LJ phone with curved screen. Overview LG G Flex: That's so bent

Today it is no longer surprising with a loud rank of "flagship", because manufacturers of technology are too often abused by this concept. And so that the potential buyer drew attention to the new product, it is not a sin to apply various innovations. At the end of 2013, one of these was a curved screen in a pretty overall model LG G Flex, and in 2015 it was continued in a more compact building, to confirm that while the curved smartphone is still in a novelty.

Review of the curved smartphone LG G Flex 2: successful continuation

Appearance

As we have noticed, the curved smartphone causes surprise and uniscouted interest even with technically advanced users. Everyone who sees Flex 2 will definitely take him into hand to consider closer. The device will never be unnoticed. And, probably, not for reason. Let's start with the fact that Flex 2 is comfortable in hand, and especially - in the position pressed to the ear, thanks to the curved form. Also, the device is short and never breaks, and, being laid in the back pocket, will endure weight solved the host. Like the predecessor, the rear cover with self-healing coating is installed in this model. Indeed, for half a minute, very small scratches disappear from the surface, but should not be counting.

Therefore, to preserve the perfect state, still without a cover can not do. Lovers of glossy plastic, probably, forgive the smartphone, the chief case, but it looks not very neat. A bent curved battery and slots for SIM cards and memory cards located one above the other are under the back of the lid.

Already traditionally for LG power button and volume keys are located on the back. Get used to this easy, but the day or two will surely need it. On the upper end, a slot of the second microphone and the IR ports for managing household appliances are noticeable. Charging connector (PC connection) and headphone entrances are located on the bottom. The location of the latter is typically for some models, but daily operation with wired headphones is not particularly convenient.

Gadgets we liked the lack of gravity to unnecessarily rounded forms, therefore it has a completely solid, non-chapter look, and a mass of 152 grams feel comfortable.

Display

Of course, the curved shape of the smartphone collects views, but the screen is also worthy of attention. If a 6-inch screen was installed in the pioneer, the more miniature Flex 2 received a 5.5-inch display, though with more advanced characteristics. If the type of the matrix remains still P-OLED (only modified), then in the novelty we see Full-HD C greater image clarity (403 ppi against 245 PPI) and a more advanced glass Gorilla Glass 3 with an additional coating from LG. Image details are high to see minor artifacts, we will have to arm a magnifying glass. Anti-reflective coating efficiently works and with a smartphone to work comfortably both on the street and indoors with bright upper lighting. The color rendition is accurate, as far as possible for OLED technology. Black color is very deep and noble, green - defiantly bright. Especially by the way there is a correction of color reproduction with the help of three ("bright", "standard", "natural") pre-installed profiles.

It is not surprising that the most pleasant for the eye was "natural", since two other are only suitable for viewing any colorful video. The stock of brightness is huge, and comfortable work is possible at 55-60% of brightness.

What is inside

LG G Flex 2 is based on a powerful QUALCOMM SNAPDRAGON 810 processor with a clock frequency of 2.0 GHz with the support of the ADRENO 430 video screen. Depending on the modification on board 2 or 3 GB of RAM, while there are about 1 GB of RAM without third-party running applications. In synthetic tests, the gadget receives high points, which is confirmed by the lack of brakes in airlinters and various races with "heavy" graphics.

Since the gadget supports GPS and GLONASS, there are no problems with navigation. The first satellites are detected after a few seconds after launching the navigation application, and the location is 35-45 seconds. Among the dense urban development, the gadget does not lose the signal, the accuracy of determination is high.

There are also no problems with the transfer of data to LTE, in the networks of a large triple speed reaches 40 Mbps. The battery is enough for one and a half or two days not the most active work, given the included 3G. When viewing a movie in HD quality and a duration of 1.5 hours per 100% screen brightness and 50% volume, the battery has lost 10% charge. Antutu's duration test issued the result in 5871 points, which is not bad. Thanks to the Quick Charge function, the first 50% battery charge is gaining in 45 minutes.

Operation

The curved gadget is running the fresh Android OS 5.0.1 Lollipop with all not very numerous innovations. For example, notifications are displayed in the form of tiles, which will like someone, although it looks like, in our opinion, not Ahti. The Optimus UI branded shell is the same as in LG G3 and G3 Dual models. It should be noted that it is quite comfortable and not overloaded with unnecessary pre-installed applications, as is customary from another large Korean company.

Simplicity and simpleness (which is good) shells confirm at least the icons without shadows and simple graphics list of settings. The list of preset applications is also on site, for example, a utility for managing household appliances through an IR port, a cool drawing-reminder QuickMemo + or a branded blocking of a Knockcode smartphone. The control of gestures now does not surprise anyone, but what it is - still plus.

Camera

With the shooting full order, since the main 13 MP camera gives high-quality images in most cases. Yes, this, of course, is not replacing the mirror, but a very worthy option. In extremely, daytime pictures in the room with normal lighting to scold for nothing.

Laser autofocus works quickly, rarely flushing, focusing on the point selected on the display. The front camera for selfie for 2 MPs other than the photo removes the video in Full-HD, and also has a double shooting mode - an image from the main chamber is added to the self-photo. The settings menu is simple, stylish and comfortable, except, could be drawn and better.

When you click on the thumbnail, a full-sized image will open

Examples of pictures under different lighting conditions.

Entertainment

Pre-installed player, though not a sample of such applications, but replacing it to another application of desire does not occur. In terms of sound quality (we tried different headphones) Flex 2 is not an excellent card, but rather a good one. The sound is loud, clear, but this is definitely not the "music flagship". In the reserve of the player, five ready-made equalizer presets, plus a manual installation with seven stripes.

With watching video sun excellent: the gadget has built-in support of popular codecs, so it is not necessary to arrange "dances with a tambourine" to install third-party applications and codecs for them. Of course, on a chic screen viewing video only delivers pleasure. FM radio, although not the most popular application today, but it's nice that it is and qualitatively decorated. In the center of the Russian capital, the receiver on autotopoisk discovered 38 stations.

Outcome

Unlike its predecessor, LG G Flex 2 is not only interesting, but in all the plans a successful smartphone. The model is fast, comfortable, has a lot of advantages, but also, of course, the disadvantage in the person is still not officially announced, but the expected high price of 45-50 thousand rubles.

Each manufacturer of smartphones is experiencing a crisis of ideas in the industry in its own way. Nokia increases redundant for Windows Phone characteristics, Sony covers everything in a row waterproof shelter, Samsung teaches flagships to count steps and heart rhythm, along the way, working on a new mobile OS. As leading global manufacturers of LG and Samsung displays, can also afford to experiment with the screens of their mobile devices. While rather rather as a demonstration of their own opportunities, rather than a serious arsenal for the assault on the next market height, both companies were released on a smartphone with a curved display. Samsung Galaxy Round never went beyond the borders of the South Korean market for both companies. LG still risked towing her G FLEX into many world markets. In Ukraine, if anyone missed, the device appeared at the beginning of 2014, at the time of the preparation of the review, despite the playful course of the domestic currency, the price of the device was about 7000 UAH. I described a significant part of the impressions of the model. Therefore, the review will log in to focus on numbers (benchmark and screen measurements) and the aftertaste against using this while the wing pattern.

Specifications LG G Flex
Operating system	Android 4.2.2
SIM Card Type	microsim, one
Sizes and weight	161x82x9 mm, 177 g
Additionally	curved housing 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)
Graphics	Adreno 330.
Memory	2 GB of RAM, 32 GB
Interfaces	Wi-Fi 802.11 A / B / G / N, Wi-Fi Direct, Dual Band, Bluetooth 4.0, IR port, NFC, Miracast
GPS.	yes
Camera	13 megapixel (4208x3120 Points), HDR, Panorama, DualShot, Record Video FullHD 60P and UHD
Front-camera	2.1 MP.
Battery	3500 ma-h, lithium-polymer

For the seed, I suggest watch a video review.

We also have video with the first impressions from LG G Flex.

