LG G Flex 2 First Look: Here's A Powerful Bendable Smartphone That Can Heal Itself From Scratches

LG has had a positive last year with back-to-back hits in the form of the LG G3 and the LG G Pro 2. Even though the South Korean tech manufacturer is yet to make a name of itself in the high-end space; however, it seems that LG has finally got an amazing product that could compete with Samsung Galaxy S6 or the HTC One M9.

Initially launched at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2015, which took place in Las Vegas, the LG G Flex 2, feels like the Apple iPhone 6 Plus.

The newly launched premium looking handset has the same curved body to match the sensibilities of a modern day consumer. Then there's the self-healing property on the back of the phone, which according to early testing doesn't necessarily felt as good as the last iteration.

PROS

• Unique curve design
• Edge to edge contour display
• Scratch-resistant back panel coating
• Recommendable camera

CONS

• Not so Palm-friendly
• No big changes in Built as compared to predecessor
• Odd for Pockets
• Curve doesn't make a difference

Though, on the positive side, the G Flex 2 now sports a 5.5-inch Full HD display and a Snapdragon 810 processor under the hood. So, here's a quick look at the LG G Flex 2 that's coming to the US and the UK shortly. However, LG has yet to indicate an exact launch date as far as India is concerned.

LG G Flex 2: Form Factor, Design, Display and Operating System

The LG G Flex 2 offers a more comfortable design than its predecessor.

While the first generation handset was largely uncomfortable to hold, the new device is slightly smaller and 15% lighter. In fact, the handset measures just 7.1mm in terms of thickness (same as the Apple iPhone 6 Plus). The G Flex 2 now weighs around 152 grams compared to the 177 grams it was previously and certainly you can notice an immediate difference between the two devices.

As usual, there are no buttons on the front or the side of the phone. Instead, the phone has the same back buttons beneath the camera as the LG G 3. Like the original device, the G Flex 2 has the same self-healing property that is soft to tough. LG says the second-generation handset will still be able to sell-heal itself after you've scratched it. In fact, it can do it 18 times faster than the previous version. Well, we didn't notice quick results, so it's hard to trust LG immediately.

To make things it better, LG Flex 2 now comes with a 5.5-inch Full HD panel instead of a massive 6-inch gigantic 720p HD screen. A 5.5-inch POLED screen felt so natural compared to the 6-inch display of the previous iteration.

Sure, the screen has a higher pixel density resulting in a superior display. The company has also used the Gorilla Glass 3 protection, and is modified internally to make it more durable. The LG G Flex 2 will come with Google's Android 5.0 Lollipop user interface (UI).

LG's own UI is layered on top of Android Lollipop. The user interface (UI) comes with standard software enhancements and features seen on the LG-made devices. Now there's a newly added feature called GlanceView. Basically, this new software add-on allows you to quickly check the date, time and any other missed notifications, without waking up the device.

LG G Flex 2: Processor and Connectivity Options

LG's G Flex 2 is now the first device out there to feature a Snapdragon 810 chipset under the hood. The 64-bit octa-core processor has a clock speed of 2GHz, and promises to guarantee superior game play and unmatched graphical enhancements seen on a mobile device.

The device also sports 3GB of RAM, 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, a microSD card (upto 2TB), Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, NFC, among others.

LG Flex 2: Camera and Video

In the imaging department, LG G Flex 2 comes with a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera. Like the LG G3, it has as laser-guided auto-focus, dual-flash and optical image stabilization. LG further says that several cameras features have been enhanced to make the G Flex 2 - the best camera smartphone in the market.

Well, the end result seemed to be quite satisfactory. For video conferencing and selfie needs, LG has added a 2.1-megapixel rear-facing camera.

Notably, LG has added a new motion recognition software feature that automatically allows the camera to adjust when using a selfie stick. The device can record Full HD and 4K video (back-camera), too.

LG G Flex 2: Battery and Final Verdict

The high-end device come stuffed with a 3,000mAh battery inside. However, LG says that the battery performance has been enhanced. Last but not the least, it will be fair to say that the G Flex 2 is indeed an innovative handset which will cost around Rs 55,000 in India and will be available this month itself.

LG G Flex 2 has got several new features, and of course, a curved display. But the question remains, whether users are interested in getting a handset with a curved display or not.