A look at LG's latest curved handset next to its current flagship phone
With the launch of the G Flex 2, LG takes the core idea of the original G Flex and transforms it into a more compact, higher-end handset. Like the LG G3 — which LG says absolutely is not being replaced by this new device —the G Flex 2 sports a 5.5-inch display, making it more hand and pocket-friendly than its predecessor.
The G Flex 2 doesn't replace the G3 — instead it'll live alongside it in LG's lineup.
It's also got the edge on the G3 when it comes to internals, boasting Qualcomm's very latest Snapdragon 810 processor, an octa-core 64-bit chip running 64-bit Android 5.0 Lollipop. By comparison the G3 runs the older 32-bit Snapdragon 801, a chip we've seen in many 2014 flagships. However, even with the G Flex 2's more powerful hardware, LG's kept the screen resolution to Full HD, 1080p, compared to the G3's enormous Quad HD resolution.
And the display technologies being used are also different. The 'Flex uses flexible Plastic OLED panel, giving more vibrant colors and darker blacks, whereas the G3's LCD produces more muted tones. Naturally, the G Flex is a curvier handset all round, and that of course extends to its curved display and panel, which likes the original G Flex can be flexed with enough force.
More: Check out our hands-on with the LG G Flex 2!
In either case, you'll find 2 or 3GB of RAM in both devices, along with a choice between 16 or 32GB of storage, backed up by microSD expansion.
Physically, both are plastic phones and feel as such, however the G Flex 2 has a glossier finish on its self-healing back panel. And this is especially noticeable in the bright "flamenco red" color option. While the physical size and weight of both phones is similar, the G Flex 2 is noticeably taller the G3. That said, it feels remarkably small in the hand, perhaps more so than its flat-screened sibling.
LG G Flex 2
Over on the software side, the G3 shipped with Android 4.4 KitKat and in some countries it's starting to receive its upgrade to 5.0 Lollipop. The software experience on the G3 with Lollipop is pretty close to that of the G Flex 2 — LG's UI sports muted colors and flat icons, though the new device boasts additional features like "Glance" mode and new gesture controls for taking selfies.
One curious change — the Lollipop-upgraded G3 sports old-style on-screen keys from the KitKat days, whereas the G Flex 2 uses newer Lollipop-style buttons.
So these are both different kinds of device, with overlapping specs in some areas. And while the G Flex 2 won't replace the G3 at the head of LG's mobile lineup, it looks like a solid addition to the company's portfolio.
LG G Flex 2 versus LG G3 specs
| Category | LG G Flex 2 | LG G3 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.5-inch 1080x1920 Plastic OLED (403 ppi) | 5.5-inch 1440x2560 IPS LCD (538 ppi) |
| Operating system | Android 5.0 Lollipop | Android 4.4 KitKat (5.0 Lollipop upgrade available in some countries) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 at 2.0 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 at 2.5 GHz |
| RAM | 2GB or 3GB LPDDR4, depending on region | 2GB or 3GB LPDDR3, depending on region |
| Storage | 16GB or 32GB eMMC, microSD card | 16GB or 32GB eMMC, microSD card |
| Rear camera | 13 megapixels with OIS+, laser autofocus, dual flash | 13 megapixels with OIS+, laser autofocus, dual flash |
| Front camera | 2.1 megapixels | 2.1 megapixels |
| Network | 3xCA, 300Mbps theoretical max | 4G LTE, speed varies by region |
| Battery | 3,000 mAh non-removable with quick charging | 3,000 mAh removable battery |
| Size | 149.1 x 75.3 x 7.1-9.4mm | 146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9mm |
| Weight | 152 grams | 149 grams |
| Connectivity | Wifi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.1, USB 2.0, NFC | Wifi 802.11 ac, Bluetooth 4.0 LE + APT-x, NFC, USB 2.0 |
Reader comments
Quick Comparison: LG G Flex 2 versus LG G3
Will the g3 get those software keys also?
Posted via the Android Central App
That's an Android 5.0 feature.
The G3 didn't get these Lollipop buttons with the update.
Those new Nav buttons are huge.
Galaxy Note 4
Galaxy S III
LG G2
This! ^ I was just looking at mine on my Moto X with Lollipop, and they are nowhere near that big.
Posted via the Android Central App on the 2nd Gen. Moto X
It's only a design of Android 5.0 vanilla, which means if the manufacturers don't want it in their skin, they don't have to include it.
As stated here in the hands on "One small but significant though has to do with the G Flex's on-screen buttons. LG's latest uses square, circle and triangle-style buttons like stock Lollipop, whereas an upgraded G3 retains its KitKat-style icons."
