LG to Drop “Optimus” Moniker from Premium Smartphone Line, “G2” Flagship Phone Confirmed

It might still be summertime, but that isn't stopping LG Electronics from doing a bit of spring cleaning. Specifically, the South Korean handset maker said it's tossing out its "Optimus" nomenclature for high-end smartphones, and instead will forge ahead with a tidier "G" to represent its premium brand. The first of LG's new G series will be the G2.

"Our vision is to make LG’s newest G devices synonymous with excellence, raising the bar even further for the ultimate in user experience," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "The new G2 will build upon the excellent reputation established by previous G Series products."

LG Optimus G

In addition, LG is taking its 4:3 display smartphones and rebranding them as "Vu," which will help customers differentiate between its mobile handsets.

What this all boils down to is a marketing ploy, one in which LG hopes will help it stand out in a crowd of Android devices, and perhaps be perceived in the same class as Samsung and Apple, the two top dogs in mobile. For this to be successful, however, LG will have to focus on timely releases of high-end handsets with the latest software. If its customers have to wait around for the latest version(s) of Android, a name change won't be of any help.