Information about the make, model, and alternative names of the specific device, if available.
Design
Information about the dimensions and weight of the device, presented in different units of measurement. Materials used, colors offered, certificates.
| Width Width information - refers to the horizontal side of the device in its standard orientation during use. | 81.6 mm (millimeters) 8.16 cm (centimeters) 0.27 ft (feet) 3.21 in (inches) |
| Height Height information - refers to the vertical side of the device in its standard orientation during use. | 160.5 mm (millimeters) 16.05 cm (centimeters) 0.53 ft (feet) 6.32 in (inches) |
| Thickness Information about the thickness of the device in different units measurements. | 7.9 mm (millimeters) 0.79 cm (centimeters) 0.03 ft (feet) 0.31 in (inches) |
| Weight Information about the weight of the device in different units of measurement. | 177 g (grams) 0.39 lbs 6.24 oz (ounces) |
| Volume The approximate volume of the device, calculated based on the dimensions provided by the manufacturer. Refers to devices with the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. | 103.46 cm³ (cubic centimeters) 6.28 in³ (cubic inches) |
| Colors Information about the colors in which this device is offered for sale. | Silver |
SIM card
The SIM card is used in mobile devices to store data that certifies the authenticity of mobile service subscribers.
Mobile networks
A mobile network is a radio system that allows multiple mobile devices to communicate with each other.
| GSM GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) is designed to replace the analogue mobile network (1G). For this reason, GSM is often called a 2G mobile network. It is improved by the addition of GPRS (General Packet Radio Services), and later EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution) technologies. | GSM 850 MHz GSM 900 MHz GSM 1800 MHz GSM 1900 MHz |
| UMTS UMTS is an abbreviation for Universal Mobile Telecommunications System. It is based on GSM standard and applies to 3G mobile networks. Developed by 3GPP and its biggest advantage is providing greater speed and spectral efficiency thanks to W-CDMA technology. | UMTS 850 MHz UMTS 900 MHz UMTS 1900 MHz UMTS 2100 MHz |
| LTE LTE (Long Term Evolution) is defined as a fourth generation (4G) technology. It is developed by 3GPP based on GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA to increase the capacity and speed of wireless mobile networks. The subsequent technology development is called LTE Advanced. | LTE 800 MHz LTE 850 MHz LTE 900 MHz LTE 1700/2100 MHz LTE 1800 MHz LTE 1900 MHz LTE 2100 MHz LTE 2600 MHz |
Mobile communication technologies and data transfer speeds
Communication between devices on mobile networks is carried out using technologies that provide different data transfer rates.
Operating system
An operating system is a system software that manages and coordinates the operation of hardware components in a device.
SoC (System on Chip)
A system on a chip (SoC) includes all the most important hardware components of a mobile device on one chip.
| SoC (System on Chip) A system on a chip (SoC) integrates various hardware components, such as a processor, graphics processor, memory, peripherals, interfaces, etc., as well as the software necessary for their operation. | Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 MSM8974AA |
| Technological process Information about technological process, on which the chip is made. Nanometers measure half the distance between elements in the processor. | 28 nm (nanometers) |
| Processor (CPU) The primary function of a mobile device's processor (CPU) is to interpret and execute instructions contained in software applications. | Krait 400 |
| Processor size The size (in bits) of a processor is determined by the size (in bits) of the registers, address buses, and data buses. 64-bit processors have higher performance compared to 32-bit processors, which in turn are more powerful than 16-bit processors. | 32 bit |
| Instruction Set Architecture Instructions are commands with which the software sets/controls the operation of the processor. Information about the instruction set (ISA) that the processor can execute. | ARMv7 |
| Level 0 cache (L0) Some processors have L0 (level 0) cache, which is faster to access than L1, L2, L3, etc. The advantage of having such memory is not only higher performance, but also reduced power consumption. | 4 kB + 4 kB (kilobytes) |
| Level 1 cache (L1) Cache memory is used by the processor to reduce access time to more frequently used data and instructions. L1 (level 1) cache is small in size and works much faster as system memory, and other levels of cache memory. If the processor does not find the requested data in L1, it continues to look for it in the L2 cache. On some processors, this search is performed simultaneously in L1 and L2. | 16 kB + 16 kB (kilobytes) |
| Level 2 cache (L2) L2 (level 2) cache is slower than L1 cache, but in return it has a higher capacity, allowing it to cache more data. It, like L1, is much faster than system memory (RAM). If the processor does not find the requested data in L2, it continues to look for it in the L3 cache (if available) or in RAM memory. | 2048 kB (kilobytes) 2 MB (megabytes) |
| Number of processor cores The processor core performs program instructions. There are processors with one, two or more cores. Having more cores increases performance by allowing multiple instructions to be executed in parallel. | 4 |
| CPU clock speed The clock speed of a processor describes its speed in terms of cycles per second. It is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). | 2260 MHz (megahertz) |
| Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) handles calculations for various 2D/3D graphics applications. IN mobile devices ah it is used most often by games, consumer interface, video applications, etc. | Qualcomm Adreno 330 |
| Number of GPU cores Like a CPU, a GPU is made up of several working parts called cores. They handle graphics calculations for various applications. | 4 |
| GPU clock speed Running speed is the clock speed of the GPU, measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). | 450 MHz (megahertz) |
| Volume random access memory(RAM) Random access memory (RAM) is used by the operating system and all installed applications. Data stored in RAM is lost after the device is turned off or restarted. | 2 GB (gigabytes) |
| Type of random access memory (RAM) Information about the type of random access memory (RAM) used by the device. | LPDDR3 |
| Number of RAM channels Information about the number of RAM channels that are integrated into the SoC. More channels mean higher data rates. | Dual channel |
| RAM frequency The frequency of RAM determines its operating speed, more specifically, the speed of reading/writing data. | 800 MHz (megahertz) |
Built-in memory
Each mobile device has built-in (non-removable) memory with a fixed capacity.
