The world’s first 3D LG Optimus smartphone’s 3D element comes from two pieces of technology, a 4.3in 3D display and two digital cameras for capturing 3D images.

The screen uses the same glasses-free technology as Nintendo’s upcoming 3DS handheld games console. We watched videos and played games in 3D, all of which can be accessed via LG’s 3D menu system.

The 3D effect only works with the display in landscape mode – the phone operates as a standard 2D Android handset when in portrait mode. The effect is certainly impressive, though, and not having to wear glasses is a plus.

There’s a pair of 5-megapixel cameras on the rear of the phone. This system works much like the one on the Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3. The 3D effect works well enough at the optimum distance, with the subject around 1m from the lenses.

The cameras can shoot 3D video and even has an HDM11.4 output, so you can view 3D content on a 3D TV.