• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Galaxy Note Tips & Tricks

  • Note 10
    • Official Samsung Galaxy Note 10 User Manual
    • Unbox Galaxy Note 10: What are included in Galaxy Note 10 Box?
      • How to use the new Galaxy Note 10 S Pen?
      • How to use Galaxy Note 10 Clear View cover (S View cover)?
      • Install S Note app and Extension pack on Galaxy Note 10
      • Galaxy Note 10 LED View Cover Guide and Review
      • How to use the Dynamic Lock screen on Galaxy Note 10?
    • How to charge Galaxy Note 10 battery?
    • How to use Samsung DeX for PC with Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10+?
    • Galaxy Note 10 SIM Card Guide
    • How to Use Galaxy Note 10 Camera App?
    • Galaxy Note 10 Layout
      • Where is the Galaxy Note 10 zoom-in mic?
      • How to use and remap Galaxy Note 10 Side key?
    • Galaxy Note 10 review: the death of Galaxy Note
      • Top 10 new features of Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ you should try
      • Top 10 missing features of Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10+ you should know before buying
      • Galaxy Note 10 vs Galaxy Note 10+: what are the differences?
  • Note 9
    • Top 9 new features of Galaxy Note 9
    • Official Samsung Galaxy Note 9 user manual
    • How to use Galaxy Note 9 S Pen?
      • How to use S Pen remote control on Galaxy Note 9?
      • How to change Galaxy Note 9 S Pen nib?
  • Note 8
    • Official Samsung Galaxy Note 8 User Manual
    • Top 8 new features of Galaxy Note 8
  • Note 7
    • Samsung Galaxy Note 7 User Manual
    • Galaxy Note 7 Layout
    • Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Specifications
    • Charge Galaxy Note 7 battery
    • Galaxy Note 7 SIM card guide
    • How to disable Galaxy Note 7 Flipboard briefing?
    • How to access and use Galaxy Note 7 notification panel?
    • How to manage and use Galaxy Note 7 quick setting buttons?
    • Galaxy Note 7 home screen guide
      • App folders in Galaxy Note 7 home screen
      • Add, use and manage apps in Galaxy Note 7 home screen
      • Use Galaxy Note 7 screen grid to customize app icon size
    • Meaning of Galaxy Note 7 indicator icons in status bar
  • Note 5
    • Top 12 new features in Galaxy Note 5 Android Nougat udpate
    • Official Samsung Galaxy Note 5 user manuals with Android Nougat update
    • How to take screenshot on Galaxy Note 5 without using any apps?
    • Galaxy Note 5 layout
    • Galaxy Note 5 SIM card guide
    • Charge Galaxy Note 5 battery
    • Everything about Galaxy Note 5 S Pen
    • How to use Galaxy Note 5 screen off memo?
    • Galaxy Note 5 touch screen gestures
    • Galaxy Note 5 home screen
    • How to disable flipboard briefing on Galaxy Note 5?
    • How to use Galaxy Note 5 apps screen?
    • How to use Galaxy Note 5 lock screen?
    • How to use app folders on Galaxy Note 5 home screen?
    • How to use Galaxy Note 5 notification panel?
    • Meaning of Galaxy Note 5 status icons and notification icons
    • How to use Galaxy Note 5 quick settings?
    • Galaxy Note 5 air command
    • How to add app shortcuts to Galaxy Note 5 air command?
    • How to use scroll capture in Galaxy Note 5?
    • How to use Galaxy Note 5 themes?
    • How to unhide and access Galaxy Note 5 developer options? and how to hide Galaxy Note 5 developer options?
    • Galaxy Note 5 case guide
  • Note 4
    • Galaxy Note 4 Camera Guide
      • How to take photos continuously without reviewing the photos on Galaxy Note 4?
      • How to use volume button to take photos in Galaxy Note 4?
      • How to use voice commands to take photos and record videos on Galaxy Note 4?
