Looks like LG has taken the wraps off of another one of its new Android handsets ahead of Mobile World Congress. This time we've got the LG Optimus 3D Max, a handset that's been the star of its fair share of leaks over the past few weeks. Obviously the main draw here is the device's 3D capabilities, which includes the ability to capture content in 3D using the pair of 5-megapixel cameras around back. That content can then be viewed on the Optimus 3D Max's 3D-capable 4.3-inch WVGA touchscreen. 

Other specs for the Optimus 3D Max include a 1.2GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4430 processor, 8GB storage, 1GB RAM, NFC, 21Mbps HSPA+, and 1,520mAh battery in a package that measures 9.6mm thick. Android 2.3 Gingerbread will be on board initially, though LG says an update to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich will be coming shortly after launch.

What about availability, you ask? LG says that the Optimus 3D Max will hit Korea first sometime in March, then gradually make its way to other markets starting with Europe. No U.S. availability was mentioned, but the original Optimus 3D hit AT&T as the LG Thrill 4G, so it's certainly possible that we'll see the 3D Max here as well. One place where we do expect to see the Optimus 3D Max is at Mobile World Congress next week, and you can bet that we'll be keeping an eye out for the device to give it and its 3D powers a whirl for ourselves.

LG WOWS THE WORLD AGAIN WITH OPTIMUS 3D MAX AT MWC 2012

More Than Just Glasses-Free 3D, Optimus 3D Max Pushes the Boundaries of Power Features and Performance

SEOUL, Feb. 22, 2012 – Following in the footsteps of last year’s glasses-free 3D smartphone, LG Electronics will publicly unveil the Optimus 3D Max at the 2012 Mobile World Congress (MWC). With powerful 3D technology and sleeker design, the Optimus 3D Max provides a complete 3D entertainment platform and marks a big leap forward in the ever-expanding 3D ecosystem.

“The Optimus 3D Max was born from LG’s constant efforts to bring user entertainment experience to a higher level,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “The introduction of the Optimus 3D last year ushered in a new era for smartphones and Optimus 3D Max is real proof of LG’s commitment to portable 3D entertainment.”

LG Optimus 3D Max is equipped with diverse innovations and offers users with advancements including:

True Performance Muscle with Latest Mobile Technologies

LG Optimus 3D Max is a powerful smartphone in both 2D and 3D mode and a pleasure to view with LG’s exclusive brightened display. 3G’s network speed has been also improved to HSPA+ 21Mbps. LG Tag+ offers advanced NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities designed to promote greater user convenience. One of its benefits is automatic setting changes which are possible by creating predefined tags that are customized to certain modes such as car-mode, office-mode or sleep-mode. Depending on location, the predefined tags will automatically adjust various phone settings including Wi-Fi, bluetooth, GPS and sound volume.

Beyond its already innovative features, attendees of MWC 2012 will see some of the future benefits that will be made available through a Maintenance Release or an application available on the LG SmartWorld (www.LGsmartworld.com). Additional features include:

HD Converter to offer HD quality on a TV connected through MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link), when transforming Open GL-based 2D games and applications to 3D and viewing Google Earth;

Range Finder to calculate the distance between the camera and the subject as well as the dimensions of an object through triangulation;

Out-focusing Shot to enhance camera quality beyond that of other smartphones through image processing using depth information.

True 3D Entertainment Features with Improved 2D-3D Compatibility

Users can convert Google Earth, Google Maps and other road views into 3D using the enhanced 3D Converter. Furthermore, 3D photos and videos captured by the Optimus 3D Max can also be viewed in a single-screen mode in 2D, using the 3D Hot Key mounted on the side of the phone to easily toggle between 2D and 3D. LG also plans to continue expanding video contents, applications and games optimized for the 3D Converter available from the 3D Zone at LG SmartWorld.

True Excellence in Design with Slimmer and Lighter Body

The LG Optimus 3D Max’s premium design comes from LG’s commitment to fine details. LG focused on trimming details on the design of the Optimus 3D Max by keeping only the essentials and eliminating everything else. Measuring only 9.6 mm thin and weighing 148 grams, the lean body with metallic and rounded edges incorporates the best 3D features in addition to desirable 2D features. The Optimus 3D Max includes unique 3D-style cubicle icons which users can customize with their own photos through the Icon Customizer.

The Optimus 3D Max will first launch in Korea in March and will gradually roll out in other markets starting in Europe. The device will receive an upgrade to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich from Android 2.3 Gingerbread shortly after the launch.

Key Specifications:

Chipset: 1.2GHz Dual-Core processor (OMAP4430)

Display: 4.3-inch 3D WVGA Display with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 2

Memory: 8GB Internal Storage, 1GB Internal Memory

Camera: 5MP Dual-lens

OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread

Battery: 1,520 mAh

Others: HSPA+ 21Mbps

HDMI connection 2D/3D TV/monitor up to 1080p via MHL

DNLA for wireless connection with TV/PC (3D video also supported)

NFC Full Support, LG Tag+

Via MobileBurn