Mobile Technology

Optimus G Pro vs. Galaxy Note 2

Optimus G Pro vs. Galaxy Note 2
Gizmag compares the specs (and other features) of the LG Optimus G Pro and Samsung Galaxy Note II
Gizmag compares the specs (and other features) of the LG Optimus G Pro and Samsung Galaxy Note II
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The Optimus G Pro has infrared, while the Note 2 sports an "S Pen" stylus
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The Optimus G Pro has infrared, while the Note 2 sports an "S Pen" stylus
Battery capacities are similar
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Battery capacities are similar
Both phablets have plastic chassis
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Both phablets have plastic chassis
The Optimus' rear shooter has higher resolution, but both should suffice for most uses
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The Optimus' rear shooter has higher resolution, but both should suffice for most uses
Both phablets are fast, but the Optimus G Pro has the more updated (faster, with better power management) processor
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Both phablets are fast, but the Optimus G Pro has the more updated (faster, with better power management) processor
The Optimus' narrower build makes it easier to hold in one hand
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The Optimus' narrower build makes it easier to hold in one hand
Screens are the same size, but the Optimus G Pro's is much sharper
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Screens are the same size, but the Optimus G Pro's is much sharper
Gizmag compares the specs (and other features) of the LG Optimus G Pro and Samsung Galaxy Note II
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Gizmag compares the specs (and other features) of the LG Optimus G Pro and Samsung Galaxy Note II
RAM is even, at 2 GB a pop
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RAM is even, at 2 GB a pop
Both phablets run an older version of Android, with different manufacturer UIs layered on top
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Both phablets run an older version of Android, with different manufacturer UIs layered on top
More options from the Note, but the Optimus' 32 GB with SD card is a good amount
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More options from the Note, but the Optimus' 32 GB with SD card is a good amount
The Optimus G Pro is a bit lighter, but probably not by wide enough a margin to influence your decision
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The Optimus G Pro is a bit lighter, but probably not by wide enough a margin to influence your decision
Where available, both phones will get LTE data speeds
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Where available, both phones will get LTE data speeds
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During the past year, the phablet has gone from object of ridicule to legit new product category. You can give all the credit to Samsung, and its surprisingly successful marketing of the Galaxy Note. Like any successful product, the Note has rivals – eager to take a piece of its pie. Let’s see how the most significant non-Samsung phablet, the LG Optimus G Pro, compares to the Galaxy Note 2.

Size

The Optimus' narrower build makes it easier to hold in one hand
The Optimus' narrower build makes it easier to hold in one hand

Height is about the same, and thickness is identical. The biggest difference is the Optimus G Pro’s width. It’s about six percent narrower than the Galaxy Note II. This could make the Optimus a bit easier to grip with one paw.

Weight

The Optimus G Pro is a bit lighter, but probably not by wide enough a margin to influence your decision
The Optimus G Pro is a bit lighter, but probably not by wide enough a margin to influence your decision

If you’re buying a phablet, you probably aren’t expecting a light phone. But if you want to minimize the heft, the Optimus G Pro is 6 g (0.21 oz) lighter than the Note 2.

Also note that this weight is for the U.S. (AT&T) version of the Optimus G Pro. The global version weighs 172 g (6.6 oz).

Build

Both phablets have plastic chassis
Both phablets have plastic chassis

The original Optimus G was made of glass. But for this phablet sequel, LG went with a plastic build. It bears more than a passing resemblance to the Note 2.

Display

Screens are the same size, but the Optimus G Pro's is much sharper
Screens are the same size, but the Optimus G Pro's is much sharper

Big win for the Optimus G Pro here. The newer phablet has a next-gen 1080p display. The Note 2 is stuck in 2012’s high end, with a 720p screen. It’s not that the Note’s screen is bad (it’s actually quite solid, even today), but we’ve been extremely impressed with the recent 1080p phones we’ve reviewed.

Processor

Both phablets are fast, but the Optimus G Pro has the more updated (faster, with better power management) processor
Both phablets are fast, but the Optimus G Pro has the more updated (faster, with better power management) processor

It's hard to complain about the Note II's performance, but the Optimus G Pro does have an extra gear or two. Its Snapdragon 600 chip is one of the fastest mobile processors you can get in 2013.