      • How to manage and download Galaxy Note 4 camera effects?
      • How to set storage location for Galaxy Note 4 camera?
      • How to use Galaxy Note 4 camera burst mode?
      • How to customize Galaxy Note 4 camera app interface (and shortcut menu)?
      • How to set picture size and video size for Galaxy Note 4 camera?
      • How to use Galaxy Note 4 video recording modes?
      • How to manage and download Galaxy Note 4 camera modes?
      • Galaxy Note 4 camera modes user guide
    • How to take a screenshot on Galaxy Note 4?
    • How to turn off/on the touch key light (return and recent) on Galaxy Note 4?
    • How to access Galaxy Note 4 hardware menu button?
    • How to turn off Flipboard briefing on Galaxy Note 4 home screen?
    • How to create app folders on Galaxy Note 4 home screen and app drawer?
    • Galaxy Note 4 case guide
    • How to add widgets to Galaxy Note 4 home screen?
    • How to customize Galaxy Note 4 ringtones?
    • How to use Galaxy Note 4 download booster?
    • How to create own vibration patterns on Galaxy Note 4?
    • How to use Galaxy Note 4 finger scanner?
    • How to silence Galaxy Note 4?
    • How to install S Note idea sketch and easy chart on Galaxy Note 4?
    • Meaning of Galaxy Note 4 status icons and notification icons
    • How to use Samsung keyboard?
    • How to use Galaxy Note 4 side key panel?
    • How to enable and access Galaxy Note 4 air command?
    • How to customize Galaxy Note 4 notification tone?
    • Galaxy Note 4 S View Flip Cover Guide
  • Manual
    • Official Samsung Galaxy Note 10 User Manual
    • Official Samsung Galaxy Note 9 user manual
    • Official Samsung Galaxy Note 8 User Manual
    • Official Samsung Galaxy Note 5 user manuals with Android Nougat update
    • Samsung Galaxy Note 7 User Manual
    • Galaxy Note 5 User Manual
    • Updated Galaxy Note 4 User Manual for Android Lollipop Update
    • Galaxy Note 4 User Guide (Kitkat)
    • User manual for Galaxy Note 3
    • Galaxy Note 3 Customer Consultant Guide
    • Galaxy Note 3 Online User Guide
    • User manual for Galaxy Note II (Note 2)
    • User manual for Galaxy Note (Note 1)
    • User manual for Galaxy Note 10.1
    • User manual for Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0
    • Read Online Manual
      • Read Online User Manual for Galaxy Note 3
      • Read Online User Manual for Galaxy Note II (Note 2)
      • Read Online User Manual for Galaxy Note (Note 1)
      • Read Online User Manual for Galaxy Note 10.1
      • Read Online User Manual for Galaxy Note 8.0
    • User manual for Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition
    • Old User Manual
  • S Note
    • Install S Note app and Extension pack on Galaxy Note 10
    • Everything about Galaxy Note 5 S Pen
    • How to use Galaxy Note 5 screen off memo?
    • How to install S Note idea sketch and easy chart on Galaxy Note 4?
    • S Note Tutorial: how to use productivity tools
    • S Note tutorial: how to change text styles (appearance)
    • Top 10 New features of the New S Note in Galaxy Note 3
    • S Note Survival Guide
    • Tips and Tricks
      • 3 fast ways to create screenshot without using any apps
      • Top 12 new features you should try in Jelly Bean 4.1
      • Screen Mirroring with Galaxy Note 3
      • Who stole my butter? Solving slowness problems in after Jelly Bean update
      • How to solve battery issues after ICS update in your Galaxy Note?
      • Top 10 new features in Galaxy Note after ICS update
      • Top 10 questions on ICS update for your Galaxy Note
  • Home
    • About this community
    • Privacy
    • Contact Us
    • Register
    • Forums