"Yes, you have a phone brought"

I expected something like this phrase from others, each time removed from the pockets an indecently large and curved phone. But outside the Gikic part of the LG G Flex did not react to the demonstration of LG G Flex. Perhaps people simply did not expect to see the smartphone with a curved display, but what they would not be waiting for, it was harder to notice. I repeatedly deliberately laid out the device on the table in front of a diverse public - there was no reaction. It turns out that seeing the curved phable today is not the same as at first after the announcement to extract from the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 or LG G2 pocket with his surprisingly located button (by the way, G Flex is there in the same place, but this The fact no longer produces). The general public is not yet aware of the fact of the availability of such gadgets or that technically is a comprehensive task for which only two companies have done to be bothering yet? Or maybe the absence of a reaction may indicate the lack of need?

Screen

The first impressions that for a 6-inch HD smartphone is sufficient, somewhat dispelled the experience of using the device. The final impression of the screen depends on the level of the brightness of the backlight - when it is close to the maximum, everything is fine. But when the backlight is muffled, the screen begins to seem more grainy than it really is. There is a feeling, as if you look at a sheet of good watman, on which a watercolor picture is printed or drawn. A very strange effect with which I did not come across before. The screen allowed me to measure myself by colorimeter, the bend angle was not so big to fix the obstacle. I was somewhat disappointed with a brightness value (see table), but in fact under the sun problems with the readability of the display I did not experience. The same concerns the display calibration. It is far from the ideal, but this is not a professional monitor to demand from it exact colors. The image looks nice, although not all users will like bright colors. Several color modes appeared in the screen settings, the measurements were performed at the default value. And, let's remind, with a deviation from a direct view of the review, the screen drops noticeably.

Device name	White field brightness, cD / m 2	Black field brightness, cD / m 2	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 not count on work in gloves.

What is good in the curved smartphone

Let's start with the practical part - you can not worry that the smartphone screen will be scratched, if you put a gadget on a solid rough surface.

The second argument is irrational. For some reason, scroll through the page on the Internet, typing and reading text on the screen with this angle and the type of bend more pleasant. Movements are more natural. This is especially true of scrolling down or up. The phone is more reliable in one hand.

The third argument is even more irrational. For some reason, with a smartphone of such a form in a small women's handbag placed more things than with any other 6-inch phable. Paradox.

Fourth. On the LG G Flex screen more pleasant to watch movies. And on it perfectly watch photos. Even scoffed. Probably because it is harder to notice that something is wrong with them.

What is bad in the curved smartphone

Of course, the price. It will be high until the product becomes massive. If it becomes at all. LG is famous for bold projects that the company will quickly bury. Recall at least a smartphone with a 3D screen or tablet with the possibility of 3D shooting. A bold experiment can be considered the location of the volume and power control keys. But they ultimately did not affect the price of the apparatus. But the curved display (as well as the battery and that there may still be curved) - the thing is more costly. The reverse side of the coin is that it is difficult to make a massive obviously more expensive product, if it is not something proving all and every coolness and necessity. People love to compare and count money. And if you can buy a device with a diagonal of 5.5-6.4 inches and a solution of FullHD at a price of 4000 UAH (ASUS FonePad Note 6, Lenovo K900), then who will see the point of overpaying? Moreover, advertising this model in the city I have not yet seen. Like the knowledge of the fact that curved smartphones already exist, from the most far from the world of people's techniques. It turns out a vicious circle.

The second point indirectly concerns the price. The very fact of the existence of such an opportunity (that is, the curved screen in the smartphone) is great. In the smartphone it is convenient, I appreciated. And may appreciate many. But few will be ready to pay extra. Especially if any external factors will not break the inner "want" - for example, high-quality advertising for the correct audience or the use of such screens somewhere, where more in demand (the first thing for the mind has come new hours Samsung Gear Fit, but it is difficult to assess the convenience of what has not yet used).

Housing

And although curved smartphones are considered an impractical, dear toy, in LG G Flex there are a number of qualities that will appreciate practical people. First, less susceptible (due to its form) mechanical damage screen. Secondly, the coating of the housing that can self-edge. To us on the review, the device came with a pair of deep scratches - someone checked this opportunity, but he stopped. On the very first day, I also wanted to experiment and stopped a little (it is seen on one of the photos and, perhaps on video). As a result, the scratch did not completely overlook, only he became less deep. Small scratches, with whom it is intended to fight "smart" coating, are not visible on the smartphone housing. I was able to find one, the origin of which I am unknown. But in general, LG G Flex keeps well done on a general background. Especially if you compare the state of the back of the smartphone with the state of the accessory, with which LG G Flex was issued to the review.

The body begins, under pressure is capable of straightening almost completely. It can be seen in the photo. The smartphone remains intact, with the screen - also no problems. Another bonus for lovers to wear mobile in the back pocket pocket.

Uncomfortable it seemed to me the location of the headphone connector. The smartphone is so great that only vertically fit in my clothes pockets. Therefore, when removing it from these most pockets, every time you have to turn into your hand.

It is believed that such a form of a smartphone is favorably affected by voice transmission, since the microphone is closer to the mouth. Our sample experienced some problems with the microphone as a whole (I suppose he has already passed through a lot of editions and business trips). But frankly, I do not remember any problem with the microphone and hearing in those Furnages that went through my hands. If normal components are used in the device, the pair of extra millimeters will definitely not play a decisive role as a voice transmission.

The screen lock key on the back cover is equipped with highlighting the events. In the settings of the smartphone, the backlight can be disabled. I would recommend it to do those who love to put the phone at the pillow and do not disable communications overnight. I woke up several times from the flicker of this backlight. In the afternoon - comfortable, beautiful. At night - trouble. Another unpleasant moment - like LG G2 under load powerful Snapdragon 800 heats exactly in the area of \u200b\u200bthe screen lock key.

For comparison, I bring the photos of LG G Flex next to another 6-inch phable - Nokia Lumia 1520. LG looks more compact, although in the pictures it can be seen that it is a little thicker. In the hand lies better.

Interface

LG smartphone interface should already be well familiar to our readers (if not yet - run here). In LG G Flex, the number of differences is minimal. In particular, they concern icon design. By themselves, new icons look pretty, "easier" than it was before. There is one "but". Application icons from Google Play, and the icons of Google's branded applications, several do not fit into this idyll. It is clear that Google does not have to manufacturers of branded interfaces. But in Huawei found elegant way out of the situation. The Ascend P6 interface, as well as the rest of the design of this model, looks great and solidly (look, if you have not yet seen or forgotten). The rest of the manufacturers have no universal solution to this uncomplicated task.

LG G Flex screamer looks like a blocked screen. It varies depending on the time of day and the position of the smartphone relative to the Earth. LG continues to exploit the theme of water not only in the visual component, but also in audio operation, but do it much more elegantly than in the case of LG Optimus G and a frank parody of Samsung Galaxy S III.

About Qtheater I told in my first material about LG G Flex. The Slide Aside, QuickMemo, QSlide and other "Q" features were described by me and technoslav Bergamot in the reviews of previous LG flagships. The possibility of working in a two-poy mode today also does not pull to the novelty. But now in the LG interface, you can open links from letters in an additional window - just and tastefully - a great addition to this feature.

Definitely a successful solution with gestures. It is worth learning and use in everyday life.

Autonomy

LG G FLEX is equipped with a capacity of 3500 ma-h. More only at Huawei Ascend Mate (4000 ma-h), but with its voracious processor, there is no project from high container. LG G Flex is another matter. Since the smartphone is sympathetic to me, and for communication in Skype, Hangouts, whatsapp I used only it, I often played in Temple Run 2, the splash immediately rushed to read the news, the same did many times during the day, the way was constantly listening to music, so As with the sound of the device, things are good, we can assume that I did not let him out of the hands. As a result, the typical battery life of LG G Flex was the same one and a half days, but the load at the same time the gadget was greater than it happens. So actively I was used, perhaps, only Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Huawei Ascend D2. They exhaled per day. On the day of the review, I took off with charging G Flex watches at 11 am, by the 2nd o'clock in the morning he showed 56% of the charge.

Camera

From its predecessor, LG G2, the smartphone received a beautiful 13 megapixel chamber, in which, however, there is no optical stabilization. The camera can write video not only in FullHD 30p, but also in 60p and even in UHD (3840x2160 pixels), all with 8-fold digital zoom. I doubt that before the mass penetration of 4K-TVs in the house of the world the opportunity to carry out a video in such a high resolution will be in demand, but after all, the smartphone for such money is not bought for one day, and the new features of devices developers are introduced with the back of the future. Let's see what will be with high resolution. In the meantime, you can see an example video.

