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tbayrgs

macrumors 604
Jul 5, 2009
7,467
5,097
What's better

Based on pure specs, I'd have to say the G2. Of course, specs aren't everything. I personally don't like most manufacturer's skins, LG's included and don't like the glossy plastic and rear button placement, enough that stock Android and build materials on the Nexus 5 trump the LG. If I was personally choosing between these two, I'd take the Nexus in a heartbeat.
 

maflynn

macrumors Haswell
May 3, 2009
73,682
43,740
My vote is the Nexus 5, partly because that rear button is going to smudge the camera. I think build quality is better, and the fact that you get vanilla android. I don't think LG has a long enough track record to indicate how often and quickly they'll roll out updates.
 

jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
16,080
19,080
US
Battery life.......My G2 can last 2 days between charges for normal (form me) use.
 

mattopotamus

macrumors G5
Jun 12, 2012
14,738
6,109
I would really like to see a side by side comparison from someone who owns both, but as others have mentioned....pure android experience and price alone make the n5 a better buy unless there is issues with the n5
 

jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
16,080
19,080
US
I would really like to see a side by side comparison from someone who owns both, but as others have mentioned....pure android experience and price alone make the n5 a better buy unless there is issues with the n5
It seems that way...then throw in the button placement (what were they thinking?) But we will have to wait and get some hands on reviews for the battery and camera. First glimpse camera shots seem to say the camera on the N5 will be great. But lets wait until some people here actually get their hands on the N5 and post some pics. The battery cant compare to the G2.........
 

mattopotamus

macrumors G5
Jun 12, 2012
14,738
6,109
What's the battery life like on the Nexus 5

The tech sites have had the phones less that 24 hours it seems, so it may be a few days before reviews. It should be way better than the nexus 4 from what I understand. The biggest issue was standby drain, and that seems worked out.
 

Internaut

macrumors 65816
Google is your friend

http://pocketnow.com/2013/10/31/nex...d&utm_campaign=Feed:+pocketnow+(pocketnow.com)

Lot's of speculation at the minute, but it seems the only hardware difference is the battery. I can't comment on LG's skin, but as is the fashion (and my preference), the writer prefers Google to the LG skin.

With a network subsidy, I think it's a matter of deciding whether you prefer the battery of the G2 (and can live with the skin). Buying SIM free, I think the Nexus is the clear winner here.

The whole differentiation thing is troubling though. I thought the point of having a skin was to improve on the Google experience, not detract from it. Only HTC makes an effort here.
 

Dave.UK

macrumors 65816
Sep 24, 2012
1,290
482
Kent, UK
Based on using the G2, im going to have to say the G2.

Currently getting 3 days battery life with average use.
Very rarely use the buttons on the back because I use "Knock Knock" to turn the screen on and off. Volume buttons on the back are superb as its very easy to adjust volume during calls as thats where your index finger is.

People talking about smudging the camera because of the button placement - LG have used scratch and fingerprint resistant sapphire crystal.

LG have actually done a very good job of their UI. I havent suffered any lag and so far am pretty impressed.

Camera is also superb. Ive come from the Samsung GS3 and the difference in quality is amazing.
 

isephmusic

macrumors 6502
Oct 31, 2012
416
0
the G2 has one of the best batteries. i would kill to get it on the nexus 5 i ordered . but its slightly bigger and thicker and once i saw that ridiculous power button on the back under the camera i laughed and walked away. its gonna turn on on your when u place it down on a desk or in your pocket i don't know i just thought it was dumb and ordered the n5 but damn do i wish i had the camera and battery of the g2
 

jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
16,080
19,080
US
the G2 has one of the best batteries. i would kill to get it on the nexus 5 i ordered . but its slightly bigger and thicker and once i saw that ridiculous power button on the back under the camera i laughed and walked away. its gonna turn on on your when u place it down on a desk or in your pocket i don't know i just thought it was dumb and ordered the n5 but damn do i wish i had the camera and battery of the g2

I have never had this happen to my G2. It has never turned on/off while face up or in my pocket. But i do find it difficult to find it on the back and often hit the camera lens when trying to turn off the screen......
 
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nfl46

macrumors G3
Oct 5, 2008
8,539
9,510
Eh, probably the G2; however, the N5 gets the software updates quicker...but you can't go wrong with either of them, they are both future proofed.
 

Dave.UK

macrumors 65816
Sep 24, 2012
1,290
482
Kent, UK
the G2 has one of the best batteries. i would kill to get it on the nexus 5 i ordered . but its slightly bigger and thicker and once i saw that ridiculous power button on the back under the camera i laughed and walked away. its gonna turn on on your when u place it down on a desk or in your pocket i don't know i just thought it was dumb and ordered the n5 but damn do i wish i had the camera and battery of the g2

Certainly agree with the battery comment. Mines been on 52 hours with an expected 38 hours remaining.