Is LG Optimus G Pro an Alternative to Galaxy Note 2?

By Simon Leave a Comment · First published on: March 22, 2013 · Last Modified on: September 14, 2013

galaxy-note2-vs-lg-optimus-g-proIt is not a secret that LG wants to step into the phablet market which is dominated by Samsung’s 5.3″ Galaxy Note and 5.5″ Galaxy Note 2. The 5″ rectangle slab, Optimus Vu, and Vu 2, announced last year, failed miserably to get into this niche market.

So, this year, LG Optimus G Pro was announced during Mobile World Congress 2013. It will be released in selected regions next month. This time LG gambles on the Optimus G branding. Will it be successful?

The eye-catching feature of this phone is its 5.5″ full HD IPS display. So, the targeted competitor of Optimus G Pro is not Galaxy S3 or recently announced Galaxy S4. LG actually wants this phone to be the alternative of Galaxy Note 2.

From the timing of the announcement, it can be easily deduced that  Galaxy Note 2 is the target. By releasing a handset in the middle of Galaxy Note 2 and the coming Note 3, Optimus G Pro can get about 6-month lead in hardware specifications against Note 2.

LG recently started to know how to design a great Android phone after they worked with Google for the Nexus 4. LG then transformed Nexus 4 into Optimus G, which is the most successful Android phone LG ever made.

Table of Contents hide
1) Design and build quality
2) Software and skin
3) Display
4) Camera and video
5) Finger vs S Pen
6) Q Memo vs S Note
7) Q Slide vs Multi Window
8) Conclusion

Design and build quality

From the exterior, Optimus G Pro likes  a sibling of Galaxy Note 2. It is totally different from Optimus Vu or  Optimus G. Physical home button and two capacitive buttons for menu and back are similarly placed like that in  Galaxy Note 2. However, Optimus G Pro has slightly smaller side bezels.

For the back, LG also abandoned  the all-glass design spotted  in Optimus G. Plastic was chosen for Optimus G Pro. The build quality is similar to Note 2.

One thing that some people may like in Optimus G Pro is the Q Button. This is a dedicated button in the left side.  You can configure any  (but only one) app for this button. Of course, you can configure it as a camera button, just like many Symbian smartphones. However, the location of t his button is annoying. You may often mistakenly press it. It would have been better if it had been placed near the bottom.

Software and skin

Both LG Optimus G Pro and Galaxy Note 2 come with Jelly Bean 4.1, and Jelly Bean 4.2 update is on the way. However, based on the  leaked updating roadmap, Samsung will also update Note 2 to Android 5.0 (Key Lime Pie) which  will surely be announced in this May during the Google I/O 2013. Based on the updating track record, this is very likely. For example, Galaxy Note was shipped with Gingerbread (2.3) in 2011, updated to Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0) in 2012, and then Jelly Bean 4.1 this year.

However., if you check the OS updating record for LG Android phones, you may know  Optimus G Pro will very likely end up with Jelly Bean 4.2.

For the skin overlay (UI),  TouchWiz  is over-bloated.  The latest version,  Nature UX, was refined and polished significantly, but surely further polishing and structural change are needed. Some changes in the UI do not improve the stock ones, and are just for the sake of change.  But when you compared it with LG Optimus UI, you will feel Samsung does a better job. The Optimus UI has some nice features, but it is clumsy and counter-intuitive. Maybe, because I get used to TouchWiz or vanilla Android.

Display

LG Optimus Pro is packed with a full HD (1920*1080) display. While Galaxy Note 2 comes with a HD display (1280*720). On the paper, LG Optimus G pro should give more sharp images. But when you compare them side by side, most people probably still prefer Samsung’s over-saturated AMOLED display because it is simply more vivid than the IPS panel in Optimus G Pro. Some may disagree. But the bottom line is that the resolution  or number of pixels does not matter; it is the contrast and brightness that matter.

The pixel density in Optimus G Pro goes to 401ppi. This is beyond the capability of human eyes to identify pixels when you hold your phone 4 inches away. For a smartphone, 300ppi is sufficient for most eyes. Because all smartphone manufacturers are crazily fighting into hardware specification race, full HD has been spotted on more and more phones, although it is just a waste on these 4-6″ screens. Galaxy Note 3 will surely join this full HD club.