RAM

RAM is even, at 2 GB a pop
RAM is even, at 2 GB a pop

Like most recent high-end phones, these two each pack 2 GB of RAM.

Storage

More options from the Note, but the Optimus' 32 GB with SD card is a good amount
More options from the Note, but the Optimus' 32 GB with SD card is a good amount

Samsung offers more storage options, but the Optimus’ lone 32 GB model should be plenty for most of us. When you factor in its microSD slot (up to 64 GB), there’s little to worry about here.

Wireless

Where available, both phones will get LTE data speeds
Where available, both phones will get LTE data speeds

No surprise here. Both phones max out at LTE speeds (where available).

Battery

Battery capacities are similar
Battery capacities are similar

The Note 2 gets great uptime from its 3,100 mAh battery. The Optimus G Pro has a bit higher capacity, but it’s also powering a much denser display.

When all is said and done, though, both phablets should easily last a full day with typical use.

Cameras

The Optimus' rear shooter has higher resolution, but both should suffice for most uses
The Optimus' rear shooter has higher resolution, but both should suffice for most uses

One of the drawbacks of phablets is that they make for pretty cumbersome cameras. But that didn’t stop LG and Samsung from pumping some nice components and features into their shooters.

The Optimus G Pro’s camera has higher resolution. We haven’t yet put its camera through the paces, but we were happy with the shots from the Note 2. Unless you’re a professional photographer, both phablets should suit your needs.

One nice camera feature in the Optimus G Pro is Time Machine. Basically it shoots a few frames before and after you hit the shutter to help you to find that perfect shot.

Software

Both phablets run an older version of Android, with different manufacturer UIs layered on top
Both phablets run an older version of Android, with different manufacturer UIs layered on top

Both phones run an older version of Android (4.1.2), with their respective manufacturer skins pasted on top.

On the Note 2, we’re looking at the TouchWiz UI, which should be familiar to anyone who’s used any recent Galaxy phone. LG’s Optimus UI is pretty smooth in its own right, and has a similar look and feel to TouchWiz.

Intangibles

The Optimus G Pro has infrared, while the Note 2 sports an "S Pen" stylus
The Optimus G Pro has infrared, while the Note 2 sports an "S Pen" stylus

You can’t look at the Galaxy Note II without mentioning its stylus. Unless you leave it docked in the Note’s behind, it will inform everything you do with the phablet. Samsung added some cool software features that take advantage of the S Pen (like scratching memos anywhere, or scrolling by hovering the stylus over the screen).

Likewise, you can’t talk about the Optimus G Pro without mentioning that it doesn’t have a stylus. The S Pen played a big part in our positive impression of the Note. It helps to cancel out the obvious drawbacks of carrying around such a gigantic device. Stylus-free phablets like the Optimus are basically huge phones, without any extra perks other than a big screen.

Well, the Optimus Pro does have one nice extra perk: an IR (infrared) blaster. Several recent phones – like the Galaxy S4 and HTC One – also pack IR blasters, but the Note 2 missed that bandwagon. The bottom line: you can change channels on your TV with the Optimus G Pro. If you’re into that sort of thing.

Wrap-up

If the Optimus G Pro had a stylus, it would probably be the clear winner here. But since it doesn’t, this is a tougher call. LG’s phablet has more updated specs (particularly that dazzling 1080p display), but it’s a different experience using a fingers-only phablet.If you want 2013 specs and a stylus, then you might want to hold out for the Galaxy Note 3. It’s still unannounced, but we wouldn’t be surprised to hear something from Samsung on that front around August or September.

... if you want to cast your net a bit wider – or consider a smaller phone – you can check out our updated Smartphone Comparison Guide.

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1 comment
1 comment
notarichman
how about the quality of their gps system? i have an older htc evo 4g and the gps sucks...it mislocates position by several miles. guess i'll have to buy a good gps and carry one more electronic gadget with me.