Samsung Galaxy Note 2 vs. LG Optimus G Pro: Note 2 Shows Its Age Against LG's Fancy Hardware in 5.5-Inch Face-Off

The LG Optimus G Pro is finally coming to the U.S. May 10 on AT&T. How does the smartphone/tablet hybrid match up to the only phone on the market that can match its size, the Samsung Galaxy Note 2?

Display
The Galaxy Note 2 has a huge 5.55-inch screen, but the resolution is only 1280x720 pixels, at 267 ppi. The Optimus G Pro has an ever-so-slightly smaller 5.5-inch screen, but the resolution is higher: 1920x1280, at 440 ppi. While the Note 2 offers a physically large screen, the Optimus G Pro can display more with its extra real estate.

However, the Note 2 comes bundled with a stylus, the S Pen, which makes certain kinds of interaction and input easier, particularly for business customers. It can also make the Note 2 more convenient to use while traveling, or for tasks that require more fine detail.

Processor
The Note 2 runs a 1.6 GHz quad-core Exynos 4412 processor, the predecessor to the acclaimed Exynos 5 Octa powering some overseas versions on the Galaxy S4. But the Optimus G Pro uses a more standard 1.7GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600. That's slightly less powerful than the American version of the S4, but it likely edges out the Note2, though not by much.

Storage
The Note 2 comes with internal storage between 16 and 64GB. The Optimus G Pro only comes in a 32GB variety. Both phones have SD card slots to accommodate up to another 64GB, so it's essentially a wash.

Operating System
Both phones ship with Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, though the Note 2 is due for an upgrade to 4.2.2 sometime in the next few months.

Camera
The Note 2 has an 8-megapixel camera with 1080p video, but the Optimus G Pro boasts a 13-megapixel camera, also with 1080p video. Only the brand new Galaxy S4 and the Sony Xperia Z can match that kind of hardware right now.

The Note 2 is still an impressive device, but new offerings from its parent company can't help but overshadow it. The LG Optimus G Pro isn't exactly new, but it actually stacks up well not only to the Note 2 but even the Galaxy S4. If you want a big phone with a big screen, the G Pro is the way to go, at least until the Note 3 hits later this fall.