The Mobile World Congress 2013 has not been the place chosen by companies to present as many devices as in previous editions. However, we have seen a few devices that are not bad at all. The phablets seem to have been the center of the new releases and they are precisely the ones that we want to put face to face in this comparison, ZTE Grand Memo vs. LG Optimus G Pro.
Processor and RAM
Comparing two devices from different ranges is really complicated, but the truth is that despite belonging to different ranges, they share many characteristics. The LG Optimus G Pro, a device of the highest level, has a new generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor capable of reaching a frequency of 1,7 GHz. The ZTE Grand Memo, a device that is one notch below, will feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, the superior version of the LG, capable of reaching a clock frequency of 1,5 GHz which, even though it is a lower figure, is still a processor with better performance.
However, when we talk about RAM you see the real difference between the devices. The LG Optimus G Pro does not present surprises, since it carries a 2 GB RAM, which is typical in the highest-end devices. The ZTE Grand Memo, however, sticks with a 1GB drive for its RAM, which means you'll have a harder time running multiple apps simultaneously.
Screen and camera
However, the most striking thing about both devices is its screen. The ZTE Grand Memo uses IPS LCD technology, and has a 5,7-inch screen, almost closer to being a tablet than a mobile, with a resolution of 1280 by 720 pixels. The LG Optimus G Pro is not so exaggerated although it is very close, staying at 5,5 inches. However, it stands out especially for having a Full HD screen, with a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels. Undoubtedly, much higher than that of the ZTE tablet, although supposedly we already enter differences that are difficult to detect by the human eye.
If we talk about the camera, we find in this case a technical tie. Both devices use cameras with 13 megapixel sensors, which is going to become the new generation standard. The differences between the two will be reduced to small details, or small adjustments. Actually, they are very similar and it will not be a certain element when choosing between one or another device.
Operating system
Both the ZTE Grand Memo and the LG Optimus G Pro are devices that use Android as an operating system, something quite common among smartphones, except for the exceptions of some Windows Phones and the iPhone itself. Android 4.1 Jelly Bean is the version of the operating system that they carry, so they will be quite up to date, although it would not be surprising that they will soon have Android 4.2. The real question is whether they will update to Android Key Lime Pie when it comes out this year. In addition, it is essential that the ZTE Grand Memo do so, since its launch will take place later than that of its rival, and it would not be good to launch an outdated smartphone without an update promise.
Memory and battery
As for the memory that the devices will have, it is surprising to find that their manufacturers have chosen to fix the units they carry. The LG Optimus G Pro will have a memory of 32 GB, while the ZTE Grand Memo will have a 16 GB. Although the latter is minor, it should not report problems for users, since it is sufficient if the applications that are installed are slightly controlled and those that are not used are eliminated.
And we come to one of the elements that most interest users before buying a device, and that is the battery it has. Smartphone batteries last less and less, which means that we need to plug it into the mains on many occasions, even several times a day. The ZTE Grand Memo will arrive with a high-capacity 3.200 mAh battery, a figure that is very good, although totally necessary due to the screen it carries. Even so, it is most likely that we have greater autonomy than with other devices such as the Sony Xperia Z, which is far below. The LG Optimus G Pro, meanwhile, carries a 3.140 mAh unit, which is pretty good too. These two devices will have a very similar autonomy.
Conclusions and Price
The LG Optimus G Pro is a more complete and advanced device than the ZTE Grand Memo, as shown by the RAM and display comparisons. However, the difference is most likely not large enough to make up for the possible price difference. The LG Optimus G Pro will cost 649 euros at its launch on the market, and the ZTE Grand Memo could exceed 400 euros, but without reaching 500. Without a doubt, we will have to evaluate very well what interests more when we have the official details of the price that will have the ZTE.