sports a next-level 13 megapixel camera from LG, with a tiny sensor to keep the phone thin, while also adding the much-needed feature of optical image stabilization. This promises unseen quality from smartphone photos, especially during low-light or indoor usage.

LG has designed what they’re calling the world’s thinnest full HD LCD display, one that also manages to come in with minimal bezels. Making the entire device feel small, even though the screen is rather large. An edge-to-edge display, 1080p HD resolution, and 450 nits of brightness promises a quality viewing experience, even outdoors.

The LG G2 also comes with a number of compelling user experience (UX) features that provide the most practical value by focusing on a smartphone’s most popular tasks:

– Answer Me — Automatically answers the call after lowering the ringtone when the phone is raised to one’s ear.
– Plug & Pop — Recommends options or related features to choose from when the earphone or USB cable is detected.
– Text Link — Allows information embedded in text messages to be selected and easily saved in a memo or calendar and searched on a map or the internet.
– QuickRemote — Not only can LG G2 be used to remotely control popular home entertainment devices, it can also learn from conventional remotes and be customized to operate multiple devices with flexible layouts and keys.
– Slide Aside — Enables easier multitasking by simply “sliding” open apps off to the side using a three-finger swipe.
– Guest Mode — Protects owner’s privacy by displaying only pre-selected apps when guests access the phone with a secondary unlock pattern.

LG G2 official key specifications