The Asian manufacturer has announced it intends unveiling its first new smartphone of the New Year at the Consumer Electronics Show this month.

Called the LG Spectrum, it boasts an impressive spec list. Features include a 4.5 inch True HD IPS 1280×720 pixels display, a 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S3 processor, and an 8 megapixel rear camera with 1080p video. There is also a 1.3 megapixel front camera.

Other features are 1GB of RAM with 4GB of on-board storage, a 16GB micro SD card, and a 1830mAh battery with an optional 3000mAh extended battery. This is expected to be available when the phone is launched.

An Android 2.3 handset, there is also Bluetooth 3.0 while 4G LTE Mobile hotspot shares up to 10 connections.

Finally, the handset weighs just 4.99 ounces.

It also appears that LG has managed to do a couple of deals with Netflix and ESPN. This will apparently allow users access to exclusive HD Video content with the two well-known entertainment companies.

It’s not clear whether this new handset will be available in the UK. Presumably it will be, especially since Netflix recently announced it is now operating in Britain. For just £5.99 you can access video content straight to your Android smartphone, iPhone, PS3, computer and smart TV set.

Called Video on Demand (VOD), Netflix is considered the largest company of its type in the USA to offer this kind of service. Arriving in Britain should open up a wider range of services for UK based viewers from the likes of Miramax and MGM.