LG preps G Pad 8.3: Tablets blend together

LG Electronics got the jump on its competitors, which will all be touting new devices at the IFA 2013 consumer electronics show in Berlin, but the G Pad 8.3 has the same issues as the rest of the Android crowd: It's hard to stand out.

The company said its LG G Pad 8.3 has the first full HD display in an 8-inch class tablet. Of course, the new Nexus 7 also has one and Amazon's new Kindle Fire HD is also likely to pack display improvements.

LG's device rides along with its G2 superphone and the goal is to have a "premium lineup consisting of our most cutting-edge devices." The LG Pad 8.3 is designed to be an iPad mini killer of sorts.

Previously: IDC lowers long-term tablet forecast, cites few major announcements | Slower tablet market hints at fatigue, more traditional upgrade cycle

According to LG, the tablet will be available in the fourth quarter and aims to woo buyers with the following:

1. An 8.3 inch screen that's light enough to rest in one hand.
2. A 4600mAh battery.
3. A 1920 x 1200 WUXGA (Widescreen Ultra Extended Graphics Array) display.
4. The ability to pair the tablet with a smartphone.

And the specs go like this:

• Processor: 1.7GHz Quad-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 Processor 
• Display: 8.3-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200 pixels / 273 ppi) 
• Memory: 16GB eMMC 
• RAM: 2GB LPDDR2 
• Camera: Rear 5.0MP / Front 1.3MP 
• Battery: 4,600mAh 
• Operating System: Android Jelly Bean 4.2.2 
• Size: 216.8 x 126.5 x 8.3mm 
• Weight: 338g 
• Colors: Black / White

LG said the prices will be announced when the tablet officially launches.

Here's the problem: The LG G Pad 8.3 may have sounded interesting a year ago. Today, there's just not enough to make it stand out from the field. Lenovo, Asus, HP and a bunch of others will have Android tablets. Simply put, they all blend together and don't have enough mojo to spur the gadget lust needed to upgrade.