Screen
The screen of a mobile device is characterized by its technology, resolution, pixel density, diagonal length, color depth, etc.
| Type/technology One of the main characteristics of the screen is the technology by which it is made and on which the quality of the information image directly depends. | Curved P-OLED |
| Diagonal For mobile devices, screen size is expressed by the length of its diagonal, measured in inches. | 6 in (inches) 152.4 mm (millimeters) 15.24 cm (centimeters) |
| Width Approximate screen width | 2.94 in (inches) 74.72 mm (millimeters) 7.47 cm (centimeters) |
| Height Approximate screen height | 5.23 in (inches) 132.83 mm (millimeters) 13.28 cm (centimeters) |
| Aspect Ratio The ratio of the dimensions of the long side of the screen to its short side | 1.778:1 16:9 |
| Permission Screen resolution shows the number of pixels vertically and horizontally on the screen. Higher resolution means clearer image detail. | 720 x 1280 pixels |
| Pixel Density Information about the number of pixels per centimeter or inch of the screen. Higher density allows information to be displayed on the screen with clearer detail. | 245 ppi (pixels per inch) 96 ppcm (pixels per centimeter) |
| Color depth Screen color depth reflects the total number of bits used for color components in one pixel. Information about the maximum number of colors that the screen can display. | 24 bit 16777216 flowers |
| Screen area Approximate percentage of screen area occupied by the screen on the front of the device. | 76.02% (percent) |
| Other characteristics Information about other screen features and characteristics. | Capacitive Multi-touch Scratch resistance |
| Corning Gorilla Glass |
Sensors
Different sensors perform different quantitative measurements and convert physical indicators into signals that a mobile device can recognize.
Main camera
The main camera of a mobile device is usually located on the back of the body and is used for taking photos and videos.
| Sensor type Digital cameras use photo sensors to take photographs. The sensor, as well as optics, are one of the main factors in the quality of the camera in a mobile device. | CMOS BSI (backside illumination) |
| Diaphragm Aperture (f-number) is the size of the aperture opening that controls the amount of light reaching the photosensor. A lower f-number means the aperture opening is larger. | f/2.4 |
| Flash type The most common types of flashes in mobile device cameras are LED and xenon flashes. LED flashes produce softer light and, unlike brighter xenon flashes, are also used for video shooting. | LED |
| Image Resolution One of the main characteristics of mobile device cameras is their resolution, which shows the number of horizontal and vertical pixels in the image. | 4160 x 3120 pixels 12.98 MP (megapixels) |
| Video resolution Information about the maximum supported resolution when shooting video with the device. | 3840 x 2160 pixels 8.29 MP (megapixels) |
| Video - frame rate/frames per second. Information about the maximum number of frames per second (fps) supported by the device when shooting video at the maximum resolution. Some of the main standard video shooting and playback speeds are 24p, 25p, 30p, 60p. | 30fps (frames per second) |
| Characteristics Information about other software and hardware features related to the main camera and improving its functionality. | Autofocus Continuous shooting Digital zoom Geographical tags Panoramic photography HDR shooting Touch Focus Face recognition White Balance Adjustment ISO Setting Exposure compensation Self-timer Macro mode |
Additional camera
Additional cameras are usually mounted above the device screen and are used mainly for video conversations, gesture recognition, etc.
Audio
Information about the type of speakers and audio technologies supported by the device.
Radio
The radio of the mobile device is a built-in FM receiver.
Location determination
Information about the navigation and location technologies supported by your device.
WiFi
Wi-Fi is a technology that provides wireless communication for transmitting data over close distances between various devices.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a standard for secure wireless data transfer between various devices of different types over short distances.
USB
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an industry standard that allows different electronic devices to exchange data.
Headphone jack
This is an audio connector, also called an audio jack. The most widely used standard in mobile devices is the 3.5mm headphone jack.
