Which one is the better one? I currently have a LG G2 and its getting quite laggy and just want a new phone. Would the Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 be an upgrade or a downgrade?
Thanks
Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 or LG G2?
trarob on 08/01/2016 - 19:00
Comments
Experience with both.
The Redmi Note 2 is the better phone BUT MIUI is not the best if you have many devices you like to keep synchronised.
I think it has to do with the battery saving features but it won't 'auto-sync' my fitbit and my Android Wear watch used to have issues but they've been fixed in latest firmware
LG G2 user here. AND also Redmi Note 2 user here.
My 2c.
The LG G2 is actually pretty quick, the Snapdragon 800 pulls it's weight when it comes to multitasking and in Geekbench actually outpaces the SOC in the Redmi Note 2 (both the ordinary Note 2 and the Prime version). Multicore performance is of course better on the MTK helio with so many cores, but in most cases the additional cores will be unused anyway. So in terms of usability, it really comes down to the ROM you're using. I'm sure MIUI may have less bloat…and it's also a more recent version of Android (5.1). My LG G2 is still stuck on KitKat 4.4.
In terms of software, temporarily, the Redmi wins, but LG G2 might be getting Marshmallow update soon.
I don't game so I cannot comment on the GPU speed. I'm pretty certain the Adreno is still faster or just as fast as the PowerVR chipset found on the MT6795M, but I don't really care and I've never benchmarked it.
Battery life-wise, the LG G2 is better because of it's smaller display so expect better screen-on time. However, the battery is non removable, so that's a big minus. Overall though I can say it's about a tie, but you may lean towards Redmi if you prefer a removable battery.
Portability, the LG G2 is VERY slim and lightweight, and the bezels are incredibly thin. The Redmi does of course measure up 5.5" on the display so it's not a fair fight, but the bezels are larger but upside is there are no onscreen buttons to take up screen real estate. This is mostly personal preference, but I like devices with razor thin bezels because it makes the phone more pocketable. LG wins for me.
Features wise — let's see, both phones have IR blasters but the Xiaomi didn't come with a IR remote app, so the LG G2 wins on this count. I don't use IR blaster that often but I can control my TV and air-cond with it, without having to dig out a remote.
Both phones have notification light. And are customisable.
Display — both are 1080p. Both are IPS display and are very similar with brightness and clarity. Tie here.
Camera? Not sure about this one. My LG G2 takes great pictures, and the night shots are OK. The Redmi on the other hand… the details are a bit lacking and it's not as sharp. So it's a win for the LG, if you are a shutterbug.
It certainly doesn't help that there is no expandable storage though. so memory wise, big win for the Redmi.
NFC features — the LG G2 has it, the Redmi doesn't. +1 for LG
Smart Cover — The LG G2 has it, the Redmi doesn't support smart covers or quick window covers. +1 for LG
TLDR both are good phones in their own right, but I greatly prefer the form factor of the LG over the Redmi. If I had to buy a Xiaomi handset for my personal use, I would be getting the new Mi5 (5.3 inch flagship)
Hmm, I do agree with the general gist of the comment but Android technically does use multicore far better than what people credit them to be (i.e. look at the tests Anandtech did on it).
LG G2, Australian one is on 5.0.2 or 5.0.1 (and LG's lollipop is alright, despite the Google's mess up, I assume they've modded it heaps). I personally recommend debloated ROM based on stock ROM (CM 12.1 is slightly unstable, CM 13 is available if anyone's interested).
The only irk, probably the biggest one, with LG G2 that I have is that it's very fragile (I'd recommend a decent case, my gf broke it 1 month in with both glass screen protector and a case) and there has been fiascos with the touchscreen dying in Korea (which did result in Korean equivalent of ACCC getting involved). The issue was with moisture in the air causing the touchscreen controller to get damaged or something. Not sure about whether this extends to International version (but I am very wary of that fiasco).
Probably would recommend it though, it's not a bad device from what I've seen if you can get it cheap and add a decent case to it.
I have no experience with the G2, but I know the RN2 is great, so I'd recommend that :)