LG Optimus G vs Apple iPhone 5

Introduction:

Boom! Just like that folks, LG managed to bring to market a compelling flagship device that has proven itself in being capable of tangling with its highly esteemed rivals. Featuring that oh-so lovable tandem consisting of a quad-core processor and 4G LTE connectivity, the LG Optimus G seems poised to try to make the still relatively new iPhone 5 shudder in its tracks. Therefore, without any further wait, we’re pitting these two respectable members of the premier club against one another.

Design:

Thankfully, these two smartphones exhibit all of the qualities of what it means to be a premium device, which is evidenced by their sturdy constructions and choice of utilizing high-quality materials. However, if we’d have to pick, the iPhone 5’s design is still the more attractive one between the two. For starters, Apple’s pride and joy is not only thinner and lighter, but it’s undoubtedly easier to grasp with a single hand as well. Additionally, the iPhone 5 maintains a very clean appearance at all times, which is attributed to its brushed aluminum casing – whereas with the LG Optimus G, its glass surfaces are more prone to smudges and fingerprints. Regardless, the Optimus G has some nice touches as well, like its Crystal Reflection rear pattern that supplements its overall welcoming design.

Not surprisingly, there are no accidental presses with the iPhone 5’s dedicated home button, but then again, we can still argue for the same with the Optimus G and its trio of capacitive buttons, since they’re spaced far from one another.


Touring the sides of each device, we like the distinct feel and responsiveness of each handset’s power button and volume controls, but the iPhone 5’s set are a bit more pronounced. Meanwhile, some of the other commonalities that they share include their 3.5mm headset jacks, microphones, and noise-cancellation mics. Of course, the iPhone 5 resorts to employing Apple’s proprietary Lightning docking port for its data/charging connection – while the Optimus G uses the more favorable microUSB port.


On the front, the Optimus G and iPhone 5 are sporting front-facing camera sizes of 1.3-megapixel and 1.2-megapixel respectively. Indeed, it’s not much of a difference there, but in the rear, there’s a big one as the Optimus G is packing an above average 13-mgeapixel camera (8-megapixel one for AT&T), which seems beefier than the 8-megapixel iSight camera on the iPhone 5. Well, both also feature LED flashes and 1080p video recording.


Display:

Hands-down folks, these are two of the best displays on the market right now, as they totally win in departments such as detail, color reproduction, and outdoor visibility. On one hand, the LG Optimus G is sporting the significantly larger 4.7-inch WXGA (768 x 1280) HD IPS Plus display, which dwarfs the iPhone 5’s modest 4-inch 640 x 1136 Retina Display, but when it comes down to it, they’re both equally detailed in making out the finest of things. Sure, the iPhone 5 might have the slight edge with its pixel density of 326 ppi, but heck, there’s no downplaying the lovely 320 ppi that LG’s beauty is sporting. And unlike AMOLED screens, they produce very accurate looking colors. Beyond that, they’re both more than visible in outdoor conditions, thanks to their superb viewing angles, but we do notice the iPhone 5’s display being the brighter one.

Interface and Functionality:

Yet again, it’s that classic argument between Android and iOS – so it basically comes down to personal preference. To tell you the truth, they both have their strengths, but if it’s simplicity that you’re after, you’ll find the iPhone 5’s iOS experience to be fitting for your taste. Conversely, if you’re more of a power user and prefer personalization, then the custom Android ICS experience of the Optimus G will suit you perfectly. Naturally, Apple continues to refine its iOS platform in making it more balanced with its offerings, but we have to tip our hat to LG as well for really giving its custom Android experience a huge overhaul. From its Dual Play/Dual Screen feature to QSlide, the additional functions are appreciated. When it comes down to it, the two work in their own unique way!



Underneath it all, their core set of organizer apps don’t dramatically deviate from the usual functions we’re exposed to, however, we do appreciate the added functionality found with LG’s QuickMemo app. Certainly, it comes in handy during some inopportune situations. Fundamentally speaking, the email experience with both handsets are nearly identical, but the Gmail app on the LG Optimus G really sets itself apart from what the iPhone 5 has to offer natively – but then again, you can download the official Gmail app for iPhone.



Even though the LG Optimus G has the more spacious layout with its on-screen keyboards, we don’t find it any better in typing stuff up over the iPhone 5. Specifically, the extremely responsive nature of both smartphones enable us to move at a fast rate with little issues.