Connecting devices
Information about other important connection technologies supported by your device.
Browser
A web browser is a software application for accessing and viewing information on the Internet.
Video file formats/codecs
Mobile devices support different video file formats and codecs, which respectively store and encode/decode digital video data.
Battery
Mobile device batteries differ from each other in their capacity and technology. They provide the electrical charge necessary for their functioning.
| Capacity A battery's capacity indicates the maximum charge it can hold, measured in milliamp-hours. | 3500 mAh (milliamp-hours) |
| Type The type of battery is determined by its structure and, more precisely, the chemicals used. Exist different types batteries, with lithium-ion and lithium-ion polymer batteries most often used in mobile devices. | Li-polymer |
| 2G talk time 2G talk time is the period of time during which the battery charge is completely discharged during a continuous conversation on a 2G network. | 15 h (hours) 900 min (minutes) 0.6 days |
| 2G latency 2G standby time is the period of time during which the battery charge is completely discharged when the device is in stand-by mode and connected to a 2G network. | 720 h (hours) 43200 min (minutes) 30 days |
| 3G talk time 3G talk time is the period of time during which the battery charge is completely discharged during a continuous conversation on a 3G network. | 15 h (hours) 900 min (minutes) 0.6 days |
| 3G latency 3G standby time is the period of time during which the battery charge is completely discharged when the device is in stand-by mode and connected to a 3G network. | 720 h (hours) 43200 min (minutes) 30 days |
| Characteristics Information about some additional characteristics of the device's battery. | Fixed |
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)
The SAR level refers to the amount of electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the human body while using a mobile device.
| SAR level for head (EU) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation that the human body is exposed to when holding a mobile device close to the ear in a conversation position. In Europe, the maximum permissible SAR value for mobile devices is limited to 2 W/kg per 10 grams of human tissue. This standard established by the CENELEC Committee in accordance with IEC standards, subject to the ICNIRP guidelines of 1998. | 0.381 W/kg (Watt per kilogram) |
| Body SAR level (EU) The SAR level indicates the maximum amount of electromagnetic radiation to which the human body is exposed when holding a mobile device at hip level. The maximum permissible SAR value for mobile devices in Europe is 2 W/kg per 10 grams of human tissue. This standard has been established by the CENELEC Committee in compliance with the ICNIRP 1998 guidelines and IEC standards. | 0.405 W/kg (Watt per kilogram) |
Each smartphone manufacturer is experiencing the industry's crisis of ideas in its own way. Nokia is increasing its redundancy Windows Phone characteristics, Sony covers everything with a waterproof shell, Samsung teaches flagships to count steps and heartbeat, while simultaneously working on a new mobile OS. As the world's leading display manufacturers, LG and Samsung can also afford to experiment with the screens of their mobile devices. For now, more as a demonstration of the achievements of their own capabilities than as a serious arsenal for storming the next market height, both companies have released a smartphone with a curved display. Samsung Galaxy Round never left the borders of the native South Korean market for both companies. LG still took the risk of landing its G Flex on many markets around the world. In Ukraine, if anyone missed it, the device appeared at the beginning of 2014, at the time of preparation of the review, despite the playful exchange rate of the domestic currency, the price of the device was about 7,000 UAH. I described a significant part of my impressions of the model. Therefore, in the review it would be logical to focus on numbers (benchmarks and screen measurements) and the aftertaste of using this still outlandish model.
| Specifications LG G Flex | |
|---|---|
| operating system | Android 4.2.2 |
| SIM card type | microSIM, one |
| Dimensions and weight | 161x82x9 mm, 177 g |
| Additionally | curved body with self-healing coating |
| Display | P-OLED, 6 inches, HD, (pixel density 245 ppi) |
| CPU | quad-core, Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 (clock frequency 2.26 GHz. Krait 400) |
| Graphic arts | Adreno 330 |
| Memory | 2 GB RAM, 32 GB |
| Interfaces | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, dual band, Bluetooth 4.0, infrared, NFC, Miracast |
| GPS | Yes |
| Camera | 13 MP (4208x3120 pixels), HDR, panorama shooting, DualShot, FullHD 60p and UHD video recording |
| Front-camera | 2.1 MP |
| Battery | 3500 mAh, lithium polymer |
To get started, I suggest watching the video review.
We also have a first impressions video of the LG G Flex.
“Yes, your phone is bent”
This is roughly the phrase I expected to hear from those around me, every time I took an indecently large and curved phone out of my pockets. But outside the geek crowd, no one reacted to the LG G Flex demonstration. Perhaps people simply weren't expecting to see a smartphone with a curved display, and what you don't expect is harder to notice. I repeatedly deliberately and demonstratively placed the device on the table in front of a diverse audience - there was no reaction. It turns out that seeing a curved phablet today is not the same as, in the first time after the announcement, taking a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 or LG G2 from your pocket with its surprisingly located button (by the way, the G Flex has it in the same place, but this furor the fact no longer produces). Is the general public not yet aware of the existence of such gadgets or the fact that this is a technically difficult task that only two companies have dared to undertake so far? Or could the lack of reaction indicate a lack of need?
