LG G Flex 2 bends competition with curved body, Snapdragon 810 chipset

Among the spate of announcements coming from LG at the company’s big CES press conference, there was one device in particular that really stood out. Or, turned a corner.

The LG G Flex 2 is both the most exciting and innovative phone launch of the year so far, but before the launch I was a bit sceptical. “Do we really need another curved phone LG?”, I questioned. Judging by the company’s argument, I’d now say a resounding “why not?”

When LG isn’t making phones, the company’s investing millions in the manufacturing and development of OLED technology, but it seems that bendable screen technology is here to stay.

The G Flex 2 is perhaps testament to that, at least in mobile, pocket-friendly form. But the device isn’t all evening gowns and slippers — it packs quite a hefty hardware punch too.

It will be the first handset to offer Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 810 chipset — a piece of silicon we’re all very excited about — in addition it will sport very similar specifications to the LG G3.

Read more: LG G3 review: third time’s the charm

The user has the option of either 2 or 3GB RAM, 16 or 32GB storage and a rather beefy 3000mAh battery for such a strange form factor phone. And note, LG claims that its device can charge from practically dead to 50% in under an hour. That’s particularly useful for travelers.

It will also run Android 5.0 Lollipop on its 5.5″ 1080p screen and show off a 13MP rear snapper with OIS+ and Laser Auto Focus technology, complete with the usual gaggle of gesture-activated photo capture aids.

But perhaps the truly remarkable thing about the G Flex 2 — thanks to the curve, in part — is that the screen is 30% more durable than traditional phones. The glass has also undergone a special treatment designed by LG, which increases strength, and this is without mentioning the self-healing rear, which can rebuff scratches in under ten seconds. Rather nifty for the clumsy.

“The G Flex2 not only has the stunning looks, it also has the powerful guts to be at the cutting edge of current smartphone technology. Simply put, it’s a true head-turner in every sense of the word,” noted Juno Cho, president and CEO of LG Mobile Communications.

The company’s also calling the device its “most ambitious smartphone yet” so where does this leave the LG G4, we wonder?

The G Flex 2 will be launched in South Korea later this month, with other regions to follow later in the year.

For more news and highlights from this year’s CES, visit our CES portal here.