LG G2: Review

LG G2 is a high-end Android smartphone that shines for hardware power, great screen 5.2 ” and high autonomy.

The new LG G2 completes the podium of the best Android smartphones. At the second interpretation of the G series top of the range nothing is missing, or nearly so, to compete on equal terms of the actors most reliable on the current scene, such as HTC and Samsung Galaxy S4 One: quad core processor 2.26 GHz, stabilized 13-megapixel rear camera, but above all an incredible battery of 3,000 mAh. Continuing with the specifications, we find a large screen 5.2 ” with Full HD resolution and a minimal frame which helps to reduce the overall size.

At first, cursory glance, the LG G2 smartphone appears as a direct response to rival the S4 compatriot Samsung imposing size, cover in plastic, rounded profile, many innovative features to its control. The similarity ends. Already at power discover how the two products are different, both for the ability of LG to insert a larger screen in a body of the size of all comparable to a terminal of a lower diagonal, both for the experience of using the original characterized its unusual placement of the power button and volume keys.

LG G2: Design

The smartphone LG G2 is very manageable despite appearances. Thanks to the ultra minimalist frame of the big screen, 5.2 “, it is comfortable to hold and use even with one hand. Those with large hands and / or long fingers, of course, will have fewer problems than those who have been instead minute.

But in any case, we do applaud LG for ergonomic adjustments made in the context, including the ability to move, with a simple gesture (touch the large arrow side) the QWERTY keyboard or numeric keypad to the left or right of the screen, so much easier to type, depending on whether we keep it with only the left or right hand.

In contrast, the overall design is not very original: as anticipated, in shape, size and material, the LG G2 looks similar to the Galaxy S4. The back cover is made from plastic material with a slight surface finish that has the aim to improve the grip, but not resistant to fingerprints.

The edges are rounded, with a much cleaner appearance of rival Samsung for the absence of the large physical Home button on the front panel, but most of the power button and volume rocker usually on the right side at the top. Here, the LG G2 begins to distance itself from the competition by adopting a new solution: the on / off button is located at the back, at the top, lined up along the rear of the camera lens and buttons for adjusting the volume.

Overall, the operation was successful aesthetically, but also functionally, although the new provision may like or not to those accustomed to the traditional lateral location. It remains a fact: the risks of pushing a button rather than another are virtually nil.

LG says that this choice was made according to the specific needs of users: the stack of the three buttons is of course exactly where you place your index finger on the back, facilitating the use of the LG G2 with one hand and when we look at the screen is when you are on the phone. To further facilitate the search for keys in the dark (you still need to get used to it), LG went to the aid of the users with a convex profile and a smooth coating of the power button, and rough for those in the volume.

Take a few days to practice and to become natural to use the G2, realizing how truly comfortable and functional, moving his thumb and forefinger independently on the phone. In addition, LG has implemented the unique Knock-On, which allows you to turn on / off the display by touching it twice instead of having to press the physical power button.

LG G2: Features and Functionality

The heart of the LG G2 is a powerful Snapdragon processor Qualcom 800, supported by 2 GB RAM LPDDR3 to 800 MHz and an Adreno 330 graphics chip. The LG smartphone is available in two colors (black and white) and as many variants, with a capacity of 16 or 32 G. The second version is not only more convenient, but is also able to expand the capabilities of your smartphone in multimedia, view and given the absence of the expansion slot for microSD cards.

Impressive is the screen, 5.2 ” IPS panel by the very high density per pixel, well 423 PPI, for a full HD resolution (1,920 × 1,080 pixels). The connectivity features the best currently available, reflecting the fact that LG has not overlooked any aspect in achieving the second interpretation of the series G: support 4G/LTE networks, Wi-Fi with support Miracast, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, GPS and infrared port.

If up to this point it seems that LG has just diligently compiled the list in spending, that’s come out of the trump cards of the G2: the 13-megapixel rear camera with OIS and a compact but capable lithium-polymer battery 3000 mAh.

One of the strengths of LG G2 is undoubtedly the incredible density reaches: 423 pixels per inch on a diagonal of 5.2 “. The IPS panel with full HD resolution is not as bright as the AMOLED, but the colors are more realistic, with very smooth transitions between shades, and the touch sensitivity is excellent, as well as the accuracy of multi-finger gesture.

