Review: LG G Pro 2

Mention "Korean smartphone maker" and most people will think of Samsung.

But LG is far from an also-ran. It has been carving out its own niche in the market.

One important factor that sets this 5.9-inch phablet apart from the rest is the price, as the $828 G Pro 2 is the largest and cheapest phone on this list.

For those who want something more compact, LG is expected to announce a 5.5-inch LG G3 on May 27.

The G Pro 2's unique features include:

Knock On

Instead of fumbling for a Power button to wake the device from sleep mode, there is Knock On. This gesture control wakes the device whenever you tap twice on the screen.

The latest update for this feature on the G Pro 2 offers more security, by allowing users to tap a certain sequence on a blank screen to wake it up.

The 2x2 grid is invisible and not in a fixed position on the screen, so users can tap the sequence anywhere on the "grid" to unlock the phone.

LG's dual screen mode, which splits the display into two windows, is similar to the multi window on the Samsung Galaxy Note phones and Galaxy S5.

Magic Focus

The latest trend with cameras seems to be allowing users to "refocus" the final image after taking the shot.

This is possible when the camera snaps the background and foreground in full focus, and provides the information in the image data.

Users can then recompose the shot to focus on a spot or object other than what they had in view at first.

The only downside here is that the "second chance" here is a one-time option.

After the focus has been readjusted and the new image file saved, there is no going back to the original one.

Extras

The only phablet evaluated here, the 5.9-inch LG G Pro 2 may not be for everyone.

LG has done its best to enable it to be operated with one hand.

Power and volume controls are on the back, within easy reach of your forefinger.

A screen minimisation feature shrinks the full screen keyboard down to sit on one corner of the display, for easy typing.

If you happen to be on a crowded bus or train, this clever feature will let you play Candy Crush Saga with one hand on a smaller window, but still enjoy your Korean TV dramas in full screen, 5.9-inch glory.

This article was published on May 7 in Digital Life, The Straits Times.

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