Photographing is carried out quickly, there is no complaints to the quality, especially I want to praise the quality of HDR - in this mode, high speed is particularly valuable, and the result is excellent. An example in the gallery is lower and here in the original resolution.

But the lack of optical stabilization makes itself felt - if you try to take something to photograph "on the fly", the snapshot is blurred. Examples of the photo - in the gallery below, and they can be viewed in the original resolution.

In the dry residue

I decided not to give editorial verdict to this device at the end of the review. Each waven deal differently to this model by virtue of its exoticity, and also in different ways to assess the feasibility of purchase. I asked a few questions about the device. Conveniently? Yes, convenient. Is it worth paying extra 2-3 thousand UAH for a flexible screen and a cunning case? I would not be ready for such a ready, but I can not say that those who want to do this will throw money into the wind. If I chose a 6-inch Fabule, would I give preference to a curved or ordinary device at a comparable price? Yes, I would definitely chose a "curved" option. Do I have any claims to the model, besides its price? Yes, there is to the quality of the screen, for such money I would like the color reproduction to be better, but in general, and so you can use. Do I want to see the development of this technology? Perhaps yes.

If something important for you remains "for the scenes", require additives in the comments.

Model with curved screen: LG version

More recently, we reviewed the world's first serial smartphone with a flexible display. They became a product of the Korean company Samsung, which would never miss the chance to be a technological novelty. The smartphone received a not too elegant name Galaxy Round corresponding to an unusual bent around the vertical axis of the housing with the same concave display performed using Super Flexible AMOLED technology. SAMSUNG long-standing antagonist and countryman, the Korean company LG, naturally, could not allow the enemy's domination in a new market niche and literally after a few weeks released its own version of the mobile gadget with a curved screen.

LG Electronics helped in this company, as usual, not only the immense production area, but also several related vertically integrated companies, such as LG Chem and LG DISPLAY.

As a result, thanks to the joint developments of several divisions, LG Electronics offered the market a new smartphone, which differs not only by the curved screen, but also a number of other innovations. The LG G Flex model (such a name received a hero of today's review) In addition to the curved screen, there is also a curved battery, as well as an unusual self-glowing coating on the rear wall of the smartphone. But what is really unusual, the smartphone can be bent, without causing it harm. This, naturally, makes the device more resistant to damage, especially if we talk about wearing in the back pocket of the trousers. We will tell about all this and many other things in our review.

The main characteristics of the LG G Flex (model LG-D958)

	LG G Flex	SAMSUNG GALAXY ROUND.	LG G2.	SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 3 (N9005)
Screen	6 ", P-OLED	5.7 ", Super Flexible Amoled	5,2 ", IPS	5.7 "Super AMOLED
Resolution	1280 × 720, 244 ppi	1920 × 1080, 386 PPI	1920 × 1080, 424 ppi	1920 × 1080, 386 PPI
SOC.		Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 @ 2.2 GHz (4 kernels, Krait 400)	Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 @ 2.2 GHz (4 kernels Krait 400)	Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 @ 2.2 GHz (4 kernels Krait 400)
GPU	Adreno 330.	Adreno 330.	Adreno 330.	Adreno 330.
Oz	2 GB	3 GB	2 GB	3 GB
Flash Memory	32 GB	32 GB	32 GB	32/64 GB
Memory card support	—	microSD.	—	microSD.
Operating system	Google Android 4.2.	Google Android 4.3.	Google Android 4.2.	Google Android 4.3.
Battery	non-removable, 3500 mA · h	removable, 2800 mA · h	non-removable, 3000 mA · h	removable, 3200 mA · h
Cameras	rear (13 mp; video - 4k), frontal (2.1 megap)		rear (13 megapixel; video - 1080p), frontal (2 MP)	rear (13 megacles; video - 4k), frontal 2 MP, video 1080r)
Gabarits.	161 × 82 × 8.7 mm, 177 g	151 × 80 × 7.9 mm, 154 g	139 × 71 × 8.9 mm, 143 g	151 × 79 × 8.3 mm, 168 g

• Soc Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (MSM 8974), 2.27 GHz, 4 Krait 400 kernels
• GPU Adreno 330, 450 MHz
• Android 4.2.2 Operating System Jelly Bean
• Touch Display P-OLED, 6 ", 1280 × 720, 244 PPI
• RAM (RAM) 2 GB, internal memory 32 GB
• 3G (HSPA +), 4G (LTE / LTE-A)
• Bluetooth 4.0, IR LED (Remote Control)
• USB 3.0.
• Wi-Fi 802.11a / B / G / N / AC (2.4 + 5 GHz), Wi-Fi Access Point, Wi-Fi Direct
• NFC, Miracast, OTG
• GPS, GLONASS
• Camera 13 MP, autofocus
• Camera 2.1 megapixel (Frontal)
• Battery 3500 mA · h
• Sizes 160.5 × 81.6 × 8.7 mm
• Mass 177 g

Appearance and ease of use

So, on November 1, 2013, the company LG Electronics officially introduced his first curved smartphone called LG G Flex, entered into a premium series G. This in itself already involves a considerable value of the novelty, but in this case the company declares that an unusual device is aimed, First of all, on the demonstration of new technologies, and not to receive profits (however, it did not prevent LG to expose on this device at home, in Korea, the proven price around $ 950).

As mentioned above, LG G Flex demonstrates several really new and not previously used in the serial production of technological finds, such as a curved battery, a new type of screen, as well as a coating that self-deducting scratches. Everything else, LG G Flex became the world's first smartphone similar form. The fact is that, unlike its competitor, the smartphone has received the curved of the screen and, accordingly, the entire housing is not around the vertical axis, like the Samsung model, but around the horizontal.

Whatever it was, it turns out that the novelty of LG not only repeats the contour of the person's face, but also reduces the distance from the lips to the microphone, when the phone is attached to the ear - by analogy with how it was before using conventional (stationary) phones. In truth, we were not bad with conventional, straight smartphones, but developers from LG argue that the degree of bending LG G Flex was calculated and optimized for the average human face to ensure better voice and sound quality.

In the pictures: Smartphone LG G Flex compared to Acer Liquid S2 and Sony Xperia Z Ultra

According to the company's representatives, the curved form increases the sound level of 3 decibels compared with standard straight smartphones. Thanks to its new form, this smartphone must be better lying in the hand, and in the horizontal position its screen offers almost an imax sensation, providing the most comfortable viewing angle for video or games. Of all this, perhaps, you can unconditionally agree with the fact that the novelty is more suitable for the back pocket of the trousers, rather than her unsung counter. However, if you choose from two angry, you should admit that the option of bending LG G Flex gives the user more advantages and amenities, rather than the Samsung Galaxy Round option.

As for the materials, in general, the housing of the novelties is completely plastic, there is no metal here. However, the plastic is unusual: first, from so flexible that the smartphone can be freely bend, even making it up to the state of flat (this is clearly demonstrated in our video, which you can see at the end of the article).

Secondly, one of the new technologies used in the LG G Flex for the first time, the use of the so-called "self-healing" coating on the rear wall of the smartphone. Elastic coating has a property to recover from small scratches and small damage, which are subject to smartphones without a cover, allowing G Flex longer look new. We conducted a number of experiments, slightly scratching the back surface of our sample, and they were confirmed by the developers said. The coating of the smartphone is really able to smooth out part of the scratches over time, while maintaining the appearance of the device more presentable. We all know what a mesh is sometimes the cobweb of small scratches on the lacquered coating of the rear walls of our glossy phones - and here it is not. However, this does not mean at all that the coating can cure any, even the deepest and coarse injury - it is only about shallow wounds.

If you abstract from the unusual bent of the novelty housing, as well as a self-grinding specific coating, then in general the smartphone for the usual human palm has not been more convenient. To the touch, this is all the same glossy, a brand and very slippery coating that there is not a smartphone with a huge size of the body that is not too convenient for hold in hand. The device is large and slippery, therefore, it is always at risk falling out of the fingers. In principle, he is also heavier than all of his competitors, but a considerable mass of the smartphone, honestly, is not too felt here and does not affect the overall impression of the device.

