LG's marquee-worthy G Flex 2
Already out in Korea and hitting Singapore soon, the G Flex 2 is LG's latest high-end smartphone. Though no pricing and availability date has been released, it’s expected to launch in other countries as well. In the US, AT&T, Sprint and US Cellular have announced they will carry the device, and we’re expecting it to roll out some time in the spring. In the UK, it'll be exclusive to Vodafone for its first six weeks on sale. Australian details are yet to be announced.
An arched design
Compared to its predecessor, the device's 23-degree arc doesn't appear as prominent. But the bowed design and display do lend it a more immersive viewing experience.
Protective veneer on the back
The handset's battery door is layered with a slick protective coating, not unlike the ones you find on cars. The "self-healing" coat protects against everyday scratches and scuffs.
Warding off scratches
During my time with it, I was able to scratch my keys and claw my nails across the back several times. The veneer managed to fend off any markings from these abuses.
Smaller this time around
With this second generation, the G Flex 2 is smaller, thinner and 15 percent lighter. It still won't be a comfortable fit in your jean pockets, but it isn't as unwieldy as the first G Flex.
Lighter and more comfortable
The device measures 5.9 inches tall and 3 inches wide, has a profile of 0.3 to 0.4 inches at the thickest (149 by 75 by 7.1 to 9.4mm), and weighs 5.4 ounces (152 grams).
Flexing its muscle
Though not rugged by any means, the phone can withstand a certain degree of abuse. When it's facing down, you can push against or step on its apex to flatten it straight; and when it's facing upward, you can press down its curling edges. It'll spring back.
A sharper 1080p display
I was previously disappointed that the first iteration had only a 720p resolution, but the G Flex 2 now has a 1080p touchscreen. And given the size decrease (the display measures 5.5 inches instead of 6), the screen has a higher pixel density of 403ppi.
Packing a few tools
For your camera needs, the device has a 13-megapixel camera that can shoot 4K video and has a dual flash, optical image stabilization and a laser-guided focus.
Getting the right shot
The camera also has an 8x digital zoom, panorama shooting, a gridline overlay to help compose pictures and four sizing options.
A camera for the selfie generation
On the front there’s a 2.1-megapixel shooter. Like the G3, you can activate the camera shutter touch-free by making an open-hand gesture and then closing it into a fist.
The latest Snapdragon from Qualcomm
The handset is powered by a 3,000mAh battery and Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 810 quad-core processor. Its 64-bit octa-core CPU is clocked at 2GHz and the G Flex 2 is one of the first phones to have the chipset.
Running Android 5.0 Lollipop
The device ships with Google's latest mobile OS, Android 5.0 Lollipop and has new software goodies like notifications on the lock screen and a richer approach to recent apps. LG also included some of its signature UI tools.
LG's statement phone
Available in platinum silver and flamenco red, the handset has what it takes to compete in this year's smartphone arms race. Click here for more of CNET's coverage of LG mobile devices.