Introduction
Do we have a good one for you today – some phones have a strong, cult-like following and we have two of them for you today. The LG G Flex and the Moto X have that type of following – one group loves the curved, flexible and self-healing back of the LG G Flex 2 and the other group loves the curved, customizable look and value of the new Moto X. Today we will look at both of these devices and see which one we will choose as the winner of this specification comparison.
Both devices are approximately the same physical size as well as the display size – 5.5-inch on the G Flex 2 and 5.7-inch on the Moto X. Both devices use a 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, although a different model. The camera areas are excellent on both devices, but certainly not the same sensor size and features. The G Flex 2 and Moto X both have specialized circuits for sound – the G Flex 2 has Dolby Mobile and the Moto X has dual front-facing stereo speakers with Smartboost. They both have the usual suspects – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, NFC, a 3000mAh non-removable battery, a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer and each one has fast charge capability.
Please take a deliberate look at the detailed Specifications Comparison chart below and here you will see just how these two great devices stack up against one another – click on the “View Full Comparison” link at the end of the chart to expand the details. After that, we will look at each individual device in greater detail and point out some of its pros and cons. From all of this information we will try to determine the winner based on specs and execution of design and functions.
Specifications
LG G Flex 2
Ever since LG first introduced the original LG G Flex last year, LG enthusiasts embraced it and seemed wooed by the curved design and display and a ‘self-healing’ back. It only had a 720p display resolution and 245 pixels-per-inch (PPI), when all other devices used a 1080p and even its brother, the LG G3, had 1440p, however, in this years’ new model LG upgraded the G Flex 2 it in all the right places.
The display and device are slightly smaller than last year’s G Flex (5.5-inch vs 6-inch)…making it much more manageable and easier to pocket the device, which is just begging to be slipped into a jeans pocket. LG did a much needed upgraded to the display to a more reasonable Full HD P-OLED display, giving it a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels with an acceptable 403 PPI…this is no match for the QHD display and 520 PPI on the Moto X. The G Flex 2 also uses the newest 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor with four cores clocked at 2.0GHz and four cores clocked at 1.5GHz. This goes up against the 64-bit Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor clocked at 1.8GHz. The G Flex 2 comes with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory, the same as found in the Moto X, although the Moto X also has a 16GB and 64GB variant. Both the G Flex 2 and the Moto X have a microSD card to expand the internal memory.
The main camera in the G Flex 2 uses a 13MP sensor with Laser Autofocus, OIS+ and a dual-tone LED flash and a 2.1MP FFC for social selfies and video chatting. The Moto X has a 21MP main camera and a much larger 5MP FFC. The G Flex 2 and the Moto X both use a 3000mAh, non-removable battery…of course the G Flex 2 battery is curved and both devices incorporate a quick charge feature.
The LG G Flex 2 has a built-in IR Blaster and FM Stereo radio. It is available on AT&T, Sprint and US Cellular, with prices varying greatly – AT&T is high at $300 for a two-year agreement and $700 off-contract. The middle price goes to US Cellular of only $50 or $630, with Sprint falling in at $200 or $450. It is running Android 5.0 Lollipop, although Sprint’s version was already updated to 5.1.1.
Motorola Moto X Pure Edition
Every year we look forward to the new models of our old favorites, and the Motorola Moto X is no exception, nor did Motorola let us down. The new Moto X Pure Edition is improved in just about every area of its design – larger display, higher resolution, improved camera, 64-bit processor and more memory. They are many ways to customize and personalize the look of the new Moto X – colored backings, casings and even the wood backings – and you can further customize its look using the Moto Maker. It is a larger device, but retains the full-metal frame and curved backing making it comfortable to hold. In the US they are calling it the Moto X Pure Edition and outside the US it is called the Moto X Style.
When it comes to the display, Motorola replaced the AMOLED technology for the IPS LCD variety. It is 5.7-inches with a QHD resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and 520 PPI, while the G Flex 2 uses the FHD P-OLED display technology in a 5.5-inch display with 403 PPI. Motorola stayed with Qualcomm but passed on the 810 octa-core decided on their 64-bit Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor with one quad-core clocked at 1.44GHz and the other dual-core clocked at 1.8GHz. This goes up against the Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor LG used in the G Flex 2. The Moto X and the G Flex 2 both come with 3GB of RAM and when it comes internal memory the Moto X has a choice of 16GB/32GB/64GB and the G Flex 2 comes with 32GB – both come with a microSD card slot to expand.
Motorola worked hard this year on providing the new Moto x with a great camera – a 21MP sensor adorns the smartphone. The camera is comes with a quick phase detection autofocus, dual-tone LED flash and uses an f/2.0 aperture. The Moto X even includes a 5MP FFC with an f/2.0 aperture and a wide-angle lens for great selfies and video chatting. This goes up against an excellent 13MP main camera and a 2.1MP FFC in the G Flex 2. The Moto X and the G Flex 2 both use a 3000mAh non-removable battery. The Moto X can use Motorola’s Turbo Charger for a very quick charge and the G Flex 2 can use Quick Charge 2.0.
The Moto X includes front-facing stereo speakers with Smartboost for a great new sound rather than the one back-mounted speaker in the G Flex 2. Motorola also includes the IP52 water repellency in the Moto X. The Moto X is a device being sold unlocked and can be used on all major US networks. With almost a pure Android experience – currently 5.1.1 Lollipop – the Moto X will get some of the fastest updates possible. Motorola has given it a starting price of $399.99 and it will be available this fall.
…And The Winner Is…
Summary
This is absolutely a difficult decision to make – these devices are both unique and they both do their jobs so well. The G Flex 2 has the Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor and the Moto X uses a Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor, both have 3GB of RAM and both offer internal memory expansion via a microSD card and both have a 3000mAh non-removable battery. With all of those similarities, how can we possibly pick a winner?
When smartphones are so close to each other in specs, you have to turn to design, functionality, features, fast software updates and price. This is the reason I chose the new Moto X as the winner of this competition – the front mounted speakers, the IP52 water proofing and portability of using the Moto X on any major US network…and with a price starting at $399.99 how can you not call it a winner?
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