LG Optimus 2X vs Google Pixel 2 XL: A Clash of Eras

The LG Optimus 2X was a groundbreaking phone in its time, boasting one of the first dual-core processors. Now, let's pit it against the Google Pixel 2 XL, a modern Android powerhouse. This comparison explores how these devices stack up, highlighting the evolution of smartphone technology.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Google Pixel 2 XL utterly dominates this comparison. While the Optimus 2X was impressive for 2010, the Pixel 2 XL’s superior processing power, camera, display, and battery life make it the clear winner. It’s a testament to how far smartphone technology has advanced.

PHONES
Phone Names LG Optimus 2X Google Pixel 2 XL
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA 7.2/5.76 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat15 800/75 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPAGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
 HSDPA 900 / 1700 / 2100 -
Launch
Announced2010, December. Released 2011, February2017, October 04. Released 2017, October 17
StatusDiscontinuedDiscontinued
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum/glass back, aluminum frame
Dimensions123.9 x 63.2 x 10.9 mm (4.88 x 2.49 x 0.43 in)157.9 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (6.22 x 3.02 x 0.31 in)
SIMMini-SIMNano-SIM + eSIM
Weight139 g (4.90 oz)175 g (6.17 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla GlassCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density)1440 x 2880 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~538 ppi density)
Size4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~58.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.0 inches, 92.6 cm2 (~76.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDP-OLED
Platform
CPUDual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Kryo & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo)
ChipsetNvidia Tegra 2 AP20HQualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm)
GPUULP GeForceAdreno 540
OSAndroid 2.2 (Froyo), 2.3, upgradable to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)Android 8.0 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 11
Memory
Card slotmicroSDHC (dedicated slot)No
Internal8GB 512MB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLaser AF, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, AF12.2 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
Video1080p@24fps, 720p@30fps4K@30fps (gyro-EIS), 1080p@30/60/120fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@240fps (gyro-EIS)
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single1.3 MP8 MP, f/2.4, 25mm (wide), 1/3.2", 1.4µm
Video-1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth2.1, A2DP5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, A-GPSGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO
RadioStereo FM radio, RDSNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C 3.1
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, DLNA, hotspotWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA
Features
BrowserHTML, Adobe Flash-
SensorsAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 HDMI port DivX/Xvid/MP4/H.264/WMV player MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player Document editor Organizer Voice memo/dial/commands Predictive text input-
Battery
Charging-10.5W wired (capped), PD2.0
Stand-byUp to 400 h-
Talk timeUp to 7 h 50 min-
TypeRemovable Li-Ion 1500 mAh batteryLi-Ion 3520 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsBlackJust Black, Black & White
Models-G011C
PriceAbout 150 EURAbout 520 EUR
SAR0.27 W/kg (head)     0.62 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU0.55 W/kg (head)     0.90 W/kg (body)-
Tests
Audio quality Noise -90.1dB / Crosstalk -89.2dB Noise - 93.7 / Crosstalk - 79.7
Battery life Endurance rating 76h Endurance rating 88h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: 1001:1 (nominal) Contrast ratio: ∞
Loudspeaker Voice 65dB / Noise 60dB / Ring 67dB Voice 66dB / Noise 70dB / Ring 78dB
Performance- AnTuTu: 206711 (v7) GeekBench: 6055 (v4.4) GFXBench: 13fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

LG Optimus 2X

  • Early dual-core processor
  • Relatively compact design for its time
  • Nvidia Tegra 2 GPU

  • Outdated processor
  • Low-resolution display
  • Poor camera quality by modern standards
  • Limited app compatibility

Google Pixel 2 XL

  • Excellent camera
  • Powerful Snapdragon 835 processor
  • Vibrant display
  • Clean Android experience
  • Long battery life

  • Potential for screen burn-in
  • Older device - finding a good condition unit can be difficult
  • Charging speed is relatively slow

Display Comparison

The Pixel 2 XL’s display is in a different league. Its '∞' contrast ratio (effectively infinite) signifies exceptional blacks and vibrant colors, a stark contrast to the Optimus 2X's 1001:1 ratio. The Pixel 2 XL also likely has a higher resolution and better color accuracy. The Optimus 2X's display was decent for its time, but simply can't compete.

Camera Comparison

Both phones have 'Photo / Video' capabilities listed, but the Pixel 2 XL’s camera is renowned for its exceptional image quality, HDR+, and computational photography. The Optimus 2X’s camera was adequate for its time, but lacks the advanced features and image processing of the Pixel 2 XL.

Performance

The Pixel 2 XL’s Snapdragon 835 octa-core processor blows the Optimus 2X’s dual-core Cortex-A9 out of the water. The 835’s 10nm process offers significantly better efficiency and performance. Expect the Pixel 2 XL to handle demanding games and multitasking with ease, while the Optimus 2X would struggle.

Battery Life

While both phones have an endurance rating of 88h, the Pixel 2 XL’s more efficient chipset and modern battery technology likely translate to better real-world battery life. The Optimus 2X's battery life was good for 2010, but falls short compared to modern standards.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the LG Optimus 2X? Likely, only collectors or those interested in experiencing early Android dual-core devices. The Google Pixel 2 XL is for anyone seeking a reliable, high-performing smartphone with a fantastic camera and long battery life, though finding one in good condition may be challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Was the LG Optimus 2X a good phone when it was released?
Yes, the Optimus 2X was a significant phone in 2010, being one of the first smartphones with a dual-core processor. However, it has been surpassed by modern technology.
❓ Can I still use the LG Optimus 2X today?
While technically possible, using the Optimus 2X in 2024 would be challenging due to outdated software, limited app compatibility, and slow performance. The Google Pixel 2 XL is a more viable option, though also aging.