The iconic iPhone 4S takes on the LG Optimus 4X HD in this bare-knuckle brawl
We compare Apple's iPhone 4S to the latest offering from LG, the quad core Android 4.0-powered Optimus 4X HD.
Form
Apple iPhone 4S - 115.2x58.6x9.3mm, 140g
LG Optimus 4X HD - 8.9mm thick, other dimensions TBA
With the iPhone 4S, Apple decided to keep the same design as the previous model. For some, Apple's iconic designs can do no wrong and represent the pinnacle of aesthetic style, while others can't help but yawn at the sight of them.
We certainly don't think the iPhone 4S is ugly, its shape does have an appeal and the build quality is unquestionably going to be up there with the best. But at the same time we are somewhat jaded towards it now and a fresh-faced iPhone 5 with a brand new chassis can't come soon enough.
If you like the softened corners and evenly proportioned panels of Apple's typical house style then no doubt the iPhone 4S will still sit well with you.
We're after something a bit bolder though, and that's where LG's Optimus 4X HD comes in. LG has never really had a problem with making devices which look good and which are built to a decent standard.
Tthe company's main problem has been in producing something that hits all the right buttons on the hardware and software front.
So, once again, LG is on the pulse with the outer shell design of the Optimus 4X HD, it sits firmly in the design camp which favours more stark and angular rectangle shapes with sheer edges and sharp 90 degree corners, creating an imposing silhouette in the process.
As with the iPhone, the proportions are all evenly balanced, with the top and bottom panels above the screen being the same size. There's also a very thin bezel running along its sides, giving it a very high-end ‘premium' look.
You may have already guessed which side we're on with this category. For us, LG's Optimus 4X HD has a much more interesting design which we would choose over the iPhone 4S. Depending on your preferences though, feel free to adjust the result of this section to your personal taste.
Winner - LG Optimus 4X HD
Display
Apple's Retina display is often used as a yardstick with which to judge the displays of other devices. It's understandable too, the iPhone 4S features a 3.5-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD capacitive multi-touch display with a 960x540 pixel resolution, producing a pixel density of 330 pixels-per-inch (ppi).
Needless to say this is one of the sharpest, brightest and most vivid touchscreens on the market. The only criticism which could sensibly be levelled at it is the size, which compared to many other current phones is a little on the small side.
The LG Optimus 4X HD is not the shy retiring type when it comes to the display, however, featuring a sizeable 4.7-inch HD-IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen clocking a 1280x720 pixel resolution. The scale of the thing means that, despite that high resolution, the pixel density isn't quite at the iPhone's lofty heights and instead rests at 312ppi.
As good an argument as any for why Apple seems reluctant to expand the iPhone's screen real estate perhaps, but then, anything approaching the high 200's or above tends to look pretty good in our experience and after a point only those with perfect 20/20 vision are going to notice any difference.
Bearing all that in mind, we'd actually go for the LG Optimus 4X HD in this round, there's not a huge compromise on sharpness. It's still bright and colourful and it's a much larger expanse of glass making gaming and viewing multimedia much more rewarding.
Winner - LG Optimus 4X HD
Storage
Apple's storage setup for its flagship iPhones remains consistent, there are three options: 16GB, 32GB or 64GB tiered at ascending price points All of these come with 512MB of RAM for the processor to utilise and, as usual, there's no micro SD slot to be found.
LG's Optimus 4X HD has only one internal storage option and it's equal to the lowest rank on the iPhone's list, 16GB. It has double the iPhone 4S's RAM, however, at 1GB and has a micro SD slot which can take cards up to 32GB in capacity.
The iPhone obviously has more options here, which is an appealing prospect. However, it lacks the LG's card flexibility. Having less RAM isn't such an issue because of how well optimised the iPhone 4S's processor is to the iOS operating system and its myriad of apps and games.
On balance we think the iPhone comes out as the better option here, but it's a tough call as we do miss that card support. Had the Optimus 4X HD had 32GB of onboard memory this might have been a different story.
Winner - LG Optimus 4X HD
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