For Android fans, this will likely be the biggest fight of the year!
Samsung and LG have produced very different phones for this generation of flagship Android. The Galaxy S6 is a radical departure from the GS5. The G4 is more of a refinement over the G3. Which manufacturer is traveling down the better path? Let’s take a look!
Watch the video, pitting the Galaxy S6 against the Lumia 930 (Icon) in an Ultra HD showdown, make sure you go fullscreen and bump up the quality, then vote in the poll below!
The Galaxy S6 represents a radical change from the S5 and the Note line of phones. Samsung’s response to criticisms, and lagging sales, showcases a renewed focus on fashion, design, and style. Is it just a pretty face? Let’s take a look…
LG continues their experiment building curved phones with bent screens. The G Flex 2 is a fairly significant departure from their first phablet offering. Having used the phone for a couple weeks now, let’s see if it lives up to the legacy of its predecessor!
Rumors have been swirling that Google would launch their own phone service, and today we have official confirmation on their plans.
Project Fi
Instead of building their own towers, Google will lease their connection on partner networks, Sprint and T-Mobile at launch. This makes Google an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), and brings them the advantage of not having to build out a competing network. The trick to Project Fi will be in delivering consumers a seamless transition between data and calls over Wi-Fi and on partner networks.
In subscribing to Fi, you will automatically be connected to the best possible network in your area. If Sprint has the best connection, your phone will connect to that network. Move to an area that’s rich for T-Mobile, you’ll jump ship to the UnCarrier. The consumer no longer has to mess with coverage maps or swapping SIM cards.
Low Cost
Pricing seems reasonable for an MVNO. There’s a base $20 a month fee for unlimited Talk and Text, with coverage for 120+ countries. Data costs $10 per GB. Want 4GB of LTE data, that will cost you $40. As the service moves between different carriers, it’s not very easy to do rollover data, instead Google is opting for cash back. If you pay for 4GB, but only use 2GB, you will receive a bill credit for $20.
Project Fi will start as an invite only service, and will only be compatible with the Nexus 6 at launch. It’s unclear how Google will move forward with other handset manufacturers, or what the certifications process for Fi compatible handsets will resemble.
Good news for bendy phone fans on AT&T, as this LG smartphone will be landing on Big Blue for $299 on a two year contract, or purchased outright for $708.99. Expect to see the G Flex 2 online and at select AT&T stores starting April 24th.
Are you looking forward to a curved screen phone? Drop us a comment, watch our comparison between the G Flex 2 and its predecessor, or read AT&T’s full press release below!