Processor and Memory:

If we were to look at nothing but the specs sheets, the LG Optimus G will garner more enthusiastic nods thanks to its quad-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor with 2GB of RAM. On paper, it seems to out-muscle the iPhone 5’s dual-core 1.3GHz Apple A6 processor with 1GB of RAM, but in reality, they both perform on the same level with one another. Sure, we’ll point out the graphically intensive look and feel of LG’s custom Android UI over the static look of iOS, but regardless of that, they’re super responsive with all identical tasks.

As we know, the iPhone 5 is available in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB capacities. Oppositely, you’ll get a total 32GB of storage with Sprint’s version of the Optimus G – while AT&T’s variant is broken down to 16GB of internal and a 16GB microSD card.

Internet and Connectivity:

Donning 4G LTE connectivity and exquisitely detailed displays, they’re both delivering the goods when it comes to the web browsing experience. From the fast data speeds you can expect to experience with LTE, to the buttery smooth navigational controls they have to offer, everything simply comes together to produce an excellent web browsing experience – with barely any hint of slowdown or lag with their performance!



Again, depending on which carrier you side with, these two handsets are available in CDMA and GSM flavors – with LTE connections on board of course. As for the other connectivity goodies they have to offer, they feature aGPS, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, and mobile hotspot connectivity. However, it’s only the LG Optimus G that’s packing NFC.

Camera:

Without question, we adore the myriad of camera-centric features with the LG Optimus G, but when it comes down to overall image quality produced by their respective cameras, the iPhone 5 edges out its rival. Looking at shots taken outdoors with good lighting, they both deliver similar results that are likable in many aspects, however, the iPhone 5 coughs up the sharper details and is better equipped in handling dynamic range. Under low lighting situations, the iPhone 5’s superiority shines over its rival, as images taken by the LG Optimus G appear dark in general – thus, missing out on capturing details during the process. In addition, the iPhone 5 has a better grasp with its exposure to perfectly capture the more balanced look.



Likewise, Apple’s brainchild is undoubtedly the superior handset when it comes to shooting 1080p videos. Watching our captured videos on a computer, it’s highly evident that the iPhone 5 delivers the better overall visuals – whereas with the Optimus G, we’re scared away by its muddy details and heavy artifacting when panning quickly. In the end, our eyes gleam with joy with the iPhone 5’s production.



LG Optimus G Sample Video:



Apple iPhone 5 Sample Video:



LG Optimus G Night time Sample Video:



Apple iPhone 5 Night time Sample Video:



Multimedia:

On the surface, their music players ride on the same thin line when it comes to their presentation, which are rather conventional by today’s standards. However, it’s the iPhone 5’s cover flow mode that adds a hint of allure to its somewhat straightforward look and feel. As for audio quality from their respective speakers, they’re both loud in tone with their volumes to make out our tunes, but there’s a slightly stronger output with the iPhone 5.



Mainly due to its larger display, we prefer using the LG Optimus G for watching videos. Well, it’s not to say that we don’t like the iPhone 5 for the occasion, but having more real estate for watching videos provides for the more ideal and compelling experience.

Call Quality:

Delivering voices that are clear, distinctive, and distortion-free on both ends of the line, the iPhone 5 shows its worth over the Optimus G in the call quality department. Specifically, LG’s offering is softened by the hollow voices heard through its earpiece, and the muffled tones our callers hear on their end. Interestingly, we notice some distortion with both their speakerphones at the loudest volume setting.

Battery:

Relying on last-generation data speeds, as opposed to faster LTE since it’s not available in our area, we find the battery life of both smartphones to be on par with one another – giving us a single day of normal usage on a full charge. With heavier usage, though, we’re able to push through a good workday without the need of recharging. Still, you can expect those figures to drop tremendously if you’re on LTE.



Conclusion:

As we factor in price point, both of which start at $199.99 on-contract, some might gather that there’s going to be more bang for the buck with the LG Optimus G according to its beefier specs sheet. Needless to say, it definitely helps its cause in making it more prized, but in all fairness, they’re both wonderful devices that execute highly in a variety of fronts. Ultimately, it’s yet again going to come down to which platform experience you’ll want to side with – the straightforward and simple nature of iOS, or the extensive personalization and multimedia feature of LG’s custom Android experience. Whichever device you decide to go with, you can expect them to still be relevant devices in the coming months.