LG G Flex 2 hands-on and first impressions

Looking to continue the stellar run they had last year, LG is kicking off 2015 with one of their more unique smartphone offerings. While the original G Flex can be considered an experiment of sorts, LG is now hoping to bring this special form factor to the mainstream with its successor. We are on the floor at CES 2015, and this is our first look at the LG G Flex 2!

With a size that is less unwieldy, top of the line specifications, and numerous features to take advantage of the curve, LG has certainly gone all out with the G Flex 2. In terms of design, LG staples like the ultra-thin bezels and the rear button layout all make a return with the G Flex 2, packed into a more manageable form factor compared to its predecessor, courtesy of its smaller 5.5-inch display. The design language is quite similar to the LG G3, albeit with a few unique differences.

Of course, the big story with the G Flex 2 is the significant curve from the top to bottom, which not only makes the device look great, but makes it more ergonomic to use. The self healing back that was introduced with the G Flex also makes a welcome return here, in an improved iteration, with the healing times reduced dramatically from a few minutes to under 20 seconds.

As mentioned, the LG G Flex 2 now features a more mainstream display size of 5.5-inches, with resolution also bumped to Full HD, resulting in a pixel density of 403 ppi. Even if Quad HD is now the way to go when it comes to flagship devices, there is little to fault at the P-OLED display of the G Flex 2. With its vivid colors and excellent viewing angles, you will certainly have a great experience on this screen. The display is protected by LG’s in-house DuraGuard glass technology, which uses a chemical treatment to make the panel more durable, and is said to be even sturdier than Gorilla Glass 3.

Under the hood is an octa-core 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor clocked at 2 GHz, backed by the Adreno 430 GPU, and 2 GB of RAM. Following the Galaxy Note 4 LTE-A that is available exclusively in South Korea (and hasn’t been officially confirmed to use Snapdragon 810), this is only the second smartphone to feature this processing package, which further enhances the allure of this already distinctive smartphone.

The G Flex 2 also comes with the option of expandable memory on top of the 16 GB of 32 GB already available, by up to 128GB, so storage worries are a thing of the past with this device. The device also packs a non-removable curved battery with a 3,000 mAh capacity, and fast-charging capabilities that lets you get 50% of the charge back in around 40 minutes.

When it comes to the camera, the G Flex 2 features a very similar setup to the LG G3, with a 13 MP rear shooter with OIS+, a dual LED flash, and the laser auto focus system which is said to be faster this time around, along with a few software enhancements as well. The LG G3 was one of the best in terms of mobile photography last year, and we are certainly very excited to run the camera of the G Flex 2 through its paces in the coming weeks.

On the software front, the G Flex 2 comes with Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box, with the LG G UI on top. If you are familiar with the software experience you get with the current crop of LG smartphones, you will be right at home with the G Flex 2. Even with the latest iteration of Android on board, the material design elements don’t entirely make their way into LG’s customized user interface, save for the revamped Recent Apps screen and notification drop down. One unique software feature of note is Glance View, that lets you view key information such as time, recent messages or missed calls with a swipe down on the curved screen, even while the display is off.

Specifications

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So, there you have it – a quick look at the LG G Flex 2! The G Flex series is not just about the curve anymore, with G Flex 2 featuring a more standard size, the latest processing package available, an upgraded display, and what should be a fantastic camera experience. We certainly can’t wait to further explore what the G Flex 2 has to offer, but until then, stay tuned with Android Authority as we continue to bring you more comprehensive coverage of CES 2015!