LG G Flex 2 vs LG G Flex

LG G Flex 2 vs LG G Flex: Interface

Both handsets have LG's custom Optimus UI, but the LG G Flex 2 runs Android 5.0 Lollipop, while the LG G Flex is stuck on Android 4.2.2, though there's a fair chance that it will get upgraded eventually.

As well as the performance improvements and tweaks that come with Lollipop itself, LG has also added some new features to the G Flex 2, such as Glance View, which shows key information, such as the time and notifications, with a downwards swipe, even when the screen is off.

Both the G Flex and G Flex 2 also include older LG features such as Knock Code, which can be used to turn your screen on or unlock your phone with a series of taps.

LG G Flex 2 vs LG G Flex: Battery

One area where the G Flex 2 has actually been downgraded is its battery capacity. While the original G Flex has a 3500 mAh juice pack, the G Flex 2 has just a 3000 mAh unit.

Not to worry. The G Flex 2 still has excellent battery life thanks to the efficient Snapdragon 810 chip, Android Lollipop tweaks and smaller screen size.

Running a looped HD video for 90 minutes, the its battery drained by 13%, beating the LG G3 that went down by a whopping 30%. The difference maker was that HD vs Quad HD resolution here.

It doesn't touch the LG G Flex battery, which went down just 6% in the same 90 minutes. But a bonus feature is that the new phone supports fast charging, which delivers a 50% battery boost 40 minutes.

LG G Flex 2 vs LG G Flex: Storage

Both the LG G Flex and the G Flex 2 can come with 32GB of storage, though the G Flex 2 also has a 16GB option, which the original handset doesn't.

But perhaps more importantly the LG G Flex 2 has a microSD card slot with support for a ludicrous 2TB, while the original LG G Flex doesn't even have a port for memory expansion.

LG G Flex 2 vs LG G Flex: Price

The LG G Flex 2 display isn't the only smaller attribute. Its cheaper price makes it more affordable thanks to deals from its two wireless carriers, Sprint in the US and Vodafone in the UK.

In the US, it's $250 through Sprint's usual two-year contract. The carrier is currently offering a $50 mail-in rebate, making it $199 and matching the typical price of new flagships. It costs $504 SIM-free. AT&T plans to launch the LG G Flex 2 as well, and Verizon and T-Mobile are rumored to be considering it too.

In the UK, Vodafone has the exclusive rights to the curved phone for the next month. It's £19 for the phone with monthly plans starting at £39.50. There's no SIM-free option yet, but the asking price is likely to hover around £539.

All prices are infinitely better than the original Flex that cost $700 (£690). That's not bad for shedding half an inch in size.

LG G Flex 2 vs LG G Flex: Early verdict

The LG G Flex 2 is a substantial upgrade over the LG G Flex, with more power, a better screen, an improved camera, a tougher build and new software features.

Really, the only areas where the LG G Flex has an edge are the battery size and, perhaps for some people, the screen size.

That said, the smaller 5.5-inch display on the G Flex 2 is likely to have more mainstream appeal than the rather niche original LG G Flex.

It's a trendy looking phone with a proper specs bump, and and a good alternative for early adopters who don't want to deal with Samsung's TouchWiz interface on the microSD-free Samsung Galaxy Edge 6.