LG launches its G4 phone hoping to challenge Apple, Samsung and others with a focus on the camera experience, improved display and fashionable design elements including an all-leather option. Unveiled on Tuesday at a press event in New York City, the Android 5.1 smartphone features a 16-megapixel camera sensor and lens with a f/1.8 aperture bright photos even at low light. LG has revamped its camera software all well, now offering full DSLR-like controls for total control of ISO, shutter speed, white balance and more. Pictures can be saved in RAW file format, even on an optional microSD card. LG boosted the front-facing camera as well, using an 8-megapixel sensor. A laser auto-focus system, similar to the one in last year's model, is also present, focusing in 0.276 seconds, says LG. The G4 has optical image stabilization with Z-axis support and a color spectrum sensor to assist with proper color reproduction for images.

The LG G4 is the also first smartphone to use sensor-assisted positioning with Qualcomm IZat technology, which combines positioning data from satellites, WLAN and a variety of sensors already integrated into the LG G4 to provide accurate pedestrian navigation even in challenging urban environments and inside buildings.

The smartphone has a 5.5-inch display with a resolution 2560 x 1440 pixels - the same as its predecessor. However, the new display uses Quantum IPS tech, allowing for more screen brightness and higher contrast. LG says the new screen meets 98 percent of the Digital Cinema Initiative, compared to the iPhone 6 which measures in at 80 percent.

The LG G4's quad HD display is supported by the latest Qualcomm Adreno 400 series GPU, with features such as hardware tessellation, geometry shaders and programmable blending for superior graphics capabilities.

The LG G4 also captures content in 4K, made possible by the Snapdragon 808 processor. The 1. 8GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 is an six-core system on a chip with improved call quality and an LTE radio capable of 450 Mbps download speeds. The removable battery has a 3,000 mAh capability, which ought to get most people through a full day of work and play. Internal storage is 32GB and the phone has 3GB of memory.

Buyers can choose one of three finishes: hammered metal, ceramic or all leather.

The G4 also runs a revamped software. Notifications are grouped while the calendar app got an overhaul and pulls in events from various sources such as email and messages. Google's productivity apps are pre-installed and the phone comes with 100GB of free Google Drive storage space for two years.

LG didn't announce pricing, which is generally left up to the carriers in the U.S.

Key Specifications:

• Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 Processor with X10 LTE
• Display: 5.5-inch Quad HD IPS Quantum Display (2560 x 1440, 538ppi)
• Memory: 32GB eMMC ROM, 3GB LPDDR3 RAM / microSD slot
• Camera: Rear 16MP with F1.8 Aperture / OIS 2.0 / Front 8MP with F2.0 Aperture
• Battery: 3,000mAh (removable)
• Operating System: Android 5.1 Lollipop
• Size: 148.9 x 76.1 x 6.3 - 9.8 mm
• Weight: 155g
• Network: 4G / LTE / HSPA+ 21 Mbps (3G)
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac / Bluetooth 4.1LE / NFC / USB 2.0
• Colors: (Ceramic) Metallic Gray / Ceramic White / (Genuine Leather) Black / Brown /
• Other: Manual Mode / Gesture Shot / Quick Shot