LG G FLEX - first curved, bendable and self healing smartphone official thread

spinstorm

spinstorm

spinstorm

Associate
Joined
15 Jan 2007
Posts
407
WP_20140116_20_19_26_Pro.jpg
I got a G Flex delivered a couple of days ago from the US and I love it.

(From my blog below my thoughts)

Something very interesting happened today. We always have new unreleased phones with us when not out and normally we are not approached and asked about the phones that we are testing. Even the incredibly unique Motorola Moto X with a bamboo back didn’t get a glance of curiosity. The G Flex was a different story, the moment that the curve was obviously on show brought question after question about if this phone was the “bendable one” – It seemed that this phone already had the recognition that is reserved for a new iPhone or a new Galaxy S and that is before the marketing blitz even starts here in the UK.

The hardware is clearly eye-catching and imagination grabbing and is unmistakable. It all starts with the 6-inch plastic OLED bendable, curved display. Made from plastic this 720p display may lack the resolution of current full HD flagships but the viewing angles and colours are fantastic. The massive 6-inch display doesn’t feel as large as it should. It melts away in your hand thanks to the minimal bezel and the gentle curve. There are no buttons on the side of this phone as the back loaded G2 controls are integral here to that feeling as there is no need to grab the sides of the phone and manipulate your hand to adjust volume or turn the phone on and off. It is as if those back buttons were made for the G Flex.

The back of the G-Flex gives us a 13-Megapixel camera and the self-healing rear back. The back of the device will repair light scratches and dings created by objects such as your keys or change in your pocket. This means that the G Flex can withstand most causes of phone damage due to physical trauma as long as you don’t drop it in water. Or shoot it. I can say with certainty that the video on YouTube of the G Flex against a rifle was always going to have one winner. But in your pocket this phone is extremely durable and it is a welcome benefit of the new curved form factor.

Any questions? Happy to answer.

My blog review: http://gazedice.com/2014/01/17/lg-g-flex-review/

WP_20140116_20_16_40_Pro.jpg

WP_20140116_20_22_13_Pro.jpg
 
Last edited:
watched a hands on on youtube and i like the self repairing back but he seemed to need a lot of force to actually bend the phone, i understand it helps if you drop the phone to minimize screen contact but surely its easier to get a flat phone with a decent high durability case.
 
Am I right in thinking that the key benefits are:

Bigger screen without making the phone longer (although it is, effectively, fatter)
Much more difficult to crack/break the screen
 
Yep, reducing the screen reflectance (IQ, battery life) and not needing a protective glass front (IQ, battery life, durability, possibility for new form factors) are the main benefits with flexible plastic substrate OLEDs. :)

The G Flex isn't bad for a pipe cleaner product, can't wait to see the Nexus 6(?) Hopefully they'll sort out that nasty OLED grain issue soon. LG are still one or two gens behind Samsung for OLED tech, they used their 1st gen flexible plastic substrate OLEDs in the GS4 and Note 3!

Oh and LG are still on the bottom of my Android OEM list, worst UI/support combo ever! Looking at that gray home bar make me wanna punch someone. :D
 
AlecR said:
What an utterly pointless phone...
Click to expand...

I don't agree. Yes, it's not necessary for most people, but it's a really interesting idea. I'd love my phone to have a screen which won't crack, and which will bend and have a bit of give.

This phone strikes me as a "check out what we can do", in a similar way to the Chromebook Pixel. When they start applying this kind of tech to more "normal" products, it will bring a lot of benefits.
 
Reasons you want a G Flex:

Durability - it won't break if you drop it, sit on it, bend it.

Self healing rear - keys and scratches to back of phone will be repaired without leaving permanent marks (light scratches only).

Better viewing - screen curve reduces glare, and improves viewing by pointing the outside of display towards you and a more cinematic experience when watching films.

Easier to use - the curve allows better scrolling by bringing the top and bottom closer to you. Improves typing because your fingers can rest more naturally on the lower part if the screen.

Better form factor - curve makes a 6 inch display easier to hold and grip as it contours with your index fingers or rests in your palm sideways.

Better safer, battery life - curved battery technology means that the g flex battery fills the entire body of phone maximising battery capacity (3,500mAh). The battery is also flexible so won't be damaged.

