LG isn’t new on the scene but has been noticeably absent as a contender in the Android phone arena for a while. Since the LG Optimus G released to some favorable reviews people have found their way back. Does the G2 garner more praise?
DESIGN/STYLE
The biggest thing you’ll notice out the box is there are no buttons, rockers or sliders on the sides of the G2, which actually makes the phone look sleeker. However, if you run your finger along the back of the phone you feel the Rear Key. The Rear Key is an ergonomically fixated “rocker” located just under the rear camera, making the phone easy to handle one handed whether you’re a righty or lefty. Admittedly it takes some getting used to but after awhile you start to wonder why this isn’t the norm on all phones.
The 2.26 GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 800 Quad-Core Processor (first in the US to have this Processor) is housed in a glossy black polycarbonate body which is a little slippery and feels like it will drop easily and attracts finger prints – which makes me want to place it in a case immediately. Oddly it doesn’t seem to do either.
The display is gorgeous with 1080p display, pretty standard these days on Android Devices. The G2 stands out with 423 ppi (pixels-per-inch), which makes the graphics “pop” everything just seems clearer on the G2. The 16:9 HD true to life screen doesn’t make things like going to full screen in YouTube look stretched nor will you find over-saturated color. (excuse my techie rant)
Camera
The one thing about this phone that we can all universally appreciate is the camera. The camera is 13 MP, featuring scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass to help protect the lens and provide clear photos and videos for years to come. This camera has two-axis optical image stabilization and multi-point auto-focus –so the pictures are… I can’t even explain. I need to show you.
The first two pictures were taken through glass. See how clear it is? My glasses doesn’t even make things that clear for me.
Features
The G2’s specially engineered 3,000 mAh SiO+ (Silicon Oxide Plus) battery was created to complement the phone’s slim, ergonomic shape and to impress with its long life, in other words the phone is slim and the battery life is the best I’ve experienced on any smartphone. Aside from the Rear Key and Knock On some other cool features are:
- QSlide Function™ – layers two different apps over the main screen in special windows, with size and transparency that you can adjust however you like. So you can always see and quickly access exactly what you want.
- Slide Aside™ – gives you the freedom to quickly switch between as many as three different open apps on the phone just by swiping and tapping the screen.
- Clip Tray™– allows you to copy and paste multiple items to a unique, slide-up clipboard interface at the bottom of the screen, then conveniently pick whichever ones you want to attach.
- QuickRemote – works with the LG G2’s built-in IR emitter. So now you can operate your compatible TV, set-top box, audio system, DVD or Blu-ray player, or even an air conditioner, all right from the phone. The LG G2 can now control any device that uses an infrared remote.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
My personal Android is the HTC One but this phone had me at hello. Yes the Rear Key may put some people off especially if you’re like me and tend to use your phone while it’s on the charger. Enter “Knock On” yes you literally knock twice on your screen and it turns on. Knock twice again and it turns off… easy peasy. So if you’re looking for a fast phone that takes breathtaking photos with some pretty nifty features that make sense – the LG G2 is clearly the best smartphone on the market. It is available in either Black or White at Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint for as little as $0 down to $299 down or you can pick it up unlocked for $600.
**Disclosure: LG provided the phone at no cost for review. All opinions are ALWAYS our own.**
