Smartphone Battle: LG Optimus 2X Versus iPhone 4

Smartphone Battle: LG Optimus 2X Versus iPhone 4
Page content

iPhone 4

The term “iPhone killer” has been used all too often over the last few years, but with the release of phones like the LG Optimus 2X the iPhone 4 really is lagging behind. Apple’s success is not based on having the latest and greatest hardware - it’s more to do with their stylish design, accessibility and a loyal fan base. For that reason the LG Optimus 2X won’t be an “iPhone killer” but it certainly is an iPhone beater. Let’s take a closer look at the LG Optimus 2X versus the iPhone 4 and see how the two smartphones measure up.

Design and Display

The LG Optimus 2X measures 4.88 x 2.49 x 0.43 inches and it weighs 4.9 oz. The iPhone 4 measures 4.5 x 2.31 x 0.37 inches and weighs 4.8 oz. So the LG Optimus 2X is slightly larger and heavier. When it comes to the display, the LG Optimus 2X offers a 4 inch touch screen with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels versus the iPhone 4’s 3.5 inch touch screen with a resolution of 960 x 640 pixels. Both phones look very attractive and feel satisfyingly expensive.

The extra size of the display on the LG Optimus 2X could be cancelled out by the higher resolution on the iPhone 4, and the slightly smaller dimensions. We’ll call this a draw.

Processor

The LG Optimus 2X sports the brand spanking new dual-core NVIDIA Tegra 2 processor, which is an awful lot faster than the 1GHz processor in the iPhone 4. This new Tegra processor is set to pop up in a lot of new smartphones in the coming year.

No contest, the LG Optimus 2X is considerably faster and more powerful.

User Interface and OS

Android

One of the main reasons that Apple has had such success with the iPhone, is the fact that the iOS platform is very intuitive to use and easily accessible. Android isn’t quite as slick, but it does offer a whole host of other benefits, such as more customization options, more freedom with app functionality, and genuine multi-tasking capability. The Android vs iOS battle will continue to rage on, but Android seems to be improving at a faster rate. It’s also worth noting that iOS may still have more apps and games, but Android has a higher proportion of free offerings and imposes far fewer restrictions on developers.

Truthfully, both phones are easy to use and both platforms are excellent, but for me Android is better and so the LG Optimus 2X wins. It ships with Android 2.2 but will get an Android 2.3 update soon.

Camera

iPhone 4

The iPhone 4 has a 5MP camera, LED flash and the ability to record 720p HD video. The LG Optimus 2X has an 8MP camera, LED flash and the ability to record 1080p HD video. The LG Optimus 2X also supports HDMI out, so you can hook it up to your TV with ease and watch your HD video. Both have a front facing secondary camera for video calls (known as FaceTime on the iPhone 4).

The LG Optimus 2X is the clear winner here.

Storage

The iPhone 4 comes in 16GB or 32GB varieties but there is no expansion option. The LG Optimus 2X comes with 8GB storage and the option to add a 32GB microSD card.

Ultimately the LG Optimus 2X can have up to 40GB versus the maximum 32GB on the iPhone 4.

Other Features

Both phones support A-GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. They also offer good web browsing and email options (the LG Optimus 2X supports Flash). Both support audio playback but the iPhone 4 may have the edge there if you like iTunes. However, the LG Optimus 2X has an FM radio built in and the iPhone 4 doesn’t. The LG Optimus 2X also has DLNA support, which allows it to stream content to other DLNA devices, the iPhone 4 lacks this.

The LG Optimus 2X wins in a few areas here.

Performance

LG Optimus 2X

Both smartphones offer smooth, lag-free performance in terms of navigating the device and running apps. The LG Optimus 2X is much faster, thanks to that dual-core processor and the more you do on your phone, the more noticeable the difference will be.

The dual-core processor in the LG Optimus 2X is less power hungry than a single core processor and so the 1500mAh battery stretches to over 7 hours of talk time and 400 hours of standby. That compares favorably with the iPhone 4’s battery life of 7 hours of talk time and up to 300 hours of standby. Although the battery life always depends on how you use your phone.

The LG Optimus 2X is definitely a better performer.

Verdict

Well I’m sure you can guess where this is headed – in the LG Optimus 2X vs iPhone 4 battle, the LG Optimus 2X is undoubtedly the winner. It is faster, has a better camera, a bigger screen and more features.

Considering the LG Optimus 2X is the first in a long line of new smartphones about the hit the market (the Motorola Atrix 4G is actually even better), it’s clear Apple have some catching up to do.

References