This is the second installment From the comparison between the Galaxy Note 2 and the Optimus Vu 2, the two phablets destined to reign supreme in this market, with permission from the model HTC is supposedly preparing. For now, the Samsung device is the one who wins… but the game is still on.
On this occasion, we are going to focus on the more technical sections of both models, taking into account that Optimus Vu 2 does not know all the details. So, let's talk about processor, connectivity, camera, etc. In this way, what we have already indicated in the first installment will be rounded off and, thus, it will be possible to accurately assess which "phablet" is the best of the two.
Display and layout
If something defines these two giants, it is their visual experience. Samsung Galaxy Note 2 mounts a panel Super AMOLED 5,55-inch resolution 720 x 1.280 and a density around 267 dpi. LG Optimus Vu 2, for its part, opts for a screen HD-IPS LCD de 5,0 inches 768 x 1.024 pixels and some 256 dpiThe key difference is in the format: The Note 2 adopts a 16:9 ideal for video, while the Vu 2 maintains a 4:3 which provides more verticality for reading, editing and navigation.
Physically, LG's proposal is more wide and low (132,2 x 85,6 x 9,4 mm approx.) vs. a Samsung taller and narrower (151,1 x 80,5 x 9,4 mm approx.). The weight also differs: around 159 g in Vu 2 and some 180 g on the Note 2. This geometry affects the grip: the LG fills the palm more due to its width, and the Samsung feels more balanced when used with one hand despite being longer.
In protection, both resort to Gorilla Glass (in the Note 2, a more recent evolution), and in terms of use of the front they move in very similar figures, around 69% on the Note 2 and near the 68% on the Vu 2. In color reproduction, the Samsung AMOLED offers deep blacks and almost infinite contrast, while LG's IPS provides natural colorimetry and good viewing angle, appreciated advantages for document editing and reading.
Both include a stylus as standard: S Pen in Samsung and Rubberdium Pen at LG. The surface and response of the panel directly affect the pencil precision: The Note 2's high sensitivity and software integration give it an advantage in writing and drawing, while the Vu 2 offers a comfortable stroke reinforced by the 4:3 canvas, very useful for notes and annotations.
The SoC, the nerve center of the device
The SoC (System on a Chip) is the place where, currently, most of the components of a terminal are integrated. But perhaps, the most interesting are the CPU (processor) and GPU (graphics card)And this is what we are going to assess on this occasion.
The Soc included in the Samsung model is a Exynos 4412. It includes a quad-core CPU that operates at a frequency of 1,6 GHz and its architecture is ARM Cortex-A9. That is to say, "a bicharraco". An example of its great capacity is that in the Quadrant benchmak it obtains a result of 5.699 points. Its performance is excellent, and being Quad Core ensures it works perfectly with everything. Your GPU is a Mali-400MP which is one of the best that can be found today, with demanding games, such as Dead Trigger, it is shown that its capacity is more than enough. Nothing to object to Galaxy Note 2.
Optimus Vu 2, meanwhile, includes an SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 MSM8960 of the new Krait generation. It has two cores and operates at a frequency of 1,5 GHz with a Krait architecture (ARMv7). Although it has two fewer cores than Samsung's Exynos, its performance is very good as demonstrated by the 5.410 points in the Quadrant. Therefore, it can with everything. Your GPU is a Adreno 225, of good invoice but that is somewhat inferior to the Mali-400MP. Anyway, and following the same example, with Dead Trigger everything went perfectly.
By a hair, but the Galaxy Note 2 is better in this regard. However, we will have to check the performance of both models in terms of best before date refers to something that is not yet possible.
Samsung Galaxy Note 2: 2 points
LG Optimus Vu 2: 1 point
Memory and storage
In RAM, both are tied with 2 GB, sufficient for intense multitasking. The difference opens up in the storage: The Galaxy Note 2 was marketed with 16 / 32 / 64 GB internal and admits microSD up to 64 GB (with exFAT support and great compatibility), while the Optimus Vu 2 has variants of 8 / 16 GB and groove microSD up to 32 GBIf you plan on carrying heavy media (video, uncompressed music), Samsung's offering offers a more generous margin.
Another detail that tips the balance is compatibility with USB OTG/Host on the Note 2, which allows you to connect USB sticks, peripherals or even controllers, while in the Vu 2 this function is not generally present. Both solutions incorporate MHL to output video via cable to a compatible TV or monitor.
The cameras of both models
The cameras of current terminals have become elements differentiatorsSo much so that even manufacturers are developing apps with many more options every so often. Therefore, it's normal for users to be aware of this section.
In this section, Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is superior. It is true that both models have a rear camera of 8 Mpx, which allows resolutions up to 3.264 x 2.448, but the one included in the company's terminal with the blue logo has some interesting additions, such as the autofocus on touch screen and face detection.
Front models are important today for video conferencing. Especially with applications that allow them to be done in HD, such as Skype. Optimus Vu 2 includes a more than enough of 1,3 Mpx, But Galaxy Note 2 offers a 1,9 Mpx that very few models on the market include. Therefore, the image quality is higher. As simple as that.