The smartphone is made in the form factor of the monoblock, which does not imply any sliding parts. The back cover here is also non-removable, and the SIM card is familiar to the retractable metal salazzas, fixed in the side slot. The card is retrieved by pressing the closure to the secret button, and this is the only open-outline slot in the device - the memory card here is nowhere to insert, since the developers did not provide for this option, as it did not provide in the previous G. Series Models

The location of the connectors is also familiar: both are embedded in the lower end and are separated far enough in order not to interfere with cable plugs even if both cables are connected at the same time. A hole is seen for the main microphone, and the second used for noise reduction is embedded into the upper end end of the case.

But with the hardware mechanical buttons here everything is not like others. The central power and lock key, as well as the two split volume keys of the volume are placed not on the sides of the case, but on the rear wall. This solution is similar to the LG G2 smartphone, in which we first encountered such an unusual location of the elements. According to the developers, due to the absence of buttons on the sides, the risk of randomly shutting down the phone is reduced and the convenience of switching the volume during the conversation is ensured. Judging by the reviews of users, including among our readers, opinions about the convenience of this option were divided: someone immediately liked it, someone remained at all delighted.

Unlike LG G2, here the central power key and lock can be highlighted in different colors, thus playing the role of the light indicator of events. The spectrum of functions is extensive:

• Face Detection Indicator:it is displayed by the LED-shape of the green color around the hardware buttons on the back of the smartphone, confirming the camera focus on the face;
• Camera Timer:LED-illumination of hardware buttons on the back of the smartphone showing that the countdown came to the camera before starting to the camera;
• Urgent Call Alert:LED red light around the hardware buttons on the rear panel of the smartphone appears when several calls from one subscriber remained unanswered.

But this we listed only the most unusual of the laid options - naturally, this indicator can standardly inform about incoming / missed events, about charging status, etc. In this sense, by the way, the rear LED indicator duplicates the possibilities of the front, traditionally located on the front surface Not far from the grille of the conversational speaker. All functions of these two LED indicators can be reconfigured by the user - for this there is a special detailed menu in the appropriate section of the settings.

In addition to this block of hardware mechanical keys with a built-in light indicator, there are several more familiar elements on the rear surface. Here is a chamber window protected by sapphire glass, a single-section LED flash, located nearby, as well as an IR portrait that serves to control a variety of equipment together with the built-in virtual remote control. The "remote" is universal, in memory of it already laid a lot of different configurations, so it's easily coped with the control of the TV Philips of a ten-year-old prescription, not to mention more modern solutions. The program is convenient, it works trouble-free, such solutions we have already met earlier in Samsung smartphones, and the LG itself. It is only necessary to remember that in this case the smartphone needs to be kept horizontally, but a vertically reversed back to the TV or another device.

As for the front of the smartphone, the entire front surface here is entirely covered with a protective glass of the same curved shape, as well as the display itself. In the rest on the front panel, everything is used: from above - the lattice of the dynamics, eyes of the front camera and sensors, below - not too wide free plot of panels with a silver logo of the company.

There are no control buttons at the bottom under the screen, all of them are moved to the display itself in the form of virtual icons. In the latest LG smartphones, starting with the LG G2 model, it is planned not a fixed set of three or four specific buttons, and then their combination that suits the specific user. It is very convenient: now everyone can choose his own location and a combination of control buttons. For example, Samsung devices are always "confused" (there are not in order not in order that the other manufacturers) - and here you can organize both and other options, as well as change the color of the buttons themselves and the color of the substrate.

As for the color of the device, the LG G Flex smartphone is still available only in one color - this is "silver titanium" according to the official description, and we would call it the usual "gray metallic" or "wet asphalt". Under an unusual transparent coating that is capable of tightening scratches on its surface, a silver substrate can be seen with a barely noticeable texturing in the form of a matte, roughly skilled metal that the distance creates the impression that the surface is metallic. About other possible variants of the color LG G Flex is not yet reported.

Screen

As mentioned above, the unusual LG G Flex display was the result of cooperation between LG Display and LG Chem subsidiaries. The 6-inch display of the novelties has become the largest Plastic OLED (POLED) screen developed and manufactured specifically for smartphones. The thin and flexible POLED panel is created from plastic substrates, and not glass, which made it possible to give a smartphone as an unusual form. According to the developers, the POLED-screen is characterized by greater brightness and image accuracy due to the use of Real RGB technology. We will not argue about the brightness, but the clarity of the image on a huge 6-inch screen with a resolution of only 720p leaves much to be desired. The pixel density here is only 244 PPI, which is almost half less than that of modern flagships most of the manufacturers, and including their own flagship LG - G2. So the small looseness along the edges of small images here is present, "printing" image clarity, like LG G2, here, of course, not.

In the figures, the characteristics of the LG G Flex screen look as follows: Size - 75 × 133 mm, diagonal - 6 inches, resolution 1280 × 720 points; Pixel density - 244 PPI.

The thickness of the side frame from the edge of the screen to the edge of the case is less than 3 mm here, which is quite good for such a giant. The display brightness can be manually adjusted, you can use automatic adjustment. Multitouch technology allows you to process up to 10 simultaneous touches. There is a smartphone and an approximation sensor that blocks the screen when making a smartphone to the ear.

Detailed examination with the use of measuring instruments was conducted by the editor of the "Monitors" and "Projectors and TV" sections of Alexey Kudryavtsev. We present his expert opinion on the screen of the sample under study.

Despite the curvature and relative flexibility, the front surface of the screen is made of mineral glass with a mirror-smooth and resistant to the appearance of scratching surface. Judging by the reflection of objects, there is an effective anti-glare filter, which reduces the brightness of the reflection a little worse than that of Google Nexus 7 (2013) (hereinafter just Nexus 7). For clarity, we give a photo on which the white surface is reflected in the screens off (right - Nexus 7, on the left - LG G Flex, then they can be distinguished by size and curvature):

Due to the difference in the color tone of the reflection and frames, it is difficult to estimate the magnitude of the decrease in the brightness of the reflection visually - however, statistics from the graphics editor shows that the LG G Flex screen is really a bit lighter than Nexus 7.

Two of the reflected objects in the LG G Flex screen is very weak, it suggests that there is no air interval between the screen layers. On the outer surface of the screen there is a special oleophobic (fat-repellent) coating (efficient, slightly better than Nexus 7), so traces from fingers are removed significantly easier, and appear at a lower rate than in the case of conventional glass.

When manually controlling the brightness and when the white field is output, the maximum brightness value was about 315 kD / m², the minimum is 30 kD / m². Despite the highest brightness value, even with bright daylight, the smartphone can be used, since it helps an effective anti-glare filter. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that in this case the smaller the white area on the screen, the brighter, that is, the actual maximum brightness of white areas will be almost always higher than the specified value. For example, when withdrawing white on half of the screen, the maximum brightness with manual adjustment increases to 330 kD / m². In complete darkness, brightness can be reduced to a comfortable level. There is automatic brightness adjustment over the illumination sensor (it is located to the right of the front camera). In automatic mode, when changing external light conditions, the screen brightness is rising, and decreases. The operation of this function depends on the position of the brightness adjustment slider. If it is 100%, the brightness of the screen does not change (remains equal to 310-315 kD / m²), if 50%, then in complete darkness, the auturance function reduces the brightness to the minimum 30 kD / m² (normally), in conditions lit by artificial light The office (approximately 400 LCs) sets 70 cd / m² (not enough, but acceptable), and in a very bright environment increases to a maximum. If, when the brightness is turned on automatic adjustment, the brightness regulator is set to 0, then in the first two conditions given above, the brightness remains at the minimum value, but in a very bright environment, it is still rising to the maximum. As a result, the auto-adjustment function of brightness works more or less adequately. At any level of brightness, the modulation is practically absent, so there is no flickering of the screen.

This smartphone uses an OLED matrix - an active matrix on organic LEDs. Rather, as the manufacturer specifies - Plastic OLED (POLED) - organic LEDs on a plastic basis. Recall that the external glass is still mineral that due to its high hardness increases the wear resistance of the screen and increases the service life of the matrix, as the glass, in contrast to the plastic, does not allow diffusion of oxygen, which causes the rapid degradation of organic light-emitting elements. The full-color image is created using subpixels of three colors - red (R), green (G) and blue (b) equal to quantity, which is confirmed by a micrograph fragment (fragments of micrographs of this and other types of screens, we combined on a separate page):

This for the better distinguishes this screen from the top models of the main competitor, in which the Pentile RGBG matrix is \u200b\u200bapplied with a double-volume amount of green subpixels (or reduced twilight of red and blue subpixels - how to count). To emphasize the advantages of your screen LG in its description uses a combination " Real RGB." As a result, if you compare this screen with a screen, for example, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, it is unambiguously replied, what screen is better, not easy, since, despite the higher resolution in Note 3, small elements of the image on it look less smooth For the distinguished density of green subpixels and subpixels of two other colors.

