iPhone Runs the Gauntlet: LG G3 S

The next contender for the iPhone 6 gauntlet is the LG G3 S, which is just a fancy term for a “mini” version of the famed LG G3. On the Android side of smartphones, the G3 is currently at the top of its game despite being released months ahead of the competition. As with any decent marketing model, however, a powered down version of the flagship is out in the wild and that’s what we’re going to pit against the iPhone 6 in this article.

As always, we’re trying to look for a decent phone to size up against Apple’s, and price is still going to be the biggest factor. Despite that, let’s check out how LG’s mini flagship stacks up against the iPhone 6.

Size

Checking out the outside, the LG G3 S doesn’t go far from the iPhone 6 in terms of dimensions. The length of the G3 S is almost a millimeter over the competition, and just over two millimeters wider. However, the thickness of the G3 S is slightly noticeable at almost three millimeters. The added thickness translates to a heavier phone, which may provide a bit more heft when you hold it. Some people like a heavier phone because they can feel it more in their hands or pockets.

Performance

When it comes to processing power, Apple’s flagship gets a leg up over the G3 S. Four cores running at 1.2 GHz is pretty decent for a midrange smartphone, but we feel that the Snapdragon 400 chipset has one foot out the door already, and should be relegated to entry-level smartphones come 2015. Despite having an Adreno 330 graphics card, Apple’s A8 engine is just on a totally different level when it comes to processing power.

Battery life

When it comes to device uptime, the G3 S outshines the iPhone 6. Android phones are pushing the envelope when it comes to battery size, and it’s commonplace to see a midrange device packing 3,000 maH and above. The G3 S clocks in at a respectable 2,540 mAh, which can more or less last you a big part of your day, something the iPhone 6 with its 1,800 mAh capacity should respect.

User Interface

When it comes to the UI, it’s a battle of preference. Most people who like customization will enjoy LG’s overlay of the Android KitKat experience, offering unique features like Guest Mode and the Knock Code. However, if you’re a purist, nothing beats Apple’s UI. It’s the way the tech giant wanted to you see and interact with its machine. No real report on whether or not the G3 S will get the Lollipop treatment, so as far as out of the box experience goes, it’s really up to you to decide which one feels easier to use.

Image Quality

It has been an unfortunate reality that cameras on Android devices can’t hold a candle to the superior lens tech Apple crams into their phones. However, the G3 S might be up to par, thanks to the laser autofocus feature inherited from its big brother, the G3. Both phones have 8 megapixel rear snappers with the same pixel density, so if track records are to be the basis, then the iPhone 6 may just be the winner in this category.

Durability

The G3 S doesn’t sport fancy waterproofing nor a reinforced shell, so this little device won’t go into the pool with you naked. The same goes for the iPhone 6, and frankly, we really have no preference to stock protection other than having it survive a fall from time to time. When it comes to being forced into tight places (like your pants), the added thickness of the G3 S might offer it more resilience compared to the thinner iPhone 6.

Verdict

Based on specifications, the LG G3 S and the Apple iPhone 6 are very similar, with the exception that the iPhone is thinner and has a bigger storage space. Of course, the G3 S is cheaper than the iPhone 6. Despite the P15,000 difference in price, we wouldn’t say the G3 S is an iPhone killer. Maybe an iPhone lite. You might even be better off going for its big brother, the G3.