LG did not wait for Mobile World Congress to get underway on the 27th before showing off its new Optimus Vu handset, a device aimed at consumers looking for something bigger than smartphones and smaller than tablets.

The device is equipped with LG's LTE and IPS display technology and offers a combination of tablet-like viewing with smartphone portability. The device is running on a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, it has 32GM internal memory and a large 2,080 mAh battery.

"The Optimus Vu: was designed to maximize what customers could do with a smart-phone," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Mobile Communications Company. "By offering an optimal 4:3 ratio viewing experience, 5-inch display combined with superfast LTE technology, Optimus Vu: is just one example of what we can achieve when we combine our best technology with customer needs."

The 5-inch display with 4:3 aspect ratio makes viewing documents, books, internet and multimedia contents easier and more comfortable. Moreover, IPS display realizes every color in its natural state for better viewing even under bright sunlight.

The device's built-in QuickClip hotkey allows users to capture screenshots and memos with a single push. Jotting notes is also possible with a finger or with the dedicated Rubberdium pen. Among many apps installed in the Optimus Vu:, the included Polaris Office allows users to open any document, spreadsheet or presentation while on the go.

At only 8.5mm, the Optimus Vu: is the slimmest among all LTE phones currently on the market and is suited for a hand and fits in a jacket pocket. Despite the 2,080mAh battery, the Optimus Vu: adopts LG's floating mass technology to appear slimmer than its actual dimensions.

In addition to HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), Optimus Vu: comes with 32GB memory and an 8-megapixel camera. While it will initially launch running Android 2.3 Gingerbread, an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is already in the works.

The Optimus Vu: will be introduced in Korea in March.

Samsung Electronics, LG's local archrival, has already offered a similar device - the Galaxy Note - which is built around a 5.3-inch display.

Key Specifications:

- Chipset: 1.5GHz Dual-Core Processor
- Display: 5-inch (1024x768) IPS Display
- Memory: 32GB eMMC and 1GB DDR2
- Camera: 8MP with AF LED Flash (rear) and 1.3MP (front)
- OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread
- Battery: 2,080mAh
- Dimension (L x W x D): 139.6 x 90.4 x 8.5mm