The LG G Flex screen is characterized by good viewing angles. True, the white color when there is a light shade on relatively large corners, but the black color remains black in any corners (although the reflection from the black sections at some angles has a greenish "metal" tint), and it is so black that the contrast parameter is in this case Just not applicable. With perpendicular view, the uniformity of the white field is excellent. For comparison, we give the photos on which the same images are displayed on the LG G Flex screens and the second comparison member, while the brightness of the screens is set to about 200 kD / m². Perpendicular to screens White field:

It can be noted a good uniformity of brightness and color tone of the white field. And test picture:

The color rendition is clearly not bad, but with all the conventionality of the forced color balance in the camera installed on 6500 K, it is clear that the colors of the LG G Flex is clearly "colder". Now at an angle of about 45 degrees to the plane and to the side of the screen:

It can be seen that the colors did not "float" at all screens, and the brightness of the LG G Flex at an angle is noticeably higher. And white field:

The brightness at an angle in both screens has decreased markedly (more than three times, based on the difference in excerpt), but in the case of LG G Flex, the brightness drop is significantly less expressed. Everything is fine with black and white fields, but with intermediate shades, especially with dark - not very, since, for example, when withdrawing a dark gray field, it is clearly clearly visible at the level of brightness of individual pixels and in the form of some structure and residual images, which, however, quickly blur. So it looks dark gray field:

And so - pixels on this field:

Lightly visible variation of the brightness of individual subpixels. Nevertheless, the real images are always slightly "noisy" and practically do not contain large ones in the area of \u200b\u200bdark and strictly monophonic fills, so it is possible to notice this screen feature only on test images.

Switching the status of the matrix elements is actually performed instantly, but a step (or two) 16.7 ms width of 16.7 ms may be present on the fronts and shutdown fronts (corresponds to the screen update frequency in 60 Hz). In some conditions, the presence of such a step can lead to loops stretching for moving objects, but with normal use to see these artifacts are almost impossible - more precisely, we could not see them with all the efforts. Rather, on the contrary: dynamic scenes in films on OLED screens are distinguished by high definition and even some "dongy" movements.

The gamma curve built in 32 points did not reveal in neither lights or in the shadows. The index of the approximating power function is 2.31, which is slightly higher than the standard value of 2.2, while the real gamma curve deviates little from power dependence:

When choosing in the profile screen settings Brightness Gamma curve acquires a pronounced S-shaped character, which increases the visible contrast of the image.

General modes three:

Color coverage in case of profiles Standard and Brightness Very wide:

When choosing a profile Natural The coverage is pressed to the borders of the SRGB, but still remains a little wider:

No correction spectra components are very well divided:

In case of profile Natural The components of the colors are slightly mixed up to each other:

Note that on screens with a wide color coverage of the color of conventional images optimized for SRGB devices, it looks unnaturally saturated. However, a visual assessment showed that when choosing a profile Natural Saturation is noticeably reduced, and the colors become close to natural (screen photos are mostly made with the selected profile. Natural). However, some excessive red-eases of European views still saved, which is somewhat annoying when watching photos and video.

The balance of shades on the gray scale does not depend on the selected profile and the particularly high quality is no different, since the color temperature is higher than the standard 6500 K and significantly changes from the shade to the shade, which adversely affects the visual estimate of the color reproduction. However, the deviation from the spectrum of absolutely black bodies (ΔE) is 10 or less, which is considered an acceptable indicator for the consumer device, and it does not vary greatly from the shade to the shade. (Dark areas of the gray scale can not be considered, since there the balance of colors does not matter, and the measurement error of the color characteristics on the low brightness is large.)

As already noted above, the selected profile determines the type of gamma curve (in the case of a profile Brightness gamma curve little S-shaped) and color coverage (in case Natural He is closer to SRGB). The visual distinction between profiles characterizes the following photos (the original file of the first and second test image). Profile Standard:

Profile Brightness:

Profile Natural:

These photos illustrate the above graphics, and also show that in profiles Standard (less) and Brightness (More) A programmatic increase in colors saturation is performed, as a result of which color images become brighter, but also the detailing of bright and saturated areas is reduced, which is clearly visible on the test image with colors gradients and horizontal strips.

As we have shown in comparative testing, OLED screens, despite not very high brightness, retain excellent readability in any conditions and even when looking at large corners. This is facilitated by effective anti-reflective properties and a relatively small decrease in brightness when the view is rejected from the perpendicular to the screen plane. The advantages of this particular screen also include a very good oleophobic coating, adequately operating automatic adjustment of brightness, no flickering and good (but still imperfect) color balance. It makes it pleases that LG provided the user with the ability to choose a profile in which the saturation of the colors is adjusted towards it reduction to the SRGB coverage boundaries, as a result, the recognizable colors (for example, skin shades) in the photos and video look more or less natural, not excessively oversaturated, How it meets in the case of OLED screens in devices of some other manufacturers. The disadvantages include the visible unevenness of dark monophonic fills, but this is a very specific drawback, it almost does not affect the consumer properties of the screen. In general, the screen corresponds to the top-level device.

Sound

In the sound of a smartphone as a whole, with exception, perhaps, not too clearly present low frequencies at the call dynamics. The grill for the output of the sound is embedded into the raised bottom end of the curved back, so the surface of the table sound is not muted when the smartphone is lying. The conversational speaker clearly and accurately transmits all intonations and the timbre of familiar votes of the interlocutors - there are no problems with this. In the settings of the standard audio player, it is possible to programmatically strengthen some audio effects, and this can be done both when the headphones is connected and for the call dynamics. Music player can be controlled directly from the notification menu. Like LG G2, the novelty can reproduce the sound in a 24 bit / 192 BC / 192 HI-Fi Studio Quality Quality.

FM radio in a full-time configuration of the smartphone we did not find, and the recorder was found, but it does not know how to record the conversation from the line.

Camera

LG G Flex is standard equipped with two digital cameras modules. The front camera has a sensor of only 2.1 megapixel, removes photos with a maximum resolution of 1920 × 1080.

The main, rear camera is equipped with a 13 megapixel module. Unlike LG G2, it is not equipped with an optical stabilizer (OIS), but the multipoint autofocus (Multi Points AF) remains here. By default, the camera removes in normal mode, in which the resolution is set to 10 MP, the pictures are obtained in size 4160 × 2340 (16: 9). You can achieve maximum resolution by setting manually settings for shooting in a resolution of 13 MP, then the pictures will be obtained in size 4160 × 3120 (4: 3).

Examples of photos with our comments are presented below.

	Sharpness is good on all plans.
	The branches are well worked out. Pars are noticeable light shaping.
	The inscriptions on the building are well distinguishable. Contrast details of the house are underlined.
	Not bad field sharpness. The details are quite well distinguishable.
	The number of the decent remote machine is well distinguishable. Also distinguishable many details.
	Shadow shadow works sufficiently roughly, however, no noise is not visible.
	With macro shot, the camera is not coping with very well. Exacerbates the situation lighting, insufficient for normal operation of the camera.
	The text is worked well and is almost not damaged, except for lubrication caused by a relatively long exposure.

	Lighting ≈3200 suite. The camera copes well.
	Lighting ≈1400 luxury. The situation does not change.
	Lighting ≈130 luxury. Detailing is slightly deteriorating.
	Lighting ≈130 suite, flash. Flash Returns the original resolution.
	Lighting<1 люкс. В темноте камера практически не справляется, однако некоторые объекты различить можно.
	Lighting<1 люкс, вспышка. Вспышка улучшает ситуацию, но до исходного разрешения не дотягивает.

In the pictures you can see some underlined dark contours - one of the scripting options: the camera enhances the contrast at the edges of objects to improve sharpness, so some details look like a graphite pencil. However, with the task, this feature copes very well. Yes, and natural sharpness at the camera is pretty decent - some car numbers are worth! But according to the results of the laboratory test, as can be seen from the graph, the camera loses LG G2 by sharpness.