Camera and video

Optimus G Pro comes with a 13MP rear camera, which is the new standard configuration of flagship smartphones in 2013. Higher pixels does not mean better images: it all depends on software. The tiny image sensor may have trouble to get enough light if more pixels are packed. This has to be mainly solved through software. But anyway, 13MP may be better than  8MP if the light is not an issue.

A nice feature packed with Optimus G Pro is the dual recording, with which you can use both cameras for one video (video in video). The announced update will bring this (dual camera)  to photos as well.  Similar  features were announced in Galaxy S4, and will go to Galaxy Note 2 in the Jelly Bean 4.2 update. So, for Galaxy Note 2 users, we have to wait a few months for these features.

Finger vs S Pen

Surprisingly, Optimus G Pro does not come with a stylus. Both Optimus Vu and Vu 2 give you a stylus. So, LG is expecting you to use fingers, instead of a stylus, on this phone.

Another reason is probably LG is not able to deliver a stylus better than S Pen. So, it is wise to omit this component.

Q Memo vs S Note

LG has Q memo for quite long time. So it is not an app specially for Optimus G Pro. But most users want to compare it with S Memo (in Galaxy Note). Q Memo is simple to use, compared with S Note in  Note and Note 2. Of course, Q Memo has less functions/features for a long note/memo.

Lacking a stylus makes the Q Memo  less useful. In Galaxy Note 2, you have more choices: when pulling out your S Pen, popup note will be available; If you need take notes for a lecture or meeting, you can use S Note.

In addition, Galaxy Note 2 has a lot of cool and useful features related to S Pen.

Q Slide vs Multi Window

Q Slide in Optimus G  Pro is similar to multi window in Note 2. But in Q Slide, the selected apps overlay other apps and you can change the transparency  of the overlayed app. In Note 2, the screen is split and you can re-size them. So, the Q Slide likes popup note with adjustable transparency and size.

Conclusion

Optimus G Pro is another over-powered (that is the reason why I skipped other hardware specifications) phone, with some innovative features.  It is a good, not great phone in this form factor.

However, lacking of a stylus and related apps makes it hard to compete against Galaxy Note 2 in this screen size, although better hardware specifications may lure some gamers.

What do you think?

Filed Under: Galaxy Note Guides, Galaxy Note News Tagged With: AMOLED, Android, Android 5.0, camera, display, dual camera, dual shoot, galaxy note, galaxy note 2, Galaxy S4, IPS, Jelly Bean, Key Lime Pie, LG, multi window, Optimus G, Optimus G Pro, Q Memo, Q Slide, S Memo, S Note, S Pen, samsung, TouchWiz, video

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Site Search

Galaxy Note Tips Newsletter

RSS Galaxy S22 Guides

  • How to use Maintenance Mode on Galaxy S23, S22, S21, and S20 with Android 13 (One UI 5)?
  • How to extract text from photos and images on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20?
  • A complete list of the new features of One UI 5.1 update for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
  • How to use multiwindow on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20?
  • How to Use the Help Icon and Histogram for Pro Camera Mode in Android 13 (One UI 5) Update for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20?
  • How to customize the call background on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20 with the Android 13 update (One UI 5)?
  • How to Automatically Add and Customize Watermarks on Photos on Galaxy S22, S21, or S20 with the Android 13 update (One UI 5)?
  • The Definite Guide to Stack Widgets in One UI 5 on Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
  • Top 13 new features in One UI 5 update (Android 13 update) for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20
  • Master Galaxy S22 Lock Screen Settings

RSS Galaxy S21 Guides

  • Top 12 new features in Android 12 update for Galaxy S21, S20 and S10
  • Android 12 update vs One UI 4.0 vs One UI 4.1: update Galaxy S21, S20 and S10 to Android 12
  • How to set and resize photo size on Samsung Galaxy S21, S20, S10, and S9 without using any third-party apps?
  • How to Customize Galaxy S21 Home Screen?
  • Master Galaxy S21 Lock Screen Settings

