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We are in the second half of the year, but the flurry of big-ticket launches don't seem to be abating. On Thursday, the LG Optimus G Pro joined the flagship league and we had a chance to get our hands dirty with the device. Here are our thoughts:
Oops! It's BIG
The design of this massive device is fairly conservative. A 5.5-inch screen occupies most space on the face, with the LG logo sitting on the bezel above the screen. The earpiece is placed just above the logo while the 2.1 megapixel front camera and the proximity sensor are on the left of the logo. Below the screen, is a slim home button. The capacitive back and menu buttons are placed by its sides.
The right side has the power/lock key while the left features the volume rocker at the middle, not the most comfortable to access while using such a huge phone. Above it, where ideally the volume rocker should have been, is the Quick Button, which launches the Quick Memo. This essentially takes a screen shot and one can use a finger to mark/annotate stuff or jot down a note. Thankfully, this button can be customised to launch any app.
The top edge houses an IR blaster (like fellow flagships Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One, the Optimus G Pro also doubles up as a remote for household devices) next to the headphone jack. The bottom edge features the microUSB slot, along with the microphone. The back cover features an interesting pattern reminiscent of the finish of the Google Nexus 4. The back houses the 13 MP snapper with LED flash and the speaker. Thus, the phone's ring or sound is muffled if the phone is placed on the back on any surface. Despite its size, the phone isn't difficult to hold.
While it's a phablet and is in direct competition with Samsung's Galaxy Note II, the device feels more of a phone.
The essentials
The Optimus runs Android version 4.1 Jelly Bean, unlike version 4.2 that the Galaxy S4 does. Like the Note II, two hands are an absolute necessity for making calls. Conversations aren't a problem, with the phone picking up a strong signal in weak network areas. However, we did notice a little lag between answering a call and the other person coming online. Texting on the phone made me mad, not because it required two hands, but because predictive text is definitely not the device's strong point. Browsing is fabulous with so much of screen real estate.
Bells and whistles
The lock screen features a nice magnifying effect. The phone comes with seven home screens, all of which can be customised. The interface also features Q Slide, a drawer of apps which gives access to some common apps. While this can be customised, we were unable to find out just how the apps were organised. Just like the Galaxy S4, the Pro G's screen can also tell if you're looking at it or not and pause a video based on that. The phone is powered by a 1.7 Ghz quadcore processor. Another aspect of the interface is the QuickRemote, which one can use to control household devices such as TVs, audio and video systems, ACs, set top boxes and even projectors.
Keep looking
The high point of the device is its screen. Featuring a full high-definition (HD) display, the IPS+ panel is a pleasure to watch videos on and play games. Also, HD videos can be seamlessly played on a high-def TV from the phone, either using a cable, or wirelessly using Miracast. Outdoors, the display takes a hit, thanks to its super reflective nature. Also the videos lose their contrast in direct sunlight.
Camera conundrum
While the iPhone 5 is known to be a great performer, we had also been pleasantly surprised by the performance of the S4 and the One. The Nokia Lumia 920 is a great choice. So, where does the Optimus G Pro fit in? The Optimus performed better than the S4 in low light, but its mis-timed flash tends to spoil the photo. Using HDR is a better option. The S4 is very fast and locks focus quickly, and the 920 is still the winner when it comes to low light shots. The One gives excellent images.
The rear camera on the Optimus is slow but tends to capture details well, sometimes oversaturating colours.
Battery life
The massive battery lasts for more than a day if one uses the device to call, text, browse the web or check email. But the battery tends to get discharged quickly if one watches videos or plays games.
Verdict
While the G Pro competes with the Note II among phablets and is definitely the better device, it also has to measure up to the likes of the S4 and the One. Those looking for a flagship phablet should pick this one, but it does have its rough edges.
LG OPTIMUS G PRO
Rs 42, 500
Pros: Powerful hardware, Memory can be upgraded/battery replaced, Full HD screen
Cons: Screen clarity/contrast takes a hit in direct sunlight, Video recording not up to the mark, Boring design
HTC ONE
Rs 42, 900
Pros: Best-looking Android in the market, Top-notch hardware, BlinkFeed service impresses
Cons: Erratic button placement, Memory can't be upgraded, Screen takes a hit in sunlight
SAMSUNG GALAXY S4
Rs 41, 500
Pros: Superb camera, Octa-core processor, Great performance
Cons: Low-light photography not that great, Plasticky look, Battery hog
iPHONE 5
Rs 45, 500
Pros: Fabulous touch interface, Pathbreaking design, Great multimedia
Cons: Memory can't be upgraded, Closed OS, Smaller screen
