Introduction

Do we have a good one for you today – the new LG G Flex 2 goes up against the Sony Xperia Z3.  Both devices are beautiful in their own right…the G Flex 2 has the curved body, battery and display that fits beautifully in your hand…the Xperia Z3 is sculpted out of glass, metal and more glass.  They are well-built, solid and premium smartphones in every sense of the word.

Though vastly different in design, these two devices do have a few things in common, including their dimensions and they weigh exactly the same.  The displays are close to the same size and both batteries are almost identical.  Both devices have 16GB of internal storage and both devices have expansion via a microSD card.  They both have the usual Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, are NFC capable and each has a microUSB port for charging and data transfer.

Please look at the detailed Specifications listed below and really look at the differences between these two devices.  Then we will look at each device on an individual basis, list some pros and cons and try to pick a winner in this smartphone comparison.

Specifications

LG G Flex 2

The LG G Flex 2 is improved in every way over the original design – LG really listened to their customers and produced a truly competitive device this time around.  I know there are many LG lovers out there – one just chastised me this morning for never picking the LG G Flex 2 as the winner of these comparisons (which I have) – that just went gaga over the original LG G Flex.  This time around, those Flex lovers have something to really be excited about – a true flagship device all around…okay, it does not have a QHD display, but its 5.5-inch display still looks amazing in FHD with 403 pixels-per-inch (PPI).

As you can see from the specifications comparison, the G Flex 2 is sporting the newest 64-bit Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 octa-core processor clocked at 2.0GHz and 1.5GHz.  It packs 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage that can be expanded via a microSD card.  The camera is also updated to a 13MP sensor, dual-tone LED flash, OIS+ and their new Laser autofocus with a 2.1MP front-facing camera (FFC) for social media selfies and video chatting.  The power for this beast is a 3000mAh non-removable battery that should get you through an entire day…and when you do charge the G Flex 2, you can take advantage of Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0.

It has the usual Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC and microUSB port for charging and data transfer, as well as Dolby Mobile, and a built-in IR Blaster.  The curved back is a plastic-type material that has some self-healing qualities to help prevent scratches or nicks.  The top-to-bottom curve is also unique to this device.  It will be running Android 5.0.1 Lollipop out of the box with LG’s UI skin over top.  It will be available for purchase on AT&T, Sprint and US Cellular and will cost you approximately $300 on a two-year contract and about $650-$700 off contract.

Sony Xperia Z3

The Sony Xperia Z3 took its good old time getting to the US, but it finally arrived as a T-Mobile exclusive, unless you count the Xperia Z3v.  There is no mistaking it for anything but an Xperia as it follows its beautiful lines with its metal and glass construction – with the side aluminum frame gently and comfortably bent around the sides for a nice grip and feel in your hand.

The Sony Xperia Z3 was a quick update of its predecessor to get it more in line with the other flagship devices out at the time.  It comes with a 5.2-inch FHD IPS LCD display with 424 PPI.  It has the dependable Snapdragon 801 quad-core processor clocked at 2.5GHz with 3GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card.  It comes with Sony’s own 20.7MP sensor, LED flash, autofocus and a 25mm wide-angle lens to capture more subjects in each shot.  It also has a 2.2MP FFC for social selfies and video chatting.  A 3100mAh non-removable battery will power the device all day.

The Xperia Z3 has the usual Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, MicroUSB port for charging and data transfer, as well as a TV-out (via MHL 3 A/V link) port.  It is also Wi-Fi Calling ready, has front-facing stereo speakers, is IP65/IP68 certified dust and water-resistant and, with a special controller, it can be used for PS4 remote play.  It is still running Android 4.4.4 KitKat with Sony’s UI on top and is a T-Mobile exclusive device.  It will cost you $630 outright or 24 equal payments that total that amount.

…And The Winner Is…

Summary

This was a real tough one – you could easily select the Xperia Z3 as the winner and have yourself a great device, as it does surpass the G Flex 2 in several categories, including dust and waterproofing.  I picked the newer LG G Flex 2 because it does have the better processor, slightly larger display, Dolby Mobile, IR Blaster, Laser autofocus and OIS, the cool self-healing back and it is running the newest Android 5.0.1 Lollipop.

The G Flex 2 is also available on more carriers, and the off-contract prices are almost the same.  You can also purchase the G Flex 2 on a two-year contract for $300, whereas the Xperia Z3 is a T-Mobile exclusive and therefore you must pay the full $630 price over 24 months.

Please hit us up on our Google+ Page and let us know what you think about these two devices.  Which one you would pick as the winner of this comparison and WHY…as always, we would love to hear from you.