As for the buttons on the back, how do you know its ridiculous and dumb without actually using the phone for a bit?!

Lots of reviewers were dubious about the button placement, but the majority of reviews ive read actually state they work well by being on the back.

So far I dont actually think ive used the power button to turn the phone on or off. Thats the genius of "Knock Knock". Ive also never had the phone turn on when putting it down etc. In fact, ive got the phone on a flat surface at the moment and im pushing down on it and it isnt turning on.
 

boateng

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Sep 8, 2012
440
10
What's the better phone to get if you are going on a contract? I don't want to buy the phone outright at the moment as a student and would prefer a contact.....

It's such a shame that the phone only comes in 16gb. That it not enough memory :(
The lg g2 only comes in that size and three are only selling the nexus 5 16gb
 

mattopotamus

macrumors G5
Jun 12, 2012
14,738
6,109
What's the better phone to get if you are going on a contract? I don't want to buy the phone outright at the moment as a student and would prefer a contact.....

It's such a shame that the phone only comes in 16gb. That it not enough memory :(
The lg g2 only comes in that size and three are only selling the nexus 5 16gb

Who is your carrier? I think the only carriers selling the n5 will be sprint and tmobile. If you know you are going on contract, I would personally just get a phone for $199. The nexus line makes sense and saves you the most if you are prepaid. If you are on contract, you are wasting money not using an upgrade (unless w/ tmobile b.c they lower the price after a phone is paid). Or you could use the upgrade to buy an iphone 5s...sell it for $650 and then buy a n5 and still have money left over.
 

boateng

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Sep 8, 2012
440
10
Who is your carrier? I think the only carriers selling the n5 will be sprint and tmobile. If you know you are going on contract, I would personally just get a phone for $199. The nexus line makes sense and saves you the most if you are prepaid. If you are on contract, you are wasting money not using an upgrade (unless w/ tmobile b.c they lower the price after a phone is paid). Or you could use the upgrade to buy an iphone 5s...sell it for $650 and then buy a n5 and still have money left over.
Ahhh I am in the UK you see.....
It may be completely different to the US
 

Lloydbm41

Suspended
Oct 17, 2013
4,019
1,456
Central California
Image size and spec comparison of top flagship phones.
 

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spinedoc77

macrumors G4
Jun 11, 2009
11,488
5,413
I have never had this happen to my G2. It has never turned on/off while face up or in my pocket. But i do find it difficult to find it on the back and often hit the camera lens when trying to turn off the screen......

Mine turns on ALL the time, it's extremely annoying and I've grown to hate the rear buttons. I can be in the gym with the phone in my pocket and if I somewhat lightly put pressure on it, it turns on. The volume buttons are annoying too, lightly brush them and my music goes up or down.

I love my G2 to death, but in all honesty the rear buttons was a big mistake IMO.

----------

If you are willing do the whole cyanogenmod deal G2 gives N5 a real run for its money. If I was in the market, not sure which way I would go yet.

Cyanogenmod on the G2 is simply amazing, I would put it up against stock Android any day. But it's only at 4.3, no idea how long it will take them to get Kit Kat onto the G2.
 

Michael Goff

Suspended
Jul 5, 2012
13,329
7,422
Mine turns on ALL the time, it's extremely annoying and I've grown to hate the rear buttons. I can be in the gym with the phone in my pocket and if I somewhat lightly put pressure on it, it turns on. The volume buttons are annoying too, lightly brush them and my music goes up or down.

I love my G2 to death, but in all honesty the rear buttons was a big mistake IMO.

----------



Cyanogenmod on the G2 is simply amazing, I would put it up against stock Android any day. But it's only at 4.3, no idea how long it will take them to get Kit Kat onto the G2.

By the time you get 4.4, we'll likely be closing in on a newer version. But it'll be okay, because Cyanogenmod adds very nice things.
 

jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
16,080
19,080
US
Mine turns on ALL the time, it's extremely annoying and I've grown to hate the rear buttons. I can be in the gym with the phone in my pocket and if I somewhat lightly put pressure on it, it turns on. The volume buttons are annoying too, lightly brush them and my music goes up or down.

I love my G2 to death, but in all honesty the rear buttons was a big mistake IMO.

----------



Cyanogenmod on the G2 is simply amazing, I would put it up against stock Android any day. But it's only at 4.3, no idea how long it will take them to get Kit Kat onto the G2.

agree with you on that! I love the battery....love the screen! i love the performance.....i even like the LG skin....but hate the buttons.....
 
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