RSS Galaxy S20 Guides

  • How to Use Enhanced Processing on Galaxy S20 with Android 11 update?
  • How to access, use, and customise widgets on Galaxy S20 lock screen and AOD screen with Android 11 update for Galaxy S20?
  • How to update Galaxy S20 to Android 11?
  • How to use Galaxy S20 lockdown mode?
  • Top 11 new features in Galaxy S20 Android 11 update

RSS Galaxy S10 Guides

  • Top 10 new features in Android 10 update for Galaxy S10
  • Top 5 new features added in Galaxy S10 September Update
  • How to move apps to the micro SD card to free phone storage on Galaxy S10 ?
  • Galaxy S10 wireless charging guide
  • How to use app folders on Galaxy S10 Home screen and Apps screen?
  • How to enable and use Galaxy S10 developer options?

RSS Galaxy S9 Guides

  • How to remap Bixby button on Galaxy S9 and S9+ after updating to Android Pie?
  • How to use the rotation toggle to change and lock screen orientation in Android Pie update for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus?
  • How to use the lift to wake feature on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?
  • How to use the night mode on Galaxy S9 and S9+ with Android Pie update?
  • Official user manuals for Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus with Android Pie update
  • Galaxy S9 Android Pie update guides
  • How to use Samsung DeX Station for Galaxy S9, S9+, S8, S8+, Note 8 and Note 9?
  • Samsung DeX Station vs Samsung DeX Pad vs Samsung DeX cable
  • How to use app pair on Galaxy S9 and S9+?
  • How to use Samsung DeX with Galaxy S9 and S9+ and other Samsung phones?

RSS Headphone Guide Pro

  • AirPods Pro 2 New features explained
  • What is Samsung Seamless Codec? 4 things you should know about this new codec
  • How to use widgets to check battery levels and control Galaxy Buds 2, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds+, and Galaxy Buds?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods Pro: which one should you choose?
  • AirPods 3 vs AirPods 2: Top 8 improvements and new features of AirPods 3
  • How to Use and Adjust Force Sensor on AirPods Pro like a Pro?

RSS Google Home Guides

  • Meaning of Nest Audio LED lights
  • How to control Nest Audio?
  • How to Factory Data Reset Nest Audio?
  • Layout of Google Nest Mini (Google Home Mini 2nd Gen)
  • How to reset Google Nest Mini (Google Home Mini 2nd Gen)?
  • Google Nest Mini vs Home Mini: what’s new and what’s not changed?
  • Google Home Mini layout and buttons
  • How to rename Google Home?

RSS Android Guides

  • Android 13 Guides
  • Top 10 New Features of Android 13
  • Extra Dim in Android 12: The Definite Guide
  • How to update to Android 12?
  • How to quickly snooze notifications in Android 12?
  • Android 12 Guides
  • Top 12 new features of Android 12 you should know
  • How to use notification history and notification logs in Android 11?
  • How to use native screen recorder in Android 11?
  • How to use dark theme scheduling in Android 11?

RSS Galaxy S8 Guides

  • How to use the new features in Android Pie update for Galaxy S8 and S8+?
  • How to use app shortcuts in Galaxy S8 Home screen in Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+?
  • Use notification dots/notification number badge in Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update
  • How to Install Galaxy S8 Android Oreo Update for Galaxy S8 and S8+?
  • New status icons in Android Oreo update for Galaxy S8 and S8+

RSS Moto G Guide

  • Moto G8 vs Moto G8 Power vs Moto G8 Power Lite vs Moto G Power vs Moto G Stylus vs Moto G Pro vs Moto G fast: What are the differences?
  • Moto G8 User Manual for Moto G8 Plus and Moto G8 Play
  • Moto G8 Plus vs Moto G8 Play: Differences and common features
  • Official Moto G7 user manual
  • Moto G7 vs Moto G7 Play vs Moto G7 Plus vs Moto G7 Power: what are the differences?