Screen
The first impressions that HD resolution is sufficient for a 6-inch smartphone were somewhat dispelled by the experience of using the device. The final impression of the screen depends on the backlight brightness level - when it is close to maximum, everything is fine. But when you dim the backlight, the screen begins to appear grainier than it actually is. You get the feeling as if you are looking at a sheet of good-quality Whatman paper, on which a picture is printed or drawn in watercolors. A very strange effect that I have never encountered before. The screen allowed itself to be measured with a colorimeter; the bending angle turned out to be not so large as to create an obstacle. I was somewhat disappointed by the brightness value (see table), but in fact, under the sun, I did not experience any problems with the readability of the display. The same goes for display calibration. It is far from ideal, but this is not a professional monitor to require accurate colors from it. The image looks nice, although not all users will like the bright colors. Several color modes appeared in the screen settings; measurements were taken at the default value. And let me remind you that when you deviate from the right viewing angle, the brightness of the screen noticeably drops.
| Device name | White field brightness, cd/m2 | The brightness of the black field, cd/m2 | Contrast |
|---|---|---|---|
| LG G Flex | 224.72 | 0 | ∞ |
| Sony Xperia Z1 | 400.81 | 0.75 | 534:1 |
| Sony Xperia Z Ultra | 321.51 | 0.24 | 1398:1 |
| LG G2 | 336.41 | 0.4 | 810 |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 3 | 323.81 | 0 | ∞ |
| Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 | 336.41 | 0.62 | 647 |
| Huawei Ascend Mate | 454.76 | 0.58 | 791:1 |
| Huawei Ascend D2 | 310.52 | 0.30 | 1037:1 |
| Sony Xperia ZL | 394 | 0.66 | 596:1 |
| Samsung Galaxy S4 | 320 | 0 | ∞ |
| Sony Xperia T | 421 | 0.28 | 1503:1 |
| iPhone 4S | 434 | 0.53 | 818:1 |
The screen has excellent sensitivity, although you can't count on working with gloves.
What's good about a curved smartphone?
Let's start with the practical part - you don't have to worry that your smartphone screen will be scratched if you place the gadget on a hard, rough surface.
The second argument is irrational. For some reason, scrolling through pages on the Internet, typing and reading text on a screen with this angle and type of bend is more pleasant. The movements are more natural. This is especially true when scrolling down or up. The phone fits more securely in one hand.
The third argument is even more irrational. For some reason, with a smartphone of this shape, more things fit into a small women's handbag than with any other 6-inch phablet. Paradox.
Fourth. The LG G Flex screen makes it more enjoyable to watch movies. Photos also look great on it. Even washed out ones. Probably because it is more difficult to notice that something is wrong with them.
What's wrong with a curved smartphone?
Of course, the price. It will be high until the product becomes widespread. If it happens at all. LG is famous for bold projects that the company quickly buries. Just think of a smartphone with a 3D screen or a tablet with the ability to shoot 3D. The location of the volume and power keys can also be considered a bold experiment. But they ultimately did not affect the price of the device. But a curved display (as well as a battery and whatever else can be curved) is more expensive. The other side of the coin is that it is difficult to make a product that is obviously more expensive, if it is not something that proves to everyone that it is cool and necessary. People love to compare and count money. And if today you can buy a device with a diagonal of 5.5-6.4 inches and FullHD resolution at a price of 4000 UAH (Asus FonePad Note 6, Lenovo K900), then who will see the point in overpaying? Moreover, I have not yet seen an advertisement for this model in the city. As well as knowledge of the fact that curved smartphones already exist, from people not far from the world of technology. It turns out to be a vicious circle.
The second point indirectly concerns the price. The very fact that such a feature exists (that is, a curved screen in a smartphone) is great. It’s convenient on a smartphone, I appreciate it. And perhaps many will appreciate it. But few will be willing to pay extra. Especially if any external factors do not awaken the internal “I want” - for example, high-quality advertising for the right audience or the use of such screens somewhere where it is more in demand (the first thing that comes to mind is the new Samsung Gear Fit watch, but it is difficult to evaluate the convenience something I haven't used yet).
Frame
And although curved smartphones are generally considered impractical, expensive toys, the LG G Flex has a number of qualities that practical people will appreciate. Firstly, the screen is less susceptible (due to its shape) to mechanical damage. Secondly, the body coating can self-heal. The device came to us for review with a couple of deep scratches - someone checked this possibility, but overdid it. On the first day, I also wanted to experiment and I overdid it a little (you can see in one of the photos and, possibly, in the video). As a result, the scratch did not heal completely, but only became less deep. Small scratches, which the “smart” coating is designed to combat, are not visible on the smartphone body. I was able to find one whose origin is unknown to me. But overall, the LG G Flex holds up well against the general background. Especially if you compare the condition back cover smartphone with the accessory condition with which I was given the LG G Flex for review.
