I have had the pleasure of spending a few days with the two different models of the LG Optimus G, namely the AT&T and Sprint models. Though I have not used them enough for a full review, it has been enough experience to write a first impressions post.

First of all, most of the specs are shared between the AT&T and Sprint Optimus G’s. They both have the 4.7″ 1280×768 True HD IPS display, a 1.5GHz quad core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, 2GB of RAM, a 2,100 mAh battery, and Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. However, there are a few differences. The Sprint model has a 13MP camera sensor that protrudes from the body, while the AT&T model comes with an 8MP sensor that’s flush with the rear. The Sprint model has 32GB of internal memory, and the AT&T model has 16GB with a 16GB microSD card included (yes, it’s the only model with a microSD slot). And lastly, the Sprint model has a notification LED above the display while the AT&T model has it in a ring around the power button on the right side. They’re also shaped differently, as you can tell in the photos.

Both devices are blazing fast. Really, the Snapdragon S4 Pro did not fail to impress me. Everything opens extremely fast and nothing lags. The Sprint model seems to lag a little, but that’s definitely a software issue that might have been fixed in the update that arrived recently. Either way, you’ll find it hard to slow these two phones down.

The display is gorgeous. The colors are great, it’s extremely sharp (after coming from a slightly lower resolution and much bigger Galaxy Note II), and it doesn’t wash out in sunlight. The viewing angles are more than adequate. The only real problems I see with it are that the banding is absolutely terrible if you’re looking at the gray gradient background Google likes so much, and the blacks are disappointing. I didn’t expect them to be AMOLED black, but they’re very gray. Overall, I’m loving the display.

The size of the devices are great. They fit fairly comfortably in the hand (especially the rounded AT&T model) and everything is easy to reach with your thumb. It’s a refreshing change up from a Note II. However, the back is made of glass so it’s extremely slippery. It’s a bit unnerving when you set it down on your leg and it starts sliding off because there is no grip whatsoever. Even the glossy Note II doesn’t slip so easy. It’s scary.

The software definitely has its ups and downs. LG’s UI is fairly attractive. It’s not light, it definitely modifies a lot of the OS, but it’s not heavy like Sense UI. LG added a lot of nice touches, like customize options (change icons in stock launcher, themes, launcher animations, customizable toggles, and more). They also have a very unique lockscreen that I really like. A lot seems to be taken from TouchWiz, like nature sounds (droplets of water) and Smart Stay, renamed Wise screen.

Overall, my short time with these phones has been very positive. Stay tuned for a full review filled with praise and nitpicking alike! Do you want me to cover anything specific? Mention it in the comments!