Five reasons LG thinks consumers will like its novel, curved smartphone - Chicago Tribune

LG has finally unveiled its long-rumored curved-screen smartphone, and it's got a few interesting arguments for why you should consider purchasing the unusually shaped device.

The South Korean company announced the device, the LG G Flex, Monday after weeks of reports saying the phone was in the works. The unveiling also closely follows that of Samsung's Galaxy Round, which was the first smartphone to be announced with a curved screen.

The LG G Flex features a huge, 6-inch 720p HD screen, a 2.26 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 and a 13-megapixel rear camera. 

But besides being able to brag that you have one of the first smartphones with a curved screen, what exactly is the point of getting one? According to LG, there are at least five good reasons.

1. Improved call quality

The LG G Flex curves vertically, so when you hold it up to your face, the phone bends around the cheek and brings the microphone closer to your mouth than a normal-screen smartphone would. LG says the shape is similar to that of traditional telephones and because of the shape, it improves the voice quality of the call.

2. Fits nicely in your hand and back pocket

If you're like me, you might have worried about how the LG G Flex could possibly fit into someone's pocket, but LG says its possible. In fact, the tech company argues that the curved shape of the phone allows it to fit nicely into users' back pockets (read: it wraps around your behind). LG says the curved shape also allows the G Flex to fit nicely into users' hands, giving them a more "reassuring grip."

3. Makes for an IMAX-like experience

When users hold the G Flex in landscape mode, LG says the screen will give an effect similar to that of an IMAX screen, which is larger than normal theater screens and also features curves, enveloping viewers into the movie. The curved screen gives the G Flex "the most comfortable viewing angle for watching videos or playing games."

4. Better, brighter screen

Another benefit to the curved screen is an improved image, according to LG. The screen uses OLED technology, which gives the screen more brightness and more accurate colors, with each pixel containing red, green and blue sub-pixels.

5. More durability

The screen of the G Flex is made of plastic. That's what allows the device to curve. It also happens to make the G Flex more durable than other phones, which use glass screens.

As a bonus, LG said it has also covered the G Flex with "Self Healing" coating that allows it to recover from daily wear-and-tear and keep looking new.

The LG G Flex launches in South Korea this month. LG said it will announce its availability in more countries later.