The body bends, but under pressure it can straighten almost completely. This can be seen in the photograph. The smartphone remains intact, and there are no problems with the screen either. Another bonus for those who like to carry a mobile phone in their back pocket.
I found the location of the headphone jack inconvenient. The smartphone is so large that it only fits vertically into my clothing pockets. Therefore, when removing it from these very pockets, you have to turn it over in your hand every time.
It is generally accepted that this shape of a smartphone has a beneficial effect on voice transmission, since the microphone is closer to the mouth. Our sample was experiencing some problems with the microphone in general (I'm guessing it's already been through a lot of edits and trips). But frankly speaking, I don’t remember a single problem with the microphone and audibility in those phablets that passed through my hands. If the device uses normal components, then a couple of extra millimeters will definitely not play a decisive role in the quality of voice transmission.
The screen lock key on the back cover is equipped with a backlight that alerts you to events. You can turn off the backlight in your smartphone settings. I would recommend this to those who like to put their phone by their pillow and not turn off communications at night. I woke up several times from the flickering of this backlight. During the day it’s comfortable and beautiful. At night it’s a disaster. Another unpleasant point is that, like the LG G2, under load the powerful Snapdragon 800 heats up in the area of the screen lock key.
For comparison, here are photos of the LG G Flex next to another 6-inch phablet - Nokia Lumia 1520. The LG looks more compact, although the pictures show that it is slightly thicker. Feels better in the hand.
Interface
The proprietary interface of LG smartphones should already be well known to our readers (if not yet, run here). The LG G Flex has minimal differences. In particular, they relate to icon design. The new icons themselves look nice, “lighter” than before. There is one “but”. Application icons from Google Play, and the icons of Google branded applications do not fit into this idyll. It is clear that Google does not owe anything to manufacturers of proprietary interfaces. But Huawei found an elegant way out of the situation. The Ascend P6 interface, like the rest of the design components of this model, looks great and seamless (take a look if you haven’t seen it yet or have forgotten). Other manufacturers do not yet have universal solution this simple problem.
The LG G Flex screensaver looks amazing on the locked screen. It changes depending on the time of day and the position of the smartphone relative to the ground. LG continues to exploit the theme of water not only in the visual component, but also in the audio, but they do it much more elegantly than in the case of the LG Optimus G and an outright parody of the Samsung Galaxy S III.
I talked about QTheater in my first article about the LG G Flex. The Slide Aside, QuickMemo, QSLide and other “Q” functions were described by me and Technoslav Bergamot in reviews of previous LG flagships. The ability to work in dual-window mode today is also not something new. But the fact that now in the LG interface you can open links from letters in an additional window - simply and tastefully - is an excellent addition to this feature.
Definitely a good solution with gestures. Worth learning and using in everyday life.
Autonomy
LG G Flex is equipped with a 3500 mAh battery. Only Huawei has more Ascend Mate(4000 mAh), but with its power-hungry processor, the phablet’s high capacity is of no use. The LG G Flex is a different matter. Since I like the smartphone, I used only it to communicate on Skype, Hangouts, WhatsApp, I often played Temple Run 2, I immediately rushed to read the news early in the morning, I did the same many times during the day, I constantly listened to music on the road, so As for the sound of the device, things are going well, we can assume that I didn’t let it go out of my hands. As a result, the typical time battery life LG G Flex took me the same day and a half, but the load on the gadget was greater than usual. Perhaps only Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Huawei Ascend D2 were used as actively by me. They ran out of steam within a day. On the day of preparing the review, I removed the G Flex watch from charging at 11 am, by 2 am it showed 56% charge.
Camera
From its predecessor, the LG G2, the smartphone received an excellent 13-megapixel camera, which, however, does not have optical stabilization. The camera can record video not only in FullHD 30p, but also in 60p and even UHD (3840x2160 pixels), all with 8x digital zoom. I doubt that before the mass penetration of 4K TVs into the world’s homes, the ability to record video in such a high resolution will be in demand, but even a smartphone for that kind of money is not bought for one day, and developers are introducing new device capabilities with a reserve for the future. Let's see what happens to high resolution. In the meantime, you can see an example video.
Photography is done quickly, there are no complaints about the quality, I especially want to praise the quality of HDR - it is especially valuable in this mode high speed, and the result is excellent. An example in the gallery below and here in original resolution.
But the lack of optical stabilization makes itself felt - if you try to photograph something on the fly, the picture turns out blurry. Examples of photos are in the gallery below, and they can be viewed in original resolution.
