LG Optimus Q2 vs HTC Sensation XE ~ GoAndroid

We compare HTC's upgraded Sensation XE and LG's keyboard-toting Optimus Q2 to see which device offers users the most complete Android package

LG's Optimus Q2 is a device aimed squarely at the more discerning Android user and with its sliding full Qwerty, slim form factor and powerful processor the device looks set to turn a few heads, but how does this promising pro-Android compare to HTC's new beast, the HTC Sensation XE? Let's find out.

Display
LG's Optimus Q2 features a 4