Obviously, relying on a per pixel density so high, the details are at the highest terms, with images that come out from the screen as they appear defines the text displayed, the profiles net and not smudged. If we find a fault to the screen, the anti-reflective coating is not as effective: it is still a glossy finish, which goes into crisis only in conditions of strong natural light.

With a hardware sector at the highest levels, the performance of LG G2 can only be at the top of the category. Obviously, using traditional – to call, reply to messages, surf the web or update your social network status, etc.. – There are no delays or uncertainty of any kind. Also take advantage of the multitasking QSlide and Slide Aside is a real pleasure, with immediate transitions between apps.

It is certainly not in these situations, though, that you appreciate the actual high computing power of quad-core Snapdragon 2.26 Gb GHz for these operations would be enough a few hundred gigahertz and in less than two cores, can always count on 2 GB of RAM. Pushing the accelerator pedal, the LG G2 continues to show uncertainty: we tried to reproduce Full HD video and surf the complex web sites, always with the utmost satisfaction.

In particular, two aspects have surprised us: under load, the smartphone does not heat up excessively, and has never crashed. Last but not least, the gaming experience: by running demanding games like Real Racing Asphalt 8 or 3, not only the video quality is excellent for details and light effects, but the frame rate is always high, with no slowdown.

The Form 13-megapixel camera with OIS optical stabilization and LED flash, it is simply excellent. Now every manufacturer knows that this is a critical feature of a terminal, and especially for high-end products like this LG G2.

Overall, we were satisfied: Photos are satisfactory in every situation and lighting conditions. The images are sharp and detailed and lifelike colors, with a yield surprising in full light and OIS stabilizer that comes in handy when it goes down, to disappear, or nearly so, the risk of blurred photos.

If you use the default setting, the scene is faithfully reproduced, while the autofocus is responsive and accurate, almost to the level of a mid-range compact camera. You can rely on the automatic selection of focus (grid of nine focal points) or to manually select the point, to get more creative shots, for example, playing a little with the depth of field – always within the limits of optics and a sensor for smartphones.

For close subjects (macro shooting), it is better to use the manual focus of the AF system automatically goes otherwise in crisis. 12 are the scenes, including the Normal mode, available to vent their creativity, including an HDR, called Dynamic tone, not too invasive, with a reproduction of the natural environment resumed. It can also act on some of the key shooting parameters, such as exposure, focus (auto, manual, face detection), ISO, white balance, color effect, or (b / w, sepia, negative, normal).

Also in the video recording Full HD 60p, the optical stabilizer comes in handy, with satisfactory results to show not only on the screen of the smartphone, but also on the home computer. Ultimately, there is nothing to complain about with the camera module back LG G2. That front 2.1 megapixel is more than enough for video calls and self-portraits. In the latter case, you can shoot using the button located on the back is really comfortable.

The battery life of the LG G2 is simply amazing. The 3,000 mAh are exploited in a great way, both as a space both as pure autonomy. The lithium polymer battery does not affect the thickness of the device, with only 8.9 mm, while the weight is on the excellent value of 142 grams.

Also trying to reach the maximum level of consumption, the LG G2 was surprised never going to Crisis in brightness to a maximum, all the sensors and connections enabled, massive reproduction of multimedia content and long gaming session did not prevent him to arrive safely at the end of a day.

Even for relatively quiet days (only calls, messages, status updates on social networks, some shots from the camera) and screen brightness at 60%, it is not uncommon to arrive on the evening with still almost 40% of power reserve. Surely, this, even more than the great power within the hardware sector, it is what he does appreciate the G2 everyday use.

Conclusion

Those looking for an alternative to the two current top of the range Android smartphone will be satisfied by this shimmering LG G2. The price, then, it is interesting, especially for the 32 GB model, which doubles the storage capacity of the data for only $50. Original design or materials and finishes of the highest level and even less well-known than other’s brands, but certainly does not fear comparisons.

Above all, it is in the hardware sector of the absolute level. The large screen and ultra defined, and the incredible autonomy that the LG G2 stands out from the main rivals in the Android world in absolute terms. The combination of these three factors is the added value to push toward the purchase.

Where to Buy LG G2

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