LG's G series has always been a contender in the smartphone market. Today, we're pitting two models against each other: the LG G3 Screen, boasting a unique chipset, and the LG G2 mini, known for its impressive battery life. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one is the better choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The LG G3 Screen offers significantly more processing power thanks to its octa-core chipset. However, the G2 mini shines with its exceptional battery endurance. Ultimately, the G3 Screen is for performance-seekers, while the G2 mini caters to those prioritizing longevity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | - |
| EDGE | Yes | No |
| GPRS | Yes | Yes |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2014, October. Released 2014, December | 2014, February. Released 2014, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 157.8 x 81.8 x 9.5 mm (6.21 x 3.22 x 0.37 in) | 129.6 x 66 x 9.8 mm (5.10 x 2.60 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 121 g (4.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 2 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~373 ppi density) | 540 x 960 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~234 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.9 inches, 96.0 cm2 (~74.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.7 inches, 60.9 cm2 (~71.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A15 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A7) | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | LG Nuclun | Qualcomm MSM8226 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 305 |
| OS | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) | Android 4.4.2 (KitKat), LG Optimus UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | 250 entries |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, 1/3.0", AF, OIS | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, HDR, stereo sound rec. | 1080p@30fps, HDR |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2.1 MP | 1.3 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | Yes |
| Java | - | Yes |
| Messaging | - | SMS |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 640 h (3G) | Up to 700 h (2G) / Up to 600 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 13 h (3G) | Up to 12 h (2G) / Up to 16 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 2440 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Titan Black, Lunar White, Red, Gold |
| Models | F490L | D618 |
| Price | About 250 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.85 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 76h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Battery (old) | - | Endurance rating 76h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
LG G3 Screen
- Superior Performance
- Potentially Higher Resolution Display
- Likely Better Camera Quality
- More Modern Design (assumed)
- Likely Shorter Battery Life
- Unknown Battery Capacity
- Potentially Higher Price (historical)
LG G2 mini
- Exceptional Battery Life (76h endurance)
- Compact Size
- Affordable (historical)
- Lower Performance
- Less Impressive Display
- Older Technology
Display Comparison
The LG G3 Screen likely featured a larger, higher-resolution display (likely QHD) compared to the G2 mini's (likely FHD). Expect sharper visuals and more vibrant colors on the G3 Screen. The G2 mini's display would be adequate but not as visually impressive.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature Photo/Video capabilities, but the G3 Screen likely had a higher megapixel count and potentially more advanced features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). The G2 mini's camera would be decent for everyday snapshots, but the G3 Screen would likely offer better image quality, especially in low light.
Performance
Here's where the G3 Screen truly stands out. Its octa-core 'Nuclun' chipset, with a mix of Cortex-A15 and Cortex-A7 cores, provides a substantial performance advantage over the G2 mini's Snapdragon 400. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance on the G3 Screen.
Battery Life
The LG G2 mini's claim of 76h endurance rating is a significant advantage. While the G3 Screen's battery capacity is unknown, the more powerful chipset would likely consume more power, resulting in shorter battery life compared to the G2 mini.
Buying Guide
The LG G3 Screen is ideal for users who demand fast performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. The LG G2 mini is a great option for users who prioritize long battery life and a more compact form factor, perfect for everyday use and travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the LG G3 Screen worth buying today?
Given its age, finding a functional G3 Screen might be challenging. If you can find one in good condition and at a low price, it could offer decent performance, but be mindful of battery life and software support.
❓ What are the main differences between the LG G3 Screen and G2 mini?
The primary differences are performance (G3 Screen wins) and battery life (G2 mini wins). The G3 Screen has a more powerful chipset and likely a better display and camera, while the G2 mini excels in battery endurance and portability.