Earlier in the month, LG teased a largely square device with quite the interesting aspect ratio. We weren’t planning to get any official information on this device until Mobile World Congress but it looks like LG could’t keep this behemoth under wraps. Yesterday LG officially announced their 5″, 4.3 aspect ratio Optimus Vu. We now have a good look at what this device will offer besides its large square frame. You can expect the LG Optimus Vu to be packing:

• 5″ IPS LCD display, with 1024 x 768 resolution and 4:3 aspect ratio
• Android 2.3 (will be upgrated to Android 4.0 soon)
• 1.5GHz dual-core processor
• 1 GB of RAM
• 32 GB of internal storage
• 8 MP with AF LED rear-facing camera
• 1.3 MP front-facing camera
• 2,080 mAh battery
• Dimensions: 139.6 x 90.4 x 8.5mm

Although this device falls into the Galaxy Note phonetablet category, it looks like a much larger device due to its design. I couldn’t imagine this fitting in anyone’s pocket and have my doubts about its success. Either way it’s hoping to join the 5″ device craze currently sweeping the nation and only time will tell if these niche devices find mainstream popularity among mobile users. We should get some hands on time with the device next week at MWC so we’ll give you our verdict then. Until then, read the full presser below for more information on the LG Optimus Vu.

LG UNVEILS UNIQUE 4:3 RATIO, 5-INCH OPTIMUS VU: AT MWC 2012

With Productivity in Mind, LG Demonstrates its LTE and Display
Leadership with Device that Does, Well, Everything

SEOUL, Feb. 19, 2012 – LG today unveiled one of the most anticipated LTE devices, the Optimus Vu:. Equipped with LG’s advanced LTE and IPS display technology, the Optimus Vu: offers a unique combination of tablet-like viewing with smartphone portability. Running on a powerful 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 32GM internal memory and a large 2,080 mAh battery, the Optimus Vu: is a multimedia lover’s dream device.

“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 large 5-inch display with bright 4:3 aspect ratio makes viewing documents, books, internet and multimedia contents easier and more comfortable. The 4:3 aspect ratio is optimized for viewing to grasp more at a glance and note taking to increase productivity in everyday life. Moreover, IPS display realizes every color in its natural state for the best viewing experience even under bright sunlight.

Backed by unparalleled speed and performance from LG’s advanced LTE technology, the Optimus Vu: boasts unmatched productivity. Its unique built-in QuickClip™ hotkey allows users to conveniently capture screenshots and memos with a single push. Jotting notes is also possible with a finger or with the dedicated Rubberdium™ pen. Among many productive 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 perfectly suited for a hand and fits comfortably in a jacket pocket. Despite the large 2,080mAh battery, the Optimus Vu: adopts LG’s exclusive 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. Additional information on the unique Optimus Vu: can be found at the LG Stand at MWC 2012 from February 27 to March 1.

Key Specifications:
oChipset: 1.5GHz Dual-Core Processor
oDisplay: 5-inch (1024×768) IPS Display
oMemory: 32GB eMMC and 1GB DDR2
oCamera: 8MP with AF LED Flash (rear) and 1.3MP (front)
oOS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread
oBattery: 2,080mAh
oDimension (L x W x D): 139.6 x 90.4 x 8.5mm