The chamber has a little rude noise, and if with such a permit, the results of its work are almost imperceptible, then with a smaller resolution, they would spoil the details, and they just rushed into the eyes. Although in general with noises the camera copes well.

Exposures More than 1/25 seconds are for the camera long, so the camera copes not very well with the macro shot and shooting text with insufficient lighting.

If excessive software processing is not attributed to shortcomings, but to features, the camera can be called good. In addition, despite this, it is characterized by good detail. The camera is quite suitable for documentary shooting or for peculiar art.

The camera is able to shoot a video, several permissions are provided to the choice of up to 3840 × 2160. The settings also have recording mode with a speed of 60 frames per second. Examples of test rollers are presented below (video: MPEG4 video (H264) 3840 × 2160 30 K / s 30 Mbps; Sound: AAC 48 kHz stereo 156 kbps).

• Roller №1 (108 MB, 3840 × 2160)
• Roller # 2 (65.9 MB, 1920 × 1080, 60 FPS)
• Roller # 3 (42.3 MB, 1920 × 1080, 30 FPS)

The capabilities of the LG G Flex cameras repeat those from the flagship model LG G2. In addition to the usual shooting mode, others are also provided in the camera software to supplement the usual image with unusual elements. For example, in the "Live Effect" mode, you can distort the face of the hero of a small mouth, a big nose, etc. "Double recording" mode allows you to display in a separate window on top of the main picture that is removed on the front chamber. The last mode is called the "tracking zoom" and gives a description similar to the composition, only here in a separate window, imposed on top of the usual video delays, it will be displayed in an enlarged scale that the plot on which the cross-seater is focused. In the process of video shooting, it is a window with an increase in the "lens" image, you can move your finger across the screen from the object to the object. It is impossible not to mention the Audio Zoom mode at which you can increase the volume emanating from the specific selected object in the shooting field. Photographing can be done both by touching the screen and by pressing any of the volume control keys located on the back of the smartphone.

Telephone part and communication

The smartphone works as standard in modern networks 2G GSM and 3G WCDMA, as well as the support of the fourth-generation networks used in Russia (LTE). With the SIM-card of the domestic operator MegaFon smartphone in practice confidently works with a LTE network. In general, support for wireless networks at a great level is supported by the Wi-Fi range of 5 GHz, NFC technology, you can organize a wireless access point through Wi-Fi channels or Bluetooth, there is a Wi-Fi Direct mode. The navigation module supports both GPS (with A-GPS) and domestic GLONASS.

Hanging or spontaneous reboots / shutdowns during testing was not observed. When submission to the ear, the screen is blocked by the approximation sensor. The illumination sensor controls the screen brightness level in automatic mode. Welding alert sensors about incoming events are provided on the front and rear panels.

The screen is large, so the drawing of letters and numbers of virtual keyboards is quite comfortable for control. Layout and location of the Standard keys: Switching languages \u200b\u200bhere is performed by pressing a special button, there is a separately dedicated top row with numbers - without having to switch the layout. Naturally, there is and the possibility of an obscure letter to slip your finger across the screen from the button to the button (here it is called Path Input).

In order to be more convenient to be controlled with the onscale keyboard with one finger, here, as in the previous LG models, it is possible to reduce the keyboard block and shifting it closer to any of the edges of the screen. LG developers went even further by implementing a displaceable block in the form of a separate window, which can not only be moved to any screen, but also change its size and transparency. It is called all this QSLIDE. In order to narrow the standard application window to the small one, it is worth only pressing the corresponding crusher button in the upper left corner. You can not only switch to a separate window QSLIDE, but also some other standard applications - for example, notes, calendar or calculator.

OS and Software

LG G Flex is currently on the Google Android version 4.2.2 software platform. On top of the OS interface, the company installed its own user interface, significantly modifying and complementing the standard one. The location of all elements, drawing icons, the number and selection of additional pre-installed programs - everything is very familiar to the previous LG models with the Optimus UI 3.0 shell. For example, it is worth only to connect the headphones, as a screen immediately arises with a choice of application (Plug & POP), which is most associated with work in headphones. The standard strip contains icons of musical and video players, a telephone set, as well as Youtube player, but, of course, you can withdraw here and any other applications at your discretion. There is such an additional feature as a guest mode (Guest Mode). That is, you can give someone to use your smartphone, without fear of personal information that will be soldered. There is gesture management (answer to the call to the ear, for example). Slide Aside allows the stritting gesture with three fingers to remove running applications outside the screen, and also return them back. QSLIDE allows you to make working windows less, disable them by moving around the screen, as well as change the degree of their transparency and quantity. Like LG G2, there is the ability to wake up the device by tapping on the screen (Knockon). In addition, to add to the LG G2 described by the LG G2, the new model has several minor modifications:

• Qtheater. Provides quick access to the photo, video or Youtube channel immediately from the locked screen. Touching the screen and dragging the application to the side with two fingers opens them on the screen with the effect of theatrical curtain;
• Dual Window. shares the screen into two working tables as part of multitasking;
• Swing Lockscreen. Changes the picture on the lock screen depending on the position of the smartphone in space.

Performance

The LG G2 hardware platform is based on a single-gryl system (SOC) Qualcomm Snapdragon 800. The central processor here has 4 KRAIT 400 kernels operating at a frequency of 2.27 GHz. Support for processing graphics processor provides the most modern video inspector ADRENO 330. RAM in the device is provided 2 GB, and the repository accessible to the user for downloading its own files is about 24 GB from nominally designated 32 GB. Support for memory cards in the device is not provided, but it is possible to connect external media to the Micro-USB port (USB host). When you connect a USB media, by the way, the mentioned Plug & POP function immediately turns out, displaying the strip on the screen with the choice of applications that are most associated with the situation. The standard strip contains icons of musical and video players, photo galleries, as well as a built-in file manager.

To obtain an idea of \u200b\u200bthe performance of the test smartphone platform, perform a standard set of tests.

All the results obtained by us when testing the smartphone in the most recent versions of popular benchmarks, we are conveniently reduced to the table. The table usually adds several other devices from various segments, also tested on similar recent versions of benchmarks (this is done only for a visual assessment of the resulting dry numbers). Unfortunately, within the framework of the same comparison, it is impossible to submit results from different versions of the benchmarks, so many worthy and actual models remain "for the scenes" - due to the fact that they at one time passed their "barnesses" on previous versions of test programs.

The results obtained during testing demonstrated quite expected productivity of the novelties: it almost fully corresponds to the performance built on the exact same platform of the flagship model LG G2.

Test results in MobileXPRT, as well as the latest versions of Antutu 4.x and Geekbench 3

Graphic subsystem test results in Epic Citadel game test

Video playback

To test "omnivities" when playing video (including support for various codecs, containers and special capabilities, such as subtitles), we used the most common formats that constitute the bulk of the content available on the content network. Note that for mobile devices it is important to have the support of hardware decoding of videos at the chip level, since to process modern options due to the processor nuclei are most often impossible. Also, it is not necessary to wait from the mobile device of decoding everything, since the leadership in flexibility belongs to PC, and no one is going to challenge it. All results are reduced to a single sign.

Since the Micro-USB connector supports the USB host mode (OTG), the device with such a large and high-quality screen can be used as a multimedia combine. It is enough to connect through an adapter any flash drive, and you can play music, movies, watch photos directly from it, especially since the developers initially provided the device with all the necessary decoders. The smartphone immediately "out of the box" is able to play most of the file types common in the network, and due to this represents one of the best solutions in the mobile market for multimedia needs.

Format	Container, video, sound	MX Video Player.	Full video player
DVDRip.	AVI, XVID 720 × 400 2200 Kbps, MP3 + AC3	reproduces normal	reproduces normal
Web-DL SD	AVI, XVID 720 × 400 1400 Kbps, MP3 + AC3	reproduces normal	reproduces normal
Web-DL HD	MKV, H.264 1280 × 720 3000 Kbps, AC3	reproduces normal	reproduces normal
BDRip 720p	MKV, H.264 1280 × 720 4000 Kbps, AC3	reproduces normal	reproduces normal
BDRip 1080p.	MKV, H.264 1920 × 1080 8000 Kbps, AC3	reproduces normal	reproduces normal

This smartphone has support for SlimPort adapters (or Mobility DisplayPort) connected to the Micro USB connector and transmitting video signal (and sound) to external display devices. For testing, we used a monitor LG IPS237L . When using this monitor and the Slimport video adapter we had was output in 1920 permissions at 1080 pixels with a frequency of 60 frame / s. With a landscape orientation of the smartphone, the image output to the monitor screen is carried out in the landscape orientation, while the image on the monitor is written in the screen boundary and is an exact copy of the smartphone screen. With a portrait orientation of the smartphone, the image output to the monitor screen is carried out in portrait orientation, while the image on the monitor is inscribed in height and its actual resolution is already lower than on the screen of the smartphone, and the left and right on the monitor screen are wide black fields.

