LG's curved G Flex Android phone hits the US in Q1

LAS VEGAS — Can’t wait to get your hands on a smartphone with a curved screen? LG’s got you covered.

LG’s G Flex smartphone will be available in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2014, the company revealed at its press conference today at the huge 2014 International CES tech trade show in Las Vegas. No pricing details were given, but the company announced that it will be launching on AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. (Typically it’s up to the carriers to decide pricing details).

The Android smartphone was announced late last year, although at the time it seemed more like a prototype due to its limited availability and high price of more than $1,000. The G Flex sports a 6-inch screen and a self-healing case material (which actually seems to work, according to some online tests).

“We didn’t make the Flex just for the sake of being different,” said LG mobile communications head Frank Lee. “Instead it offers real, tangible benefits for consumers to hear better, hold better, and view better.”

As Lee explained, the Flex can offer better voice quality than other smartphones because its microphone is actually closer to your mouth. When laying with its rear down on a table, the Flex’s rear speaker uses flat surfaces to amplify its sound. Finally, he noted that the curved shape makes it easier to hold the Flex with one hand.

I haven’t had a chance to play with the Flex yet but will definitely seek it out this week.