I suppose LG can add the software keys in a further update, but so far it will stay with the kit kat software keys.
Vann
Posted via the Android Central App
I wonder how it feels in the pocket. If it was bent the other way, it might fit better in jeans. It looks really interesting, though!
You put your phone in your pocket with screen out? I put mine in my back pocket with screen in in jeans, and front pocket with screen in in shorts and work pants.
I think he means curved side to side...not top to bottom.
I think Samsung released something along those lines last year.
The glossy plastic back is hideous. Plastic can look nice without looking cheap and tacky like this.
For example, OnePlus One, Moto X, G, and E.
Posted via the Android Central App on the 2nd Gen. Moto X
I really hate the Lollipop buttons. It literally is going to be a deciding factor in to my next phone.
Posted via HTC One on Sprint
You'll probably end up with an old phone, then.
Lol
Posted via the Android Central App on the 2nd Gen. Moto X
The G Flex 2 looks nice, but like a glossy plastic 1+1. Still though, having ths SD 810 makes it pretty exciting. This is gonna be one beast of a phone
Posted Via the Unrivaled Note 4
I'm hoping next year Moto puts the 810 in the Moto X. That way I won't be as tempted to buy the new one as I was this year.
I just don't really see how an 810 is so much more compelling than an 801 or 805. I mean, last year the jump from the 600 or S4 Pro to the 801 was a much more compelling reason to go out and get a new phone. I'm just not all that excited for 64bit because most likely you won't notice a bit of difference.
Posted via the Android Central App on the 2nd Gen. Moto X
Is the microphone at the same place, on the bottom? If so, beware.
I'm in the process of replacing my G3 because the mic isn't picking up my voice. Not clear if it's the location of the mic or a defect. Amazingly, the guy at Verizon was reluctant to replace it because, he told me, all of the G3s have trouble picking up voice, He says it's a known issue (and an Internet search confirms this), but they keep selling them because, he says, most people only use it with a Bluetooth connection or a headset. (?!)
I liked the phone, but if this replacement doesn't fix the issue I'll have to get something different. (And I just bought this in October.)
You aren't covering the mic with your pinky are you? I have always had an issue doing that. I've had the G2 and G3 and I have had to learn to not brace the phone with my pinky when talking or I would obstruct the mic and no one could hear me.
Glad it has lollipop buttons.
Posted via the Android Central App
G Flex 2 would have been almost perfect if it had a removable battery. I will never have another phone with a non-removable battery. A spare battery is so much easier to carry than a charging block & cable.
Yep, I got to that item in the specs and thought the same thing. As someone posted in another thread, it seems like they do this on purpose - like they just can't make the perfect phone (some unwritten agreement between all of the manufacturers)...
Posted via Android Central App
Wow, the G3 in the comparison pictures has a status bar completely packed full of icons. They must be busy people this week!
Posted via the Android Central App on the 2nd Gen. Moto X
I have quick charge on my G3...... Thanks to a. Certain dev :);)
Posted via the Android Central App
Do explain please
Posted via the finally lag-free LG G3 on CM12
After looking at the specs of the flex 2 and G3. I see that these phones are very close by comparison. So I do not see why LG decided this latest flex a flex 2. When clearly it resembles a G3. I have a flex and was looking toward upgrading to the next gen. Simply because I really like my 6 inch display. Any display bigger is a tablet to me. It would be way too big. So why not call the newest flex what it really is. Not a Flex 2 but an LG 3 Curve. They are sooo close in specs that it would make sense. So will I upgrade? Nope not to a G3 curve. Because if lg listened to consumers, not all wanted a smaller display.
I also agree with everyone by adding a removable battery. I also think a larger battery would give this phone longer battery life. I have 3500 mAh battery in my flex. The flex 2 should have had at least that. I want to see the review after consumers have the phone for a month. That will be nice to find out what everyone thinks.
I am much more than happy with my G3. I have it all set up the way I want with the smart circle. I am using it sometimes instead of my Nikon SLR. It is Great for summertime backlit evenings. My battery is holding a charge longer than any other that I have had. And it is good in the country for reception when you need it most. I drive to daughters sixty four miles one way nearly every week as long as the weather will let me and I am more confident and feel safer with this phone than any other. It paired quickly with my Fiat as well. I may end up having this phone forever. Unless the next LG I can get is the same size and specs. I like having the flashlight in the smart circle. So go ahead and complain about the looks of a button. It's rather insignificant to me.
Both are brilliant even needs thinner bezels but is there a dual sim dual active in both? I can't seem to get dualism LTE anywhere and I really want dual sim does LG want to sell there phones or should I just go for the Samsung or HTC ONE?