The sound via HDMI is displayed (in this case, the sounds were heard through the headphones connected to the monitor, since there are no loudspeakers in the monitor) and has good quality. In this case, the multimedia sounds through the loudspeaker of the smartphone itself are not displayed, and the volume is regulated by the buttons on the smartphone housing. The smartphone connected to the slimport adapter is charging, while the adapter needs to be connected to a power source through the Micro-USB connector.

A special description deserves video tools for the staff player. To begin with, using a dialing of test files with a single division by a frame and a rectangle (see "Method for testing reproduction devices and displaying a video signal. Version 1 (for mobile devices)") We checked how the video is displayed on the screen of the smartphone itself. Screenshots with shutter speed in 1 C helped to determine the nature of the output of video files with various parameters: resolution ranged (1280 per 720 (720p), 1920 at 1080 (1080p) and 3840 at 2160 (4K) pixels) and frame rate (24, 25, 30, 50 and 60 frames / s). The results of this (block entitled as the "smartphone screen") and subsequent tests are reduced to the table:

Note: If in both columns Uniformity and Pass Green estimates are exhibited, it means that, most likely, when viewing the films of artifacts caused by uneven alternation and passage of frames, or will not be seen at all, or their number and notice will not affect the preservation of viewing. Red marks indicate possible problems associated with playing relevant files.

By the output criteria, the quality of video files playback on the screen of the smartphone itself is high, since frames (or frames of frames) are displayed with more or less uniform intervals and frames or not, or single frames are skipped. Smartphone can even show files with a 4K resolution, though up to 25p inclusive. However, uniform alternation of frames is a relatively unstable state, since some external and internal background processes lead to a periodic failure of the correct interval between frames and even to the skip of individual frames. When playing video files with a resolution of 1280 to 720 pixels (720p) on the smartphone screen, the image of the video file is displayed exactly by screen width, one to one pixels, that is, in the initial resolution. The brightness range displayed on the screen corresponds to the standard range of 16-235 - in the shadows and in the lights displays all gradations of shades.

With the monitor connected via a slimport when playing a video a regular player, the video file image is displayed only in the landscape orientation, while only the picture of the video file is displayed on the monitor, and only information elements and virtual controls are displayed on the smartphone screen:

Note that when using the MX Player video player, an exact copy of the smartphone screen was displayed on the monitor screen, including with virtual buttons, albeit muted during video playback. This circumstance excluded this player from testing. When playing video files with Full HD resolution (1920 to 1080 pixels) on the monitor screen, the image of the video file is displayed exactly along the screen border with the preservation of true proportions, and the resolution corresponds to the permission of Full HD. The brightness range displayed on the monitor is equal to the standard range of 16-235, that is, in the shadows and in the lights are displayed all gradations of shades. The results of the output tests on the monitor are shown in the table above in the "SlimPort" block. The quality of the output is very good, although imperfect.

It turns out that connecting to external monitors, TVs and projectors, carried out using the Slimport adapter, can be used for games, watching movies (including Full HD resolution), withdrawing web pages and other activities that wins from multiple size increases Screen.

Battery life

The capacity of the lithium-polymer battery installed in the LG G Flex is almost a recordable for a smartphone according to modern standards value in 3500 mA · h. The battery itself, as already described above, not quite ordinary: LG Chem has developed the world's first curved battery specifically for use in LG G Flex. This battery was created due to the patented LG Chem Stack & Folding technology, which reduces the physical exertion on the battery block due to the curved shape. Despite its small thickness, the LG G Flex battery turned out to be very tank. Accordingly, the results of testing the duration of the autonomous work of the device in the most common user scenarios were very good.

Uninterrupted reading in the FBReader program (with a standard, bright theme) with a minimum comfortable brightness level (the brightness was set per 100 kD / m²) lasted until the battery lasts for more than 23 hours, and when you continuously view video from YouTube in high quality (HQ) with The same level of brightness through the home network Wi-Fi machine ruled around 13.5 hours. The 3D-game mode of the smartphone was enough for 6 hours 40 minutes. All these are excellent performance!

Outcome

In general, as already mentioned at the beginning of the article, it is not worth treating the LG G Flex smartphone with deep addiction. This model is designed for a narrow circle of specialists, as well as technologists that support morally and financially any unusual endeavors in this area, and, in general, does not claim to be wide demand from ordinary users. The model is sold more expensive than analogues (more precisely, "ordinary" flagship smartphones), and those innovations that are presented in it until they do not look like an explicit advantage for which it would be worth overpaying. Most likely, G Flex will remain for the LG of the first milestone in the history of the creation of devices with flexible displays, although in general it would like to note that the use of flexible screens seems much more useful in other categories of products than in pocket gadgets. But, as they say, time will tell.

In conclusion, we bring to your attention our video review of the LG G Flex smartphone. Still, evaluating the flexibility of the case and the convenience of grip is better via video, and not with the words of the site editor.

Touch screens have become a habit for each of us about 6-7 years ago. Before that, no one could and submit that the device can be managed using clicks on the screen. Today there is another sample phone - this is a rectangular "brick", which is similar to most modern models.

Some manufacturers are trying in every way to "break" this circle of stereotypes and present something new to the world. The next such device at one time became G Flex - the brainchild of the company LG, a curved phone that breaks our ideas about how the smartphone should look like.

Phone with curved screen

It is obvious that this model is the result of the experiments of LG engineers who tried to submit something original on the market. They succeeded, though, some special furora did not produce the device. He was remembered simply as an experimental device, designed primarily on the so-called "wow effect" of the buyer.

In general, the device in its characteristics and capabilities is quite strongly reminded by the flagship (in one time) model G2 is the same high performance, response speed, powerful equipment, attractive design. Of course, the main feature is that this LG is a curved phone. According to manufacturers, this form allows you to increase the sound quality of the voice of the device owner, and also increases the audibility as a whole.

Hardware stuff

The smartphone with a curved display (LG Gflex) also boasts a strong stuffing. She, as already noted above, is similar to what the manufacturer offers with the model G2, is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor (performance equals 2.26 GHz). Also, the model is equipped with 2 GB of RAM and the Adreno 330 graphics processor, which allows high-quality graphics in any conditions.

Picture

As for the graphics, the manufacturers promise users that the new LG, the curved screen of which is represented by a different angle, will transmit the picture in a new, unusual form. Due to this films and video clips on G Flex will differ from the image that we used to see on other devices.

True, as the experience of users who left feedback on the device shows, this effect will soon cease to be noticeable - the human eye quickly gets used to this corner of the review. Yes, and there is nothing unusual.

Special screen coating

Another interesting feature mentioned by the model developers is a special coating on the display. It is called self-healing for the reason that it allows you to hide small scratches that inevitably occur on any sensor as a result of using a device from LG. A curved phone may, as the tests have shown, cope with 70 percent of small damage due to the use of this technology.

This effect is achieved due to a more efficient filling of the space, which is formed after applying scratches. True, it is impossible to hope for the fact that it will make the phone, it is impossible - larger damage to the body will remain "as is", there is nothing against them. Smartphone LG with curved screen already positioned as a high-tech novelty.

Battery

Many users, judging by the reviews, are interested in the question regarding the battery. What should be the battery for the new Flex - is also curved?

In fact, it is not necessary to worry about this - the design of the device is thought out to the smallest detail - and even in such an unusual case, an excellent battery with a capacity of 3500 mAh is placed. It repeats the contours of the phone, so it sits inside pretty organic; You can not remove it. At the same time, it is enough for a sufficiently long period of operation of the device due to the excellent optimization, which was conducted by LG. The curved phone, in addition to an unusual shape, can also boast even endurance at the G2 level.

