LG G Flex 2 vs LG G Flex quick look

LG has just taken the wraps off the G Flex 2, bringing back the unique curved design language, but this time packing enough in terms of specifications and features to give most flagship smartphones a run for their money. So how much of an upgrade is it when compared to its predecessor? We find out, as we take a quick look at the LG G Flex 2 vs LG G Flex!

Design

Considering the fact that both smartphones belong to the same series, there are understandably a lot of similarities in the overall design language. With both devices, you get LG staples such as the all-screen front with ultra-thin bezels, along with the power button and volume rocker found on the back. As was the case in the jump from the LG G2 to the LG G3, this rear button layout takes on a more refined look with the G Flex 2.

The G Flex 2 features a smaller 5.5-inch display, compared to the 6-inch screen of its predecessor, resulting in a significant difference in the handling experience. While the latter was a lot more unwieldy and required some form of hand gymnastics to get around the display, the more manageable size of the G Flex 2, along with the significant curve that is a big contributing factor, allows for a much comfortable feel in the hand.

The self healing back that was first introduced with the G Flex also makes a return with its successor, but in an improved iteration. Minor scuffs and scratches will “heal” in less than 20 seconds, compared to the few minutes it would take in the case of the G Flex. Overall, if you loved the unique design language of the G Flex but found it too big, the LG G Flex 2 will be right in your wheelhouse.

Display

One of the main issues with the original G Flex was not entirely just about the size, but the rather low 720p resolution of its 6-inch P-OLED display. Even with this lower than typical resolution though, you did get a solid viewing experience, just not at a level you may be used to from flagship smartphones.

That has changed with the G Flex 2, with the the smaller 5.5-inch display coming with a Full HD resolution, resulting in a pixel density of 403 ppi. Quad HD may be the resolution we see with current flagships, but you will be hard pressed to find any faults with the P-OLED screen of the G Flex 2, that provides vivid colors, and excellent viewing angles.

Performance and Hardware

While the G Flex may have featured a lower resolution display, there was no compromise in terms of performance, with the device boasting the best processing package of the time, with its quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, backed by the Adreno 330 GPU and 2 GB of RAM.

This time around, the G Flex 2 pushes things even further by being the first widely available device to pack a 64-bit octa-core Snapdragon 810 with an Adreno 430 GPU. The handset will come in either 2 or 3 GB configurations, depending on the market and storage capacity.

Both devices perform very well, but LG’s latest software experience available with the G Flex 2 is a big contributing factor in keeping things running smoothly, while the Optimus UI of its predecessor was not without its issues.

The original G Flex was only available in one size configuration, 32 GB, while the G Flex 2 is offering 16GB and 32GB variants. In addition to offering two storage options, the G Flex 2 also has a microSD card slot with support for up to 128GB. If you have the means, storage should be of absolutely no concern with the G Flex 2.

Turning to battery life, the LG G Flex 2 has a slightly smaller battery than its predecessor at 3,000 mAh, compared to the 3,500 mAh unit of the original. Whether this actually makes a big difference on battery life remains unseen until we have the opportunity to give the device a closer look. The G Flex 2 does come with fast charging capabilities though, which means that you can get close to 50% of charge in just 40 minutes.

Camera

Although the G Flex and G Flex 2 both feature 13 MP rear cameras, the experience in the G Flex 2 is a noticeable step up. The camera of the G Flex was quite similar to the LG G2, though it lacked OIS.

The LG G Flex 2 on the other hand comes with a experience that is very similar to the flagship LG G3, without any sacrifices, and is in fact probably better. OIS+ makes a return, and LG’s unique laser auto focus system is also available, in an improved capacity. Other software improvements means that the LG G Flex 2 may offer one of the best smartphone camera experiences around, and we can’t wait to put it through its paces.

Software

As mentioned, the G Flex 2 offers a software experience that is a noticeable improvement over what was found on the original G Flex. Even though the former comes with Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box, the experience remains largely similar to what you get on the LG G3, with only a few changes such as a revamped lockscreen, notification drop down and Recent Apps screen available on LG’s take of the latest Android iteration. One of the few noticeable differences from the LG G3 is the addition of Glance View, which lets you swipe down on your screen when the display is off, to reveal basic information like the time and date, messages, and missed calls.

Specs Comparison

Gallery

Conclusion at a Glance

So there you have it – a quick look at the LG G Flex 2 vs G Flex! While the original G Flex may be have considered more of an experiment of sorts, the G Flex 2 signifies an attempt on LG’s part to push this unique form factor into the mainstream. While its design language is certainly one of a kind, its specifications and features are more than enough to give any flagship smartphone a run for their money, which is what makes the LG G Flex 2 such a great device.