Bottom line
I decided not to give an editorial verdict on this device at the end of the review. Everyone is free to have a different attitude towards this model due to its exotic nature, and also to evaluate the feasibility of the purchase differently. I asked myself several questions about the device. Comfortable? Yes, it's convenient. Is it worth paying an extra 2-3 thousand UAH for a flexible screen and a tricky case? I wouldn’t be ready for this, but I can’t say that those who want to do this will throw money away. If I were choosing a 6-inch phablet, would I choose a curved or a regular device at a comparable price? Yes, I would definitely choose the “bent” option. Do I have any complaints about the model other than its price? Yes, there is something to do with the quality of the screen, for that kind of money I would like the color rendition to be better, but in general, this one can be used. Do I want to see this technology develop? Perhaps yes.
If something important for you is left behind the scenes, ask for more in the comments.
Close
Prices for curved screen TVs
Modern models of curved LCD TVs are a new generation of TV devices with the most realistic images. Each curved TV model is equipped with a hyperbolic screen; the concave matrix creates the optical illusion of a three-dimensional virtual space around the viewer. The technology is used in cinemas, and has recently been made available to home use. Most of these devices are equipped with a smart platform, thanks to which a classic TV turns into a home multimedia entertainment center and is synchronized with the owner’s computer equipment (smartphones, tablets, laptops).
Curved screen technology in modern TVs
The catalog presents a large number of modifications of such TVs. Depending on the resolution, the series is divided into two groups: Full HD and Ultra HD 4K. In the first case, we are talking about classic solutions that provide an image with a resolution of 1920 × 1080. Ultra HD 4K - modern solution, characterized by impeccable quality and detailed images.
TV models with curved screen are equipped with a display with different types external coating: matte texture or glossy sheen with anti-reflective coating. In the first case, the display is protected from glare from external light sources, but the colors of this model are less saturated and bright. A glossy finish does not have the disadvantages of a matte finish, but it does produce glare.
All models are equipped with DLNA and Wi-Fi interfaces for connecting a computer, smartphone or external drive and creating a single multimedia library. Many people have their own Internet browser for surfing the Internet.
How to choose the optimal model
Pay attention to the diagonal. The display is selected depending on the size of the room in which the TV model with a screen curved to the center is located. For a room of 20 m2, it is better to choose a device with a diagonal of 32–42 inches. For small rooms it is better to choose compact equipment, because a large display in a small apartment will not reveal its potential. But for a room of 40 m2 it is worth buying a TV with a curved screen with a diagonal of 60–70 inches.
The set matters functionality. Devices with a built-in web camera have gained popularity. This technique will allow you to receive video calls, transfer recorded video files, organize all kinds of web conferences and communicate with friends and relatives on a large display.
Models with a pre-installed Android TV operating system are popular. These allow you to install applications, games, and also have voice search. If you choose a model with a lot of additional features, pay attention to the processor. The more powerful the chip, the more productive the system. But it is worth remembering that additional features of a curved screen TV affect the price.
Three-dimensional imaging technology will expand the capabilities of home cinema. Models that support it are equipped with special 3D glasses, with which you can view three-dimensional video. The illusion of depth is created due to the difference in the images visible through the left and right lenses of the glasses. The technology is great for watching science fiction films.
LG G Flex is an interesting new product from the Korean company. The smartphone has a curved body with a self-healing coating. Accordingly, there is not only a curved screen and a curved battery, but also the ability to remove scratches from the body without additional funds. A kind of Wolverine smartphone. And thanks to the curvature, as stated by the manufacturer, it is more convenient to use the device. We had the opportunity to check this by receiving a new LG product for testing.
Until recently, LG was considered successful mainly due to inexpensive smartphones, while the flagships of this brand were not in particular demand. The situation began to change with the release of G2, although not as quickly as expected. Reportedly, 2.3 million devices were sold in 4 months. Releasing new smartphone called G Flex, LG is not chasing mass sales, but is experimenting and demonstrating innovation.
The G Flex is not the world's first curved smartphone. Here LG was overtaken by its neighbors from Samsung, who released the GALAXY Round a few weeks earlier. However, the models are not exactly the same - the Samsung is curved on the left and right, and the LG is curved on the top and bottom. Both smartphones are not yet officially supplied to Russia. Which is understandable, because this Korean experiment costs 999,900 Korean won, which is approximately $940.
But when it comes to self-healing coating, LG has no competition. G Flex is the world's first smartphone of its kind. Looking ahead, I will say that for many this will be no less important than a curved body, and rather, even more useful. But first things first…
LG G Flex is the world's first smartphone with a self-healing coating. Small scratches on the body disappear on their own.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Network: EDGE/GPRS/GSM (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz), WCDMA (850/900/1900/2100 MHz), LTE
- Operating system: Android 4.2.2, LG Optimus UI interface
- Processor: Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 2.26 GHz
- Graphics: Adreno 330
- Memory: 32 GB, 2 GB RAM, no memory card support
- Display: 6 inches, 1280 x 720
- Camera: 13 MP, 1080p video recording, 2.1 MP front camera
- Communications: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n direct, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, IR port, FM radio, GPS/GLONASS
- Battery: 3500 mAh, non-removable
- Dimensions, weight: 160.5 x 81.6 x 8.7 mm, 177 g
- Price: 999,900 Korean won (approximately $940), release dates in Russia are unknown
DESIGN, ERGONOMICS
The main feature of the LG G Flex is its curved body. In addition to the quite obvious wow factor, this feature of the Korean novelty has other advantages. According to the manufacturer's idea, the vertically curved shape of the LG G Flex reduces the distance from the lips to the microphone when the smartphone is attached to the ear, similar to what was previously used when using regular (landline) phones.