RSS Moto X Phone

  • Official Moto X4 User manual (User guide for Moto X 4th Gen , Moto X 2017)
  • What’s new in Android Marshmallow update for Moto X (Moto X 2015, Moto X 2014, Moto X Style and Moto X Pure edition)?
  • Top 5 new features in Moto X 2015 (Moto X Style, Moto X Pure edition and Moto X Play) vs Moto X 2014

RSS Moto E Guide

  • How to use Moto E6 camera?
  • How to use SIM cards on Moto E6, E6 Plus, E6 Play, and E6s 2020?
  • How to remove Moto E6 back cover (including Moto E6, Moto E6 Plus, Moto E6 Play)?

RSS Kindle Fire For Kids Guide

  • How to Use Dark Theme on Fire Tablets with Fire OS 8?
  • How to use Quick Settings on Fire tablets?
  • How to take a screenshot on a Fire tablet without using any apps like a pro?

RSS All About Chromecast

  • About AllAboutChromecast.com
  • How to factory data reset Chromecast Audio?
  • Chromecast Audio vs Bluetooth: advantages and disadvantages of Chromecast Audio

RSS Galaxy S6 Guide

  • Android Nougat Update Guide for Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge and Galaxy S6 edge+
  • how to use widgets in Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge?
  • How to disable multi window in Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 edge and S6 edge+?

RSS Galaxy S7 Guides

  • How to customize Galaxy S7 quick setting buttons after Android Nougat update?
  • New Galaxy S7 status icons in Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Nougat update
  • How to use screen zoom to adjust the size of icons, notifications, and lock screen keypads in Android Nougat update for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge?
  • Official user manual for Galaxy S7 with Android Nougat update
  • Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Android Nougat update guide

Adv:

Footer

RSS Samsung Galaxy S4

  • Samsung Galaxy S4 Documentation: User Manual, Handbook and Customer Consultant Guide
  • My device

RSS Galaxy S5 Guide

  • How to enter Galaxy S5 recovery mode?
  • How to use Galaxy S5 camera voice control?
  • How to add widgets to Galaxy S5 home screen?

RSS Chinese Classical Music

  • How to Cast Chinese Music Radio to Chromecast or Google Home?
  • 十面埋伏 (Ambushed,Pipa,琵琶曲,Shi Mian Mai Fu)
  • 高山流水(High Mountain and Running River, Gao Shan Liu Shui, Guzheng, 古筝曲)
  • Meet in Yurt(敖包相会, Ao Bao Xiang Hui,Hulusi,葫芦丝)

RSS Drive In Singapore

  • Top 5 rules of driving in Singapore safely and legally during COVID-19 Circuit Breaker period
  • Understand COE Price by 10 Simple Questions
  • How to convert a foreign driving license to a Singapore driving license?
  • How to get a Touch ‘n Go card as a Singapore driver?
  • What is covered in the car warranty in Singapore? What is not?
  • What is the Singapore Road Speed Limit?
  • How to register, collect and use Malaysia Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)?
  • Why are cars in Singapore are so expensive?
  • Drive to Malaysia
  • Car Maintenance and Servicing in Singapore

RSS Funny Jokes

  • Logical and Legal
  • Texan Baby
  • But She Was There
  • I Am Staying In Room 1130
  • Enjoy The Visit
  • Great In Bed

RSS Free Hosting Answers!

  • How to connect to PPTP VPN server from a Windows machine (Windows 7 as an example)
  • How to install your own VPN server in 5 mins (PPTP on CentOS, RedHat and Ubuntu)
  • 5 efficient ways to advertise your free hosting services for free (and without using any social media)
  • How to create a 404 page?

© 2012–2023 · AllAboutGalaxyNote.com is community for Galaxy Note owners! · Hosted by PTRHosting · Powered by Genesis framework for WordPress
Galaxy Note tips, tricks, how-to guides and user manuals for all Galaxy Note devices. S Pen guides and S Note guides.

Disclaimer: Samsung, Galaxy, Galaxy Note, Galaxy NoteII, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy Note 10.1, Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition, Galaxy Note 8.0, Galaxy Note Pro and Galaxy Note Edge are trademarks of Samsung . This website is NOT affiliated with Samsung in any way. All the information provided on this website is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis and you agree that you use such information entirely at your own risk.

Add Galaxy Note Tips & Tricks to your Homescreen!

Add