GADGET GIZMO REVIEW LG G Pro 2

LG Optimus G Pro was one of our favourite phablets of last year. It combined a fantastic display with great hardware and every other possible feature. Now LG has launched its successor with the G Pro 2.

Obviously, the G Pro 2 wants to improve. It features a larger 5.9-inch full HD IPS display and that too in a slimmer (8.3mm vs 9.4mm for the G Pro) avatar. The hardware buttons for home/menu/back have been replaced with on-screen buttons and other major upgrades include a a Snapdragon 800 quad core processor, 3GB RAM and 3,200mAh battery. The 13MP camera now has optical image stabilization and 4K video recording. Plus, the G Pro 2 comes with the latest Android OS (4.4).

It carries on with the rear button design as the LG G2 with the power and volume buttons placed below the camera module. The power button also doubles up as a LED notification indicator. Build quality of the phone is terrific. It has a textured finish on the back panel while the bezel around the display has a shimmery finish which makes the phone stand out. The 5.9-inch IPS full HD display is gorgeous with excellent viewing angles and rich colours.

As expected, it is a fantastic performer - 4K videos as well as hardware intensive games ran without a hitch. The 13MP camera is similar to the one on G2 and is truly impressive. The 4K video recording support is a welcome addition. One gripe we had with the phone was the earpiece - the sound was shrill, making it hard to understand what the caller was saying. It sounded clearer with the earpiece volume at 60%. The external loudspeaker volume was also good enough for personal use only.

Another letdown was the battery life. Even with a 3,200mAh battery, the phone only lasts a day- we expected more. For a lower price, look at the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 if you are on the lookout for a phablet.

PRICE: Rs 51,000

SPECIFICATIONS

5.9-inch IPS (1920 x 1080 pixels), 2.26Ghz quad core Snapdragon 800 processor, 3GB RAM, 16GB + microSD slot, 13MP rear + 2.1MP front camera, NFC, IR port, Android 4.4, 3,200mAh battery, 172 grams

Positive: Gorgeous display with slim bezel, top notch hardware and performance, fantastic camera with 4K video recording, loaded with features

Negative: Average battery life, earpiece sound was not very clear, loudspeaker volume good enough for personal use only

By Karan Bajaj| ET140602