The degree of curvature of the LG G Flex is optimized for the average human face to provide better voice quality. As the Koreans note, the curved shape increases the sound level by 3 decibels compared to standard straight smartphones. It is also mentioned that due to its shape, this smartphone fits better in the hand and fits better in the back pocket of trousers, and in a horizontal position, the screen provides a comfortable viewing angle for videos or games.
This is all a nice theory, but in practice we have a large 6-inch smartphone with all the attendant ergonomic features. The G Flex is uncomfortable to hold in one hand. As for the sensations from the image, they are unusual, but you quickly get used to it. I wouldn't say that there is a big advantage from movies or games at this diagonal. The call quality is high, but comparable to the G2. Accordingly, LG's curvature is largely marketing.
The most interesting feature of the G Flex's curvature is the slight flexibility of the body, which allows, for example, to sit on a smartphone without fear and generally makes it more practical.
The self-healing coating on the back cover of the smartphone is a special feature of the G Flex, because the smartphone is this moment unique. The bottom line is that the elastic coating has the ability to regenerate from minor scratches and minor damage that smartphones without a case are susceptible to, allowing the G Flex to look new longer. Let me emphasize that the innovative G Flex coating will be powerless against serious scratches; you should not overestimate it. But overall the feature is very interesting, so let’s talk about it in more detail:
LG G Flex is the first mobile device with self-healing coating. This coating is different from the self-healing coating on cars or furniture. Unlike the UV hard coat, a specially modified rubber soft coat has been used to reduce scratches during daily use. The new element has the ability to fill small scratches and make them less noticeable.
Regardless of the original features, the design of the LG G Flex is quite ordinary. It's glossy plastic case with a subtle backing texture at the back. As in G2, here non-removable battery, no memory card and uses Rear Key. The latter includes a power button with an indicator, two keys on top and bottom, and is located on the back of the smartphone - in general, a picture familiar from the G2.
HARDWARE FILLING
In terms of hardware, the LG G Flex is the closest analogue to the G2. The smartphone is based on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor with a frequency of 2.26 GHz and has 2 GB of RAM. Adreno 330 graphics. 2 GB RAM. LG's proprietary interface is perfectly optimized. The LG G2 is not just fast, but very fast, and you can feel it without any benchmarks.
As for the shooting quality itself, everything is decent. LG has done in the latest models big step forward along the camera. Already in the G Pro there was progress compared to the G, and here and in the G2 the camera is even better. The only place where the G Flex doesn't perform well is when shooting in environments where optical stabilization is important.
Examples of shooting LG G Flex at maximum quality settings:
OPINION HI-TECH.MAIL.RU
LG G Flex is an experimental model. And you need to treat it accordingly. Design, specifications, price in Korea are not strengths new items, this is where the mainstream G2 is better. On the G Flex side there are two unusual features - a curved body and a self-healing coating. If the second can be useful, then the need for bending will be difficult to explain to the consumer; LG did not come up with sufficiently compelling arguments for this. In the future, I would like to see additional functionality in such solutions, as well as full flexibility, and not just curvature. Most likely, this is exactly what we will see soon. In the meantime, LG is among the pioneers in this direction, which in itself is worthy of praise. True, as the manufacturing company notes, the price of the G Flex in Russia is unknown, since there is currently no information about whether the smartphone will go to Russian retail.
If we evaluate the G Flex regardless of its curvature, then we have a good tablet phone, albeit with a not-so-high screen resolution. I liked the performance and battery life. And also excellent call quality. The downsides are the boring design and high price; I would also like a removable battery and a slot for a memory card. If you decide to buy yourself this achievement of Korean engineering, you will have to wait. The start time of sales in Russia is still unknown. The main and only competitor Samsung GALAXY Round is also in no hurry to go to Russia.
Thus, LG remains a mass flagship G2 for the widest audience. The model is quite successful and quite popular (for LG products). But G Flex is just a technology demonstration and an application for future developments. The model is unique, but very niche. Nevertheless, the Koreans are determined, and next year we will see the development of this direction - more advanced and affordable curved smartphones. This is a good chance to stand out from the numerous identical handsets on the modern market and compete with the iPhone by coming up with something new.
Touch screens became a habit for each of us about 6-7 years ago. Before that, no one could have imagined that the device could be controlled by clicking on the screen. Today there is another example of a telephone - this is a rectangular “brick”, which most modern models are similar to.
