Samsung Galaxy S4 vs LG Optimus G Pro

Introduction

LG has been making some pretty good moves lately, first releasing the notable Optimus G, and more recently the Optimus G Pro – a powerful phablet device with a large 5.5" screen and the Snapdragon 600 processor. However, since LG simply markets the Optimus G Pro as its best smartphone right now, we're just going to go ahead and compare it to Samsung's best smartphone, which is the Galaxy S4. This is not StarCraft II, but we promise you, guys, this Korea vs Korea battle will be just as intense!

Design

Although pretty similar in design language, we think that the Galaxy S4 has a definite edge in the appearance department. Both handsets are made of glossy plastic, which we like, though the characterstic texture on the back of the Optimus G Pro is a bit too expressive for our taste. Still, it's worth noting that we're testing te Korean variant of the Optimus G Pro, so that design element may not be preserved in the U.S variant.



In terms of size, LG has done wonders with its phablet, which sits surprisingly comfortably in the hand thanks to its super-thin bezel. However, the same thing is also true for the Galaxy S4, which has a super-thin bezel of its own, and given its smaller screen, it's even more comfortable to use. Naturally, the GS4 is also lighter, which should be taken into account if you plan to be wearing it in your pocket.



Display

OK, so obviously the Optimus G Pro has a significantly bigger display at 5.5 inches, and that's something the Galaxy S4 can't change. What the GS4 can do, however, is to offer a more true-to-life AMOLED display than LG's IPS LCD. It used to be the other way around, with AMOLEDs struggling to compete with LCDs in the colors department, but something must have gone seriously wrong in the making of the Optimus G Pro's display, which is visibly colder-looking than the one of the Galaxy S4. Viewing angles are also better on Samsung's device, as the G Pro is quick to lose some precious contrast and brightness when looked at an angle.

However, the Optimus G Pro does have the brighter screen, which makes it easier to view outdoors. At least that is one area where LCD are still unsurpassed.





Interface and Functionality

Samsung has added a lot of neat features to its latest TouchWiz Nature interface, and while not all of them will be useful, some are definitely good to have. LG, on the other hand, has also worked on its software experience lately, making it more customizable and feature-rich, but in our opinion, Samsung's software is superior all things considered. Both in terms of pure handling, user experience, and custom features.

The Android version in the Galaxy S4 is also newer than that in the Optimus G Pro, as Samsung's flagship is running Android 4.2.2, while the G Pro has Android 4.1.2, which is still OK, when you think about it.




Internet and Connectivity

Both handsets are incredibly proficient when it comes to web browsing. The Optimus G Pro does have a slight edge when it comes to reading, as its bigger screen makes things a bit more easier on the eyes. The custom browsers of both smartphones are quite good, although we tend to prefer the Samsung one more, as it seems to be a bit more polished in terms of the whole user experience.



The Optimus G Pro is yet to come to the global and U.S. markets, but you can be sure that when this happens, it's going to have LTE. The same thing goes for the Galaxy S4, and overall, both handsets are packed with a full range of connectivity features, but hey, if you've ever fancied controlling your TV using your phone, the Galaxy S4 should be your choice as it also has an IR blaster, which allows you to do just that.

Processor and Memory

The Galaxy S4 and Optimus G Pro will be using the same chipset in most markets, which is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 600. In some markets, though, the GS4 will have the Exynos 5 Octa CPU, which is expected to be even faster.

Both handsets perform very well, though the Snapdragon 600-powered Galaxy S4 does manage to achieve better scores in the benchmarks than its competitor, hinting that its software might be better optimized as a whole. Imagine what the GS4 with Exynos 5 Octa is going to do!

When it comes to storage space, the Galaxy S4 is a bit more versatile, as it comes in 16, 32 and 64GB versions, while the Optimus G Pro is only available with 32GB of internal storage. Both handsets sport a microSD card slot for memory expansion, which is much appreciated.



Camera and Multimedia

The Optimus G Pro's 13MP camera is by no means bad, but the one of the Galaxy S4 is a bit better. The Optimus G Pro's images tend to pack a bit less detail and are somewhat noisy and slightly more washed out compared to those of the Galaxy S4. In addition, colors with the GS4 are just a bit livelier.

Indoors, the Galaxy S4 once again manages to take the more detailed photos, with more natural colors, especially when the LED flashes start to kick in.

The good news is that both handsets capture wonderful 1080p video, we don't have any remarks in that respect.



Samsung Galaxy S4 Sample Video:



LG Optimus G Pro Sample Video:



Samsung Galaxy S4 Indoor Sample Video:



LG Optimus G Pro Indoor Sample Video:



Call quality

Neither handset performed particularly well in the call quality test. Both earpieces sound loud enough, but also quite digital. The same is true for their microphones, as our callers weren't exactly fascinated by the sound quality on their end. Their loudspeakers also aren't perfect, but the one of the Galaxy S4 tends to sound a bit more clearly.

Conclusion

Do we even have to say anything here? It's all clear as day – the Galaxy S4 easily wins this comparison with its supreme design, screen, better camera quality, as well as way better user experience.

LG has certainly done a very good job with the Optimus G Pro's design and all, but they'll just have to do even better than that if they want to have a chance of overthrowing the market leader. By the looks of it, the area where LG should focus most is the software, because, sure, their phones are very customizable and all, you can change icon sizes, colors and so on, but really, what matters most is your core experience, because not everyone's keen on personalizing every small detail in their phone. So, LG just has come up with a beautiful UI that's contemporary and fun to use, because customers sure ain't buying LG phones for their gimmicky features. Now, we don't say that each and every feature by Samsung is worth your while, but overall, most of Samsung's custom software just makes more sense than what LG's doing.