You guys tell me now if that seems pointless?

It's not perfect the display is grainy at anything less than 100% brightness but for a first generation product it's sensational and I love it.
 
Last edited:
It is pointless. Curved phone.

And you actually believe from 2ft the cinematic reason. Lets see the maths for2ft and what 3"-4" wide display how much curve you need.

Lots of that is nonsense. Its exiting tech and some good features. But this is a first to market demonstration and not hood. Healing and flex screen can be made in to a flat device.

Now lets see the tech being used properly, not a gimic and also what flexible screens realy are for, fold out devices.
 
Last edited:
Why would they put a "flex" screen into a flat device? That makes even less sense.

The cinematic thing is cool but it isn't the most important reason why this phone is good. As I said the better viewing, durability, quicker typing, scrolling etc are all real reasons.

This is no more a gimic than the original galaxy note was.
 
spinstorm said:
Why would they put a "flex" screen into a flat device? That makes even less sense.

The cinematic thing is cool but it isn't the most important reason why this phone is good. As I said the better viewing, durability, quicker typing, scrolling etc are all real reasons.

This is no more a gimic than the original galaxy note was.
Click to expand...

For most of the same reasons as stated, flexible so it's much harder to break, you don't need a flex screen to have a curved device.
I doubt you will get much support for your take on it. It is a gimmick the technology isn't, that phone is, now bring in proper phones with flexible screens, that fold out etc. It is nothing more than a first to market demonstrater.

There is no need for cinematic curved screen at that size and distance, again do the maths and becomes retarded if you hold it the wrong way.
 
Last edited:
I agree it's first generation but it's honestly very useful as a first generation device. It's not a useless phone that just has a curves screen.

It's form factor is perfect for a large device making it easier to hold. Which is the main advantage I see compared to other phablets.
 
http://blog.gsmarena.com/lg-g-flex-screen-suffers-plagued-by-bumps/

LG G Flex owners have started reporting a bizarre defect that is plaguing the screen of the curved smartphone. Bumps have reportedly began to appear on the surface of some of the 6″ curved OLED displays.

IPbIVoY.jpg


According to a salesclerk at Yongsan Electronics Market in Seoul, who has spoken with KoreaTimes in a telephone interview, all LG G Flex smartphones he has encountered come with small bumps on the screen. LG has acknowledged the problem, which boils down to the elastic features of various components.

LG’s statement reads:

Because key components inside the G Flex such as the glass cover, OLED display, battery and frame are elastic, excessive or frequent force that flattens the device may produce bumps.

The company is certain that the bumps have no effect on the device quality or performance. Furthermore, an official from Korea Display Industry Association has confirmed that the curved display of the G Flex has had some technical problems, which have made LG “rather hesitant” in releasing the phone. Still, he thinks that LG “should’ve noted consumers ahead of the product launch.“

The problem possible fixes itself, as LG says the bumps disappear over time. They can also immediately go away after pressing the problematic spot on the glass cover. However, in order to avoid them completely, LG advises G Flex owners not to apply frequent and excessive force on the device or the screen. “The reason we’ve made the G Flex screen elastic is to protect the device from damage from sudden impacts such as being sat on or laid down on,” the statement reads.

The company has sold over 13,000 G flex smartphones via South Korea’s top three carriers, but it’s unclear what percentage of them have developed such issues.
Click to expand...

So LG knew about the problem even before launch. I guess they need to sort out a few issues first...
 
Do I really need to qualify every thing I say in super detail?

When I said it wouldn't break I did not mean it is indestructible but that if you drop it or sit on it or key it by accident it will be nore durable because the screen won't break due to stress, the battery won't puncture due to being bent and the back will repair itself WITHIN reason. Which is most normal everyday situations.

That is not to say it won't end up with shattered glass if you drop it so please don't get confused.

In so far as the bumps go it is simple... if you bend the phone the internal components are going to move. That is the cause of the bumps and why if you press on them they are gone.

It is not an issue unless you bend the phone which people have been doing for fun which is not the purpose of the feature. Keep in nind that if you tried bending any other phone you would break it and void the warranty. That won't happen on the G Flex.

This is one awesome phone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom