LG Electronics has launched the G Pro 2, another option for people who want smartphones with supersized screens. To succeed, the device will have to outcompete products like the Galaxy Note 3 from Samsung, and there isn't much to tell the two apart when comparing hardware specs.
The screen
LG and Samsung seem to be in agreement when it comes to the best screen size for this product category. The G Pro 2 has a 5.9-inch screen with full HD resolution, while the Note 3 has a 5.7-inch screen with the same resolution.
Size and weight
Since the two models have roughly the same screen size, the weight is also close. The Galaxy Note is slightly lighter at 168 grams versus the G Pro 2's 172 grams. The overall size of the two devices is also similar; the Note 3 measures 151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3 millimeters compared to the G Pro 2's 157.9 x 81.9 x 8.3 millimeters.
Processors
The two smartphones are powered by the same processor, Qualcomm's quad-core Snapdragon 800. LG specifies the processor's clock speed at 2.26 GHz and Samsung at 2.3GHz.
Storage and RAM
Buyers of the G Pro 2 can choose between 16GB or 32GB of integrated storage, as well as the option to expand storage capacity using a MicroSD card slot. The Galaxy Note 3 has either 32GB or 64GB of storage, and it too has a MicroSD card slot for memory expansion.
Both models have 3GB of RAM, which is starting to look like the new standard configuration for high-end smartphones.
Camera
Both have a 13-megapixel camera.
When LG launched the G Pro 2 on Thursday the company focused a lot on new camera features, including optical image stabilization that combines software anti-shake functionality with a hardware-based feature already built into the camera module. Users can also the shoot HD videos at 120 frames per second and 4K content. The Galaxy Note 3 can do that too, but it lacks optical image stabilization.
Summary
That the two have very similar specs doesn't bode well for LG, because of Samsung's size and popularity. It remains to be seen if the LG G Pro 2, for example, has a better camera. LG hasn't announced how much its new device will cost, but undercutting Samsung would be a step in the right direction if it wants consumers to skip the Galaxy Note 3.
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