Update: We've now published our full LG Optimus 3D review, so check out the third dimension in our in-depth findings.

LG really likes to be at the forefront of mobile tech, as demonstrated by the dual-core processor in the LG Optimus 2X. So while to some, 3D is a gimmick but to LG it's a serious proposition as it rolls out its first 3D-capable smartphone, the LG Optimus 3D.

Debuting at Mobile World Congress this week, we nabbed some hands on time with an early production model of the LG Optimus 3D to see what all the three-dimensional fuss is about. It's worth noting at this point that this is handset was not a final version product.

You can check out our video hands on of the LG Optimus 3D:

The first thing we notice on picking the handset up is that it's a fair bit heavier than the current batch of smartphones, and chunkier too.

With a dearth of physical buttons sullying the front panel, there's nothing to distract your eye from the lovely 4.3-inch screen; it's big, crisp and bright when the phone comes to life, even in 2D.

Above the screen is a front-mounted camera, presumably for video calling, although this feature wasn't activated when we saw the handset.

The traditional Android control buttons – Home, Back, Search and Menu – are flush to the screen and touch-sensitive. It's quite a change for LG to opt for invisible buttons rather than physical, but indicative of the way the entire market is moving.

Likewise, there's no camera shutter button; instead, LG has provided a 3D launcher button, which takes you to the 3D hub. From here you can access the camera to record 3D, or play games and videos from the 3D gallery.

Also on this side is the volume toggle, which is a little flush with the side so it was tricky to quickly decrease the volume – although this isn't a major issue.

On the side of the device, the micro-USB charging port and HDMI-out port are hidden away under covers, which should keep bits of grub and crumbs from messing them up.

Up top, we're looking at a power/lock button, which is adequately placed – as is the 3.5mm headphone jack, which means it won't get in the way when we're watching 3D movies or playing our 3D games.

The back of the LG Optimus 3D is where things start to get interesting – drawing your eye straight away is the dual-camera set up.

There's a definite face-like element to the set up; two five-megapixel cameras eyes with a little LED flash nose between them. The dual-camera system is what allows the handset to record 3D video, and they're set into a smart metal panel.

While added weight and girth aren't ideal, we could definitely adapt to them and found the handset fairly comfortable to hold, even for the small-handed.