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.
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 |
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