Price and Reviews

The cost of the device cannot be called budget - at the time of the output it cost 950 dollars. As it is obsolescence, the price fell, especially after the release of the second generation. The new LG phone with a curved screen is called G Flex 2, it has a modified body: more conveniently lies in the hand, equipped with an improved processor, a camera and other possibilities that will taste to the buyer. Now the first generation of the smartphone costs about 22 thousand rubles.

For these funds, the buyer receives a fairly strong smartphone with a good 12 megapixel camera, an optimized quad-core processor and a good graphic engine. In the G FLEX screen, of course, nothing but the viewing angle is unusual - believe me, it's just a LG smartphone with a curved screen. Although feedback, of course, for the most part, about the device is positive - the "wow effect" really works. Plus, again, a large 6-inch screen allows you to conveniently perform a lot of tasks for which small displays are not suitable.

disadvantages

Despite the overall positive picture in the reviews, I would like to highlight some nuances that users noted with a negative side. For example, it is an uncomfortable screen unlocking buttons. Unlike the model G2, the LG phone with a curved screen was equipped with keys from another material, press which is not so nice. And do it on a flat surface, according to buyers, more convenient.

Next, you should mention the grain of pixels in some places of the screen. The reviews claim that this effect can be seen only on certain videos - but it is present than sometimes it is very annoying.

Another point is a headphone connector. Some users who use the phone in a horizontal position (as a tablet) seems inconvenient that the hole is located on the top panel, not the side of the device.

An even curved LG phone (whose price, recall, is now equal to 20-22 thousand), as users noted, not equipped with a second SIM card and does not support the memory card, due to which it may be less convenient.

However, we will proceed from what is, and the task is to invent refinement for the device will leave engineers from LG.

Output

In general, the phone can be described as attracting attention. By itself, the phone has enough "cool" equipment - thanks to this users a wide functionality is available, excellent performance, the mass of the benefits of the Middle-class smartphone.

Plus, as some reviews are evidenced, the curved form is really convenient conversations (due to the fact that the device repeats the contours of the face) and cool movie view (at the expense of another screen viewing angle).

As a result, we get a phone that could be purchased to those who like to experiment. Plus, again, if someone can not be enough capabilities, you can buy a second generation gadget - G Flex 2, a modified and improved version at a higher price.

Design, buttons ...

At first, the smartphone seemed very large. Of course, this is not a record size of the device, but, nevertheless, not every pocket can put it. Yes, and not in each hand such a big body will look appropriate. But this is a subjective moment, because there are definitely people who will be delighted with such a size of the device. His dimensions are not so big, if you consider the size of the display. In the LG G Flex, the LG G Flex category is not the biggest, call it the size of the average - 160.5 x 81.6 x 8.7 mm, it weighs 177 grams, but heavily, in sensations, I would not call him.

The body is plastic, glossy and also unusual. In addition to being bent, it is also resistant to scratches. Yes, I know that all manufacturers say so about their creations, but Flex has a special polymer ball (layer / coating), which, so to speak, heals. After the scratch appeared on the body, it is gradually tightened. It all depends on the complexity of damage: minor scratches are delayed during the day, and deep "cuts" can leave a scar on covering your smartphone.

Another trick is the ability to bend. Literally. You can sit on it weighing up to 40 kg (and some say that 80 is not a problem). At the same time, the smartphone can slightly cry, but still will not receive damage. Nuts inside, it seems everything is a flexible display, a flexible body, battery - and that flexible. All this joint workout LG Chem and LG Display. The manufacturer claims that the device can safely wear in the back pocket and not be afraid of sitting on him. Honestly, I would still try to be neat g flex, but the work is very interesting. After all, we all saw photos of working samples of curved iPhone after the rear pockets are not the most pleasant sight.

As the basis in the location of the elements was taken by LG G2. So, the volume control buttons and the power button are located at the back. There is a camera, flash and, # suddenly, infrared port. Yes, to control Telecom, you will need to send a smartphone to it with your back, and not as an ordinary console. The power button has a backlight over the entire area. The speaker moved to the rear panel and is located below. On the left sidewall there is a tray for the SIM card, the right edge remained empty. From the bottom on the case there is a microUSB, the main microphone and a socket for the headset, on top of an additional microphone.

The form

One of the advantages of the curved form of the device allocate convenience when conversation. So the smartphone envelopes the user's face and this has a positive effect on the quality of voice transmission. The advantage is very dubious, because modern smartphones are very difficult to turn in the poor quality of the transmission of speech. Another positive aspect of such a form allocate convenience when watching a video. Indeed, the video look at this display is cool, but it is not a fact that someone would notice any improvements if they did not say about it. Such a placebo effect. Unfortunately, you need more time to form a conclusion about convenience / inconvenience, but the first impressions remain quite positive.

Display

As you understand, the traditional display could not do. It is in a smartphone with such capabilities of the body and found the use of a flexible display. Although it is difficult to say that there was a first, flexible display or body. In LG G Flex, a pocket TV is installed (read "Display") with a diagonal of 6 inches. It has 1280 x 720 points permit, which eventually pours out in 245 PPI. Type of matrix - poled. This is the same OLED, only with the use of a plastic basis. The color rendition can be frozen, the picture is slightly oversaturated, but in general the sensations are normal. The viewing angles are maximal, in contrast to the same G2. Maximum and minimum backlight levels, it seems to me, should be enough for a sunny day, and reading under the blanket. HD permission is quite tolerant. Although the pixels consider naturally, in daily use, such a display will be comfortable. Full HD screen would make a device more expensive.

The camera in G Flex is similar to that in LG G2, with one difference - there is no optical stabilization module. All the same 13 MP, the same software, that is, it is possible to shoot a video in 1080p with a frame rate of 60 per second.

Not changed iron: Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, Adreno 330 graphics, 2 GB RAM, built-in - 32. There is no slot for memory cards. I do not know what it is connected with a software or constructive features, but the smartphone is heated stronger than G2, although it has a larger body. This is noticeable in tests - with each other launch the result is getting worse. So, in ANTUTU BENCHMARK X, the first run showed 34,000 points, the second start lowered the result to 28000. I think the reduced resolution of the display, coupled with such iron, make G Flex faster than the flagship G2.

Capacity AKB - 3500 mAh. This is a lot, even considering the 6 "screen. Some say that G Flex is the longest smartphone on the market. It should show about 12 hours of display in the Moscow 3G, I think the smartphone is not inferior to Motorola Droid Maxx. The stated standby time is 560 hours.

Android version is quite old - 4.2.2, there is no information about the update. On the OS installed a refinite interface - Optimus UI. It is slightly different from what we see in G2. First, a light background in settings, standard applications and pop-up windows, replaced with black. Obviously, for more work hours, since OLED displays are practically not spent in charge when the black is displayed. But all the menus look more pleasant. It is possible to choose one of two topics: LG and FLEX. New much more pretty than the usual.

• Dimensions: 160.5 × 81.6 × 8.7 mm.
• Weight: 177
• Operating system: Android 4.2.2 JB.
• Processor: quad-core, Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (MSM8974), 2.26 GHz
• Graphics: Adreno 330.
• Display: Poled, 6 ", 1280 × 720 Points, 245 PPI
• Memory: 32 GB Flash
• RAM: 2 GB.
• Camera: Basic - 13 MP, video recording in 1080p, 60 k / s, frontal - 2.1 megapixel.
• Wireless technology: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0.
• Interface connectors: 3.5 mm headphone socket, Micro USB.
• Battery: Li-POL battery 3500 mAh.

Covers

As in the case of other modern models of the manufacturer, several cases are available for G Flex: Silicone, covering rear and side sides, as well as flips with a window, which displays important info: missed, clock, weather, player. Also in the flip there is a hole for the LED. He, by the way, is smarter than earlier. If you missed the call - it flashes a calm color, if a person tried to call several times - alert becomes red.

Oddly enough, I liked G Flex, moreover than G2. Even the display is more pleasant - without distortion of flowers at various angles of inclination. Yes, it has a noticeably less pixel density, but more autonomy and performance. To this everything needs to add a bent housing and a display and a polymer coating that hides small scratches. The mass device will not become primarily due to a large price tag.

In Korea, the value of LG G Flex is more than 900 dollars. So, first of all, this novelty should be regarded as a demonstration of technologies, as a concept and exhibition sample. Which, if desired, can be purchased.

Advance review LG G Flex on video

If you have found a mistake, please select the text fragment and click Ctrl + Enter..