LG G2 vs HTC One: Game of phones

Hardware comparison

On paper, the two devices share much of their design ideology. Their fronts proudly flaunt 1080p screens, but to compare them as equals would be wrong as these devices strive to deliver very different experiences out of the box.

The LG G2 is curvier and has gotten rid of everything at the front to make room for the whopping 5.2" display. Its bezels are twice as thin as those on the HTC One, there are no buttons of any kind on the front - the screen to surface ratio is insane, really. The front is entirely covered by Gorilla Glass 2 while the rest of the device sports glossy plastic finish.

The HTC One goes for a very different look. Its angular and, instead of glossy plastic, goes for an aluminum unibody with two main aluminum pieces placed along a matte polycarbonate frame with small little plastic inlays on the back helping the antennas operate. The One is 1 mm shorter than the LG G2 and 3 mm narrower but squeezes in a 4.7" screen diagonal (that's full 12.7mm less). The rest is reserved for two speakers placed top and bottom of the screen. Each speaker has a separate Beats Audio amplifier, designed to deliver deep sound when you're enjoying multimedia or games on the HTC One.

The two devices

The sides of the LG G2 are made of plastic and feature a sloping design, leading up to the edge of the screen. They're free of controls save for the pop out microSIM card tray on the left.

LG G2 side to side

The HTC One also has a popping microSIM tray on the left side, while on the right is a single piece volume button made out of brushed aluminum.

HTC One side to side

At the bottom of the LG G2 lie two grilles - one for the primary microphone and one for the loudspeaker. The microUSB port is located in the middle. That's where the 3.5mm headphone jack is as well. The top of the LG G2 features the noise-reducing microphone.

LG G2 top to bottom

The HTC One has its microUSB port on the right, along with the main microphone. The 3.5mm headphone jack is located on the top of the device next to the power/lock button, with an IR blaster integrated therein.

HTC One top to bottom

The back of the LG G2 is where all the controls are. There are two volume buttons each side of a power/lock key. You can also unlock the LG G2 by double-tapping on the screen but otherwise the centrally-placed three button combo at the rear is what you use for operating the device, aside from the outstanding screen on the front.

Above the buttons lie the 13 MP camera lens and a single LED flash. The back of the LG G2 features a hyperglaze-like surface with a pattern underneath, which is a bit too reflective for our taste.

The LG G2 back buttons

The HTC One has a much simpler back panel design. It has the Ultrapixel camera in the center, along with a single LED flash to the left of it. There's also a noise-reducing microphone in the top right corner.

The body of the HTC One is thickest at the center and then slopes towards the edge, meaning it's notably thicker than most of its competitors, but fits nicely in your palm.

The HTC One back

In terms of handling, the two devices will appeal to different audiences. The HTC One is sharper, slightly narrower and feels elongated and colder compared to the LG G2. The latter has a subtler rounded body with glossy finish.

While every little aspect of the HTC One's design - the brushed aluminum volume rocker, engraved HTC logo at the back, loudspeaker grilles - is noticeable whilst you're holding the phone, the LG G2 prefers to keep the focus on the display and keep all the rest out of the way.

Both devices held in hand

Despite their differences, both devices feel extra pleasant in the hand, offering immediate reassurance that you're holding a sophisticated, premium gadget. Both devices are built with ease of use in mind and give out quality feedback.

Winner: Tie. The HTC One is undoubtedly the better-looking of the two, but the LG G2 has impressively squeezed a far larger display and battery into a body of the same volume. The front-mounted speakers earn the One the final point of this round to level the score.