Introduction

Do we have a good one for you today – the new Samsung Galaxy Note Edge goes up against the popular LG G3 flagship from July 2014.  The LG G3 was the first mass-produced/sold smartphone with the newest QHD display, with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels and an astounding 538 pixels-per-inch (PPI).  It beat out early rivals, the Samsung Galaxy S5 and the HTC One M8 with their rather pedestrian FHD displays.

The Galaxy Note Edge was almost a complete surprise – we expected the Galaxy Note 4 to be released, but the Galaxy Note Edge was like a surprise that Samsung brought to the party.  It too has the QHD display, only it uses Samsung’s Super AMOLED display technology versus the IPS LCD technology used by the LG G3.  These two Korean devices do share a few items besides their QHD resolution – the main display of the Note Edge is 5.-6-inches versus 5.5-inches on the LG G3, although there is a small 160-pixel display also on the Note Edge…on its curved side.

In the US markets, they both use a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, just a different model.  They both use 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage and they both have expansion via a microSD card slot.  Even their cameras are very similar, but we will go into detail later on.  They both use an identical 3,000mAh removable battery and both devices are very similar in size, although the Galaxy Note Edge is 25 grams heavier.

They both have the usual Dual-Band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (4.1 in the Note Edge and 4.0 in the LG G3), NFC capability, microUSB 2.0 and both have an IR Blaster.  They both have Android 4.4.4 KitKat and can be purchased on all major US carriers.

Please look at the detailed Specifications below and you will be able to see exactly how these two devices differ.  After that, we will look at each individual device, then list some pros and cons to try to determine which one of these smartphones deserves to win this comparison.

Specifications

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge

The new Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is Samsung’s attempt to bring to us the popular Galaxy Note series, while showing us that they can still be innovative.  Samsung has combined the functionality of the Galaxy Note 4 and added a curved display on the right of the main display.  Although it is one big display, the software makes it appear to be a completely separate display, able to function completely independently from the main display.  Developers can use that area to add more functions when they design their apps.

The Galaxy Note Edge comes with a 5.6-inch QHD Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 x 160 (the curved edge) and 524 PPI.  Although the same specs as the LG G3, the brilliant Super AMOLED display is so much nicer than the duller looking IPS LCD technology used on the LG G3.  The Note Edge (US version) uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 quad-core processor clocked at 2.7GHz, while the LG G3 is still using the older Snapdragon 801 quad-core clocked at 2.5GHz – both are great processors, but the 805 carries with it a few extra features and better graphics chips.  Both devices, as we mentioned above, have 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage as well as the capability to expand that storage via a microSD Card.  Both devices also use the same 3,000mAh sized battery – Samsung had to cut some away from the 3,220mAh battery found in the Galaxy Note 4 to accommodate the curves display.

Samsung really improved the camera this time around by increasing the sensor to 16MP, with autofocus, LED Flash, OIS, ISOCELL technology and the ability to take live HDR shots.  Although the LG G3 uses a slightly smaller 13MP sensor, it adds dual-tone LED flash and Laser autofocus.  The front-facing camera (FFC) on the Galaxy Note Edge is larger, at 3.7MP and with a wide-angled lens you can fit more people in your selfies or video chat.

The Galaxy Note Edge comes with many extras – VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling capable, LTE Cat 6, metal frame and trim, three microphones for noise cancellation and better sound, Quick Charge 2.0, download booster, fingerprint scanner, heart rate sensor and UV and Oxygen Saturation sensor.  The S-Pen and all of its software and uses are also enjoyed by the Galaxy Note Edge, as is the ‘Edge’ for added functionality.  The Note Edge is running Android 4.4.4 KitKat on all four major US carriers.  It will run you $399 on a two-year contract and about $850 off-contract.

LG G3

The LG G3 was one of the most anticipated devices of the year – mostly because of its QHD display – I remember how anxious I was to see 538 PPI.  We were also expecting a metal back, although it ended up being a plastic shell with a metallic-like finish.  Once in your hand, all was forgiven, because it was still a well-built, solid device with some of the smallest bezels we have seen on any smartphone.  The curve back was comfortable to hold, if not somewhat slippery.

The LG G3 with a 5.5-inch IPS LCD QHD (lots of initials) display and it comes packing a whopping 538 PPI.  The 5.6-inch main display of the Galaxy Note Edge matches up very nicely with the same QHD display and 524 PPI, although the Super AMOLED display blows away the LCD with its brilliant contrasts.  The other big difference is in the LG G3’s Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor clocked at 2.5GHz, which is now passed up by the newer 805 found in the Galaxy Note Edge.  Both devices pack 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, both have the microSD slot for expansion, and a 3,000mAh battery powers both devices.

The camera areas differ slightly – the LG G3 packs a 13MP sensor, Dual-Toned LED flash, OIS+ and their newest Laser Autofocus for quick and precise focusing.  The Galaxy Note Edge bumps up the sensor to 16MP, with a single LED Flash, standard Autofocus, but does pack in OIS, ISOCELL technology for better low-light pictures and the ability to take live HDR shots.  The LG G3 has the rather pedestrian 2.1MP FFC compared to the 3.7MP wide-angle lens on the Galaxy Note Edge.

The LG G3 does offer wireless charging and an FM Stereo Radio, but is still using Android 4.4 – however, you can find the G3 for as little as $0 on a two-year contract and all the way up to $199 or it will run you about $600 off-contract.  It is available on all four major US carriers.

…And The Winner Is…

Summary

Surprised the hell out of you, didn’t I – hey, myself, I would buy the Galaxy Note Edge – it is better in every specification out there…other than the Laser Autofocus, dual-tone LED flash and wireless charging.  In these comparisons, we always take into account the cost factor and here we have the LG G3 for $0 down on a two-year contract versus $399 for the Galaxy Note Edge.  The Galaxy Note Edge is a beautiful and very capable device, but let’s not forget that the LG G3 is packing a QHD display, a solid Snapdragon 801, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of memory with expansion, and a great camera experience…all for $0 down.

If money were no object, then the choice would be simple – the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge, but when you factor in the cost of purchase, the LG G3 is just too good a value to pass up.  Use the 32-bit LG G3 for a year and wait until the next generation Galaxy Note and enjoy true 64-bit processing.

Please hit us up on our Google+ Page and let us know which one of these devices you would buy and WHY…as always, we would love to hear from you.