Our entertainment and communication devices are getting smarter and smarter. And they are getting bigger too, especially the televisions and Smartphones. Just a couple of months ago I wrote about huge High Definition televisions brought on by Samsung and LG. So what’s next, one might ask. Well, it’s the time to unleash some curves. For now, that is. Because going by the speed of innovation of smart devices, I don’t think foldable devices are very far either. But for now, curved devices are the new in-thing.
On 11th December, 2013, LG unveiled not one, but two curved devices. One is a Curved OLED TV, and the second is a curved smartphone. To know about the curved OLED TV, click here. To know about the curved phone, read on.
This brand new curved smartphone belongs to LG’s premium G series of Smartphones and is called G Flex. According to LG, G Flex is ‘The first smartphone curved to follow the contour of the human face, made possible with the implementation of the world’s first curved smartphone battery.’
G Flex was launched in October but so far it was available in South Korea only. LG Flex isn’t the only phone with a curved screen however. There’s Samsung Galaxy round too, but it hasn’t been launched in India yet. LG has definitely scored a point in being the first to announce a curved smartphone in India. Let’s hope that the device would be launched in the market soon too.
Here’s what G Flex has to offer:
Screen: G Flex has a big 6-inch plastic OLED screen that is flexible and curved. The curve along the horizontal axis promises of providing a more immersive and panoramic viewing experience as it has been designed to surround the contours of the eye to create optimal viewing angles.
The big screen phones are vulnerable to screen breakage if carried in back pockets. I can say this from personal experience as my sister recently lost her beloved phone in the same way. But the curved screen of LG Flex is supposed to reduces this vulnerability. According to LG, the ultra thin and flexible POLED display and the curved OLED panel give G Flex its unique curved shape, while enhancing the screen’s durability. And the Rear RGB technology of the POLED display promises brighter and more precise visuals.
Ergonomic Design: According to LG, the ergonomic design of G Flex follows the curvature of the user’s face (when held in portrait mode). This reduces the gap between the microphone and the mouth, thereby ensuring better voice quality. And when held in landscape mode while watching a video or images, the curved screen serves well to enhance the viewing experience.
Rear Keys: G Flex also has the Rear Key feature that LG introduced in its much popular G2 smartphone. The rear keys are placed at the back of the phone where it is most natural for the index finger of the user to reach. I personally really like this Rear Key feature. It’s fun to use, and makes the handling of the phone convenient and more secure.
Self Healing back Cover: Another noteworthy feature of G Flex is its self healing back cover. The special coating at the back of G Flex protects it from minor scratches and daily wear and tear and is said to heal them within 5 minutes. Quite a handy feature, especially if one’s handling of phone is less than careful.
Curved Battery: To fit into the slim, curved form of the smartphone, LG has fitted the G Flex with a battery that is curved as well. The battery capacity is 3,500 mAh.
Lock Screen: Like G2, G Flex also has the KnockON feature that enables the users to lock or unlock the phone by just knocking on the screen. Another interesting feature of G Flex’s lockscreen is called Swing Lock Screen. The lockscreen changes with the change in the tilt angle and time of day. I don’t know how useful a feature this would prove to be, but definitely has great flaunt value.
Quick Theater: With G Flex’s big and curved screen, watching images and videos is definitely going to be a pleasure. To enhance this pleasure, LG has added to G Flex another interesting feature. This is called Quick Theatre. And with this feature, just by holding the G Flex horizontally and putting your thumbs on either side of the screen, you can quickly pull out the screen that makes available the photos, videos and YouTube icons all in one screen.
Specifications:
Dimensions: 160.5mm x 81.6 mm x 7.9/8.7 mm
Weight: 177 g
Display: 15.24 cm (6) HD (1280 x 720), 245 ppi, Curved POLED, Rear RGB
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 2.26 GHz Quad-Core Processor
OS: Android 4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)
Camera: 13 MP rear with LED Flash, 2.1 MP front, 1080p video capture and playback
Memory: 2 GB RAM, 32 GB wMMC Memory
Battery: 3,500 mAh Li-Polymer
Connectivity: Bluetooth version 4.0 BLE/HS, Wi-Fi, Miracast, SmartShare
Special Features: Swing Lock Screen, Rear Key, Dual Window, Quick Theatre, Face Detection Indicator, Guest Mode, Privacy Keeper, KnockON, QuickRemote, Slide Aside
Expected Release: February 2014
Expected Price: Between Rs 60,000 to 65,000
Overall, it is one phone with a lot of ‘Wow’ factor. At least so it seems to me. It’s big, and it’s bright and it’s totally flaunt worthy. Definitely a device to look out for.
To read about LG’s curved OLED TV, click here
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How far can a person go to fulfill the dreams of someone else?
Find out in the pages of Dream’s Sake, a general fiction novel by Jyoti Arora. For more information and free preview of first chapter click visit: www,jyotiarora.com
