Just like the rumours, teases and recent leaks had it, LG has just announced the G Flex 2 at its CES keynote.
The LG G Flex 2 is a successor to the G Flex, LG’s first curved smartphone. In many ways, it seeks to improve on all the misgivings and rough edges of its first generation sibling by building on the tried and tested specifications of that old device and those of LG’s flagship G3 and adding more. Yes, that Snapdragon 810 is real and it’s in the G Flex 2 as well.
Other than the processor, some minor details in image processing (camera) and obvious differences in design, other specifications of the LG G Flex 2 match those of the G3. These include the battery capacity, memory, camera pixel count and network connectivity. The first generation G Flex’s signature banana/young moon (crescent) curve is lessened in the G Flex 2 as is the display size while the resolution is upped. While still maintaining its OLED nature, the display has been upgraded to full high definition status while the size will now be stepped down to 5.5 inches from the monstrous 6 inches that the first generation Flex adorned. That self-healing back? It’s still here, as expected and it’s better. It self-heals in a record 10 seconds. At least that is what LG says and what the few folks who’ve had hands-on with the device prior to its unveiling today confirm.
The G Flex 2 runs on the latest iteration of Android, version 5, Lollipop. Of course it is skinned but as LG did a very good job by not going overboard with its customizations to stock Android, the trend remains on the G Flex 2. Infact, those who’ve used the device (and you can ascertain this from the images) say it is the same as the builds that are hitting the G3 in various parts of the world right now. I have noticed something from the several hands-on videos and images that have hit the web already: the on-screen navigation buttons are now Android Lollipop-esque unlike in the G3 update where the KitKat ones remained untouched.
The device also has a feature that has almost become a must have since the Oppo Find 7 popularized it early last year, fast-charging battery tech. LG says that the G Flex 2 should be able to hit the 50% mark 40 minutes after being plugged in.
Here is a run-down of the LG G Flex 2’s specifications:
- Size and weight: 149.1 x 75.3 x 7.1-9.4mm, 152g
- Display: 5.5-inch Full HD Curved P-OLED (1080 x 1920 pixels, 403 ppi)
- Camera: 13 MP main camera with OIS+ and laser auto focus/ 2.1 MP front camera
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 64-bit octa-core CPU backed by an Adreno 430 GPU
- Memory: 2 or 3 GB RAM and 16 or 32 GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD)
- OS: Android Lollipop
- Battery: 3000 mAh
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth Smart Ready (Apt-X) 4.1, NFC, SlimPort, A-GPS / Glonass, USB 2.0
- Network: 4G / LTE / HSPA+ 21/42 Mbps
The LG G Flex 2 will be available at the end of the month in LG’s home country, Korea and later on in other markets in Platinum Silver and Flamenco Red colours at a yet to be disclosed price (should be very high).