In addition, both record 1080p video at 30 fps, with LED for video on the Vu 2 and advanced features on the Note 2 such as simultaneous photo and video capture, touch focus and detection of faces and smilesIn software, Samsung adds creative modes and digital stabilization, and LG compensates with natural colorimetry thanks to its ISP and geotagging options.
Samsung Galaxy Note 2: 2 point
LG Optimus Vu 2: 1 point
Software and stylus: S Pen vs Rubberdium
The app ecosystem makes a difference. On the Galaxy Note 2, the S Pen integrates with functions such as Air View, sticky notes, smart clippings, and a productivity suite that leverages sensitivity and low latency of the panel. Added to this are utilities such as Smart Stay (the screen stays on if it detects you looking), Smart Rotate (adjusts the orientation according to the position of your face) and S-Voice for voice commands.
The Optimus Vu 2 bets on the Rubberdium Pen, a pencil improved in precision that, together with the format 4:3, is convenient for handwritten notes, lists, and annotations on screenshots. LG adds productivity tools and, in some variants, connectivity. Volta integrated for voice calls over LTE, an interesting extra depending on the operator and region.
Connectivity and battery
Finally, we will talk about connectivity and battery. Both models have 3G and LTE versions, as has been known, so this section has a technical tie. And, in addition, they are also compatible with NFC, microUSB, Bluetooth 4.0 and WiFi (802.11N). Therefore, in the basics, the offer of both “phablets” fulfills perfectly.
But if you scratch the surface a little deeper, there are some differences. An example of this is that the usb connection Samsung supports the connection of storage devices or that LG has already equipped Optimus Vu 2 with compatibility with Miracast, the technology that wants to imitate Apple's AirPlay. Another interesting difference is the support of the satellite system GLONASS by Galaxy Note 2.
Drums, meanwhile, is something that is highly valued today (and rightly so). Samsung includes one of 3.100 mAh y LG one of 2.150 mAhIt is true that Galaxy Note 2 consumes more because it has a larger screen, but the difference in battery charge is very high and, therefore, offers greater autonomyAn example is that according to the data provided by the manufacturers themselves, Optimus Vu 2 allows 400 hours of standby time on 3G and Galaxy Note 2 890. There's little more to say.
Going deeper into networks, the Note 2 achieves LTE Cat. 3 (up to 100/50 Mbps theoretical), HSDPA of 21 Mbps and 5,76 Mbps HSUPA, plus Dual-band Wi-Fi Wi ‑ Fi Direct y DLNA. In Vu 2, depending on the variant, we find HSDPA y LTE with similar speeds, as well as Wi‑Fi a/b/g/n with Direct, DLNA and hotspot. In Bluetooth, both integrate 4.0 A2DP, and the Note 2 adds profiles LE y EDR.
In basic telephony, both cover GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 and bands UMTS 900/2100 common in many regions, with specific variants for other bands. On some CDMA models of the Vu 2, GPRS/EDGE does not apply due to the nature of the network; it is not a deficiency, but a difference in technology depending on the market.
Samsung Galaxy Note 2: 3 points
LG Optimus Vu 2: 1 point
Audio, multimedia and sensors
Both devices offer 3,5 mm jack and built-in speaker. In formats, they reproduce MP3, WAV, FLAC y eAAC +; the Note 2 adds broad compatibility with DivX y XviD in video, in addition to codecs H.263/H.264/MP4/WMV. The Vu 2 can integrate Dolby Mobile as a sound enhancement in certain editions.
both include FM radio with RDS (in the Note 2 present in variants such as the N7100). In sensors, they share accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity y compass; the Samsung adds a barometer, useful for altitude readings and weather apps, as well as GLONASS alongside A‑GPS for more precise location.
Networks, bands and compatibility
In terms of overall compatibility, both phablets feature versions with LTE y 3G designed for different operators and regions. The Note 2 (N7105, for example) supports LTE Cat. 3 with USB MHL y USB OTG, while the Vu 2 incorporates LTE with the possibility of Volta in supported markets. Browsing benefits from support HTML5 in both, and the connections microUSB (MHL) v2.0 They provide cable video output to televisions.
SAR and safety values
The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is a relevant safety factor. For the Galaxy Note 2, the data sheets indicate 0,23 W/kg (head) y 0,95 W/kg (body) as reference values. In the LG Vu family there are references of 0,16 W/kg (head) y 0,96 W/kg (body) in models and close variants, with possible variations depending on region and operator. In all cases, both devices comply with the international boundaries established.
Final result
The result of this partial is 7 to 3 favorable to Galaxy Note 2. Therefore, the overall sum of the first installment is 13 to 6, so the Samsung model is the winner indisputable and is that, his "phablet", is a prodigy today. In any case, we must not forget Optimus Vu 2, who is not a bad opponent at all.
One final detail, we have not provided the prices of these models Since they haven't confirmed the one they will have in Spain, as soon as we know, we will let you know.
With all the cards on the table, the Note 2 wins out due to its sustained power, autonomy, and ecosystem. S Pen and greater storage and connectivity versatility; the Vu 2 shines for its 4: 3 screen Designed for productivity, precision Rubberdium, its good overall performance and extras like Miracast o Volta in certain versions. Choosing one or the other depends on whether you prioritize the multimedia consumption and absolute autonomy (Samsung) or a square useful area to read, annotate and work in free format (LG).