Some manufacturers are trying in every possible way to “break” this circle of stereotypes and present something new to the world. The next such device was the G Flex - the brainchild of LG - a curved phone that breaks our ideas about what a smartphone should look like.
Curved screen phone
It's obvious that this model- this is the result of experiments by LG engineers trying to introduce something original to the market. They succeeded, although the device did not create any particular sensation. It was remembered simply as an experimental device, designed primarily for the so-called “wow effect” of the buyer.
In general, the device, in its characteristics and capabilities, is quite reminiscent of the flagship (at one time) model G2 - the same high performance, response speed, powerful equipment, attractive design. Of course main feature is that this LG is a curved phone. According to the manufacturers, this form makes it possible to increase the sound quality of the device owner’s voice and also improves audibility in general.
Hardware filling
The smartphone with a curved display (LG GFlex) also boasts strong hardware. It, as noted above, is similar to what the manufacturer offers along with the G2 model - this Qualcomm processor Snapdragon 800 (performance 2.26 GHz). The model is also equipped with 2 GB of RAM and GPU Adreno 330, which allows for high-quality graphics in any environment.
Image
In general, as for graphics, manufacturers promise users that the new LG, whose curved screen is presented from a different angle, will convey the picture in a new, unusual form. Due to this, movies and video clips on the G Flex will differ from the images we are used to seeing on other devices.
True, as the experience of users who left reviews about the device shows, this effect will very soon cease to be noticeable - the human eye quickly gets used to this viewing angle. And there is nothing unusual about this.
Special screen coating
One more interesting feature, which the model developers mention, is a special coating on the display. It's called self-healing because it hides minor scratches that inevitably appear on any sensor as a result of using an LG device. A curved phone can be tested to deal with 70 percent of minor damage using this technology.
This effect is achieved by more effectively filling the space that is formed after applying a scratch. True, one cannot hope that this will make the phone invulnerable - larger damage to the case will remain “as is”, and the engineers have nothing against them. The LG smartphone with a curved screen is already positioned as a high-tech innovation.
Battery
Many users, judging by the reviews, are interested in the question regarding the battery. What should the battery for the new Flex be like - also curved?
In fact, there is no need to worry about this - the design of the device is thought out to the smallest detail - and even such an unusual case fits an excellent 3500 mAh battery. It follows the contours of the phone, so it sits inside quite organically; the user cannot remove it. At the same time, it is enough for a fairly long life of the device due to the excellent optimization carried out by LG. The curved phone, in addition to its unusual shape, also boasts G2-level endurance.
Price and reviews
The cost of the device cannot be called budget - at the time of its release it cost $950. As it became obsolete, the price dropped, especially after the release of the second generation. New phone LG with a curved screen is called G Flex 2, it has a modified body: it fits more comfortably in the hand, is equipped with an improved processor, camera and other features that will appeal to the buyer. Now the first generation of a smartphone costs about 22 thousand rubles.
For these funds, the buyer gets a fairly strong smartphone with a good 12-megapixel camera, an optimized quad-core processor and a good graphics engine. Of course, there is nothing unusual about the G FLex screen except the viewing angle - believe me, it’s just an LG smartphone with a curved screen. Although, of course, the majority of reviews about the device are positive - the “wow effect” really works. Plus, again, the large 6-inch screen allows you to conveniently perform a lot of tasks that small displays are not suitable for.
Flaws
Despite the overall positive picture in the reviews, I would like to highlight some nuances that users noted on the negative side. For example, these are inconvenient screen unlock buttons. Unlike the G2 model, the LG phone with a curved screen was equipped with keys made of a different material, which is not so pleasant to press. And doing this on a flat surface, according to buyers, is more convenient.
The next thing to mention is the pixel graininess in some areas of the screen. Reviews claim that this effect can only be noticed on certain videos - but it is present, which is sometimes very annoying.
Another point is the headphone jack. Some users who use the phone in a horizontal position (like a tablet) find it inconvenient that the hole is located on the top panel and not on the side of the device.
Another curved LG phone (whose price, we recall, is now 20-22 thousand), as users note, is not equipped with a second SIM card and does not support a memory card, due to which it may be less convenient to use.
However, we will proceed from what we have, and leave the task of coming up with improvements for the device to the engineers from LG.
Conclusion
Overall, the phone can be described as eye-catching. The phone itself has quite “cool” equipment - thanks to this, users have access to wide functionality, excellent performance, and a lot of advantages of a middle-class smartphone.
Plus, as some reviews indicate, the curved shape makes it really convenient to have conversations (due to the fact that the device follows the contours of the face) and fun to watch movies (due to a different viewing angle of the screen).
As a result, we get a phone that could be purchased by those who like to experiment. Plus, again, if the model’s capabilities may not be enough for someone, then you can buy a second-generation gadget - G Flex 2, a modified and improved version at a higher price.
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