LG G Flex 2 vs LG G Flex: What's the Difference?

LG G Flex 2 vs LG G Flex: What's the Difference?

The LG G Flex was certainly a very impressive handset. It brought the first curved screen to the UK, and followed that up with some powerful specs, whilst sticking the LG’s smart design. But now the follow-up handset is here, so what’s the difference between the LG G Flex and LG G Flex 2?

We’re going to take a look at both of the curved LG models to let you know which one really flexes its muscle the most. So if you have your heart set on a flexible smartphone, you might want to pay attention!

G Flex vs LG G Flex 2 Display

As you’d probably guess, both of these LG smartphones have curved screens. However, there are some big differences between the two, and the first major change is with the size of the G Flex 2.

Whilst the older LG smartphone boasts a 6” screen, the G Flex 2 claims a 5.5” display, making it notably smaller than its predecessor. This may look like a backwards step by LG, but it actually makes the handset much easier to handle.

Also, despite the drop in screen size, the resolution of the new handset has grown from 720p to a full HD 1080p effort. This makes the G Flex 2 display much sharper than on the previous handset, something which critics complained about the original G Flex.

G Flex Designs

As expected, both LG G Flex handsets look pretty similar. The two flexible phones sport the volume and power buttons located on the rear of the handset, whilst the front sides of each device remain relatively uncluttered.

One notable difference, however, is that the G Flex 2 has shed some pounds when it comes down to weight. This is mainly down to the reduced screen size of the second device which we’ve already mentioned, and does make the G Flex 2 easier to use. That said, the original model is slightly slimmer at its thinnest point.

If you like some colour with your smartphone then you can’t have been pleased with the original G Flex, which came in grey, grey or… grey. This time we do get two colours, with red and grey versions both available, but don’t expect any Nokia-esque splashes of green or yellow anytime soon.

Also, one feature of the design we loved from the G Flex is sticking around, and that’s the self-healing skin on the rear of the chassis. This time, you can see light scratches disappear in 10 seconds as opposed to the original G Flex’s 10 minutes.

LG G Flex Specs Comparison

This is where the original G Flex begins to show its age. Boasting a quad-core processor and Snapdragon 800 chipset, the original G Flex is no slouch, but is outclassed by its successor. The G Flex 2 features a faster and more efficient Snapdragon 810 chipset alongside an octa-core processor, resulting in much better performance.

Also, with an Adreno 430 GPU and 64-bit support, the G Flex 2 looks like a class act on paper. However, the LG G Flex features the same 2GB RAM as shown in the G Flex 2, so it’s not all bad news for the older device.

If memory is an issue for you, then the original curved screen smartphone may have been quite a frustration, with just 32GB of non-expandable storage. The G Flex 2 however, can boast a whopping 2TB MicroSD card this time around.

Finally, one area which is actually topped by the older handset is the battery, which sizes up at 3,500mAh. The G Flex 2 does pack a 3,000mAh effort however, and thanks to the smaller display and less power hungry chipset, will equate to a similar, if not better battery life.

LG Camera Comparison

On paper, both of these LG cameras look identical, with both sporting 13 megapixel rear lenses alongside 2.1 megapixel front snappers. However, the G Flex 2 does stand out with the addition of the Laser Autofocus and Optical Image Stabilisation. Also, a dual LED flash also makes the cut on the second G Flex handset, again showing up the older device.

Finally, LG is also packing in some extra camera software for the newer curved screen phone as well. This gives the G Flex 2 a better overall experience when coming down to photography, whilst quality is generally pretty similar.

LG Software

Behind the scenes on both of LG’s curved smartphones is the Android operating system, with LG including its own interface on both. However, its Android’s latest Lollipop 5.0 system on the G Flex 2, whilst the previous LG model has the slightly aged KitKat. This does give the G Flex 2 a bit of an edge, though it’s widely expected that the original handset will be updated soon, so there’s no major loss there.

One final upside to the second curved device is the addition of Glance View, which allows you to check out notifications on the lock screen, which you can’t do on the original G Flex.

LG G Flex 2 Review: Verdict

Overall, it’s a solid all-round improvement for the LG G Flex 2 over its predecessor. The drop in screen size makes the handset easier to use, whilst the updated specs and improved software also pay dividends.

This doesn’t mean that the LG G Flex is completely obsolete, but it certainly means that it may slowly drift away from the limelight as its successor takes the plaudits. Of course, we’ll see just how well the G Flex 2 does over here when it officially goes on sale mid-February.

We’ll keep you updated when the LG G Flex goes on sale, but for now, check out all of the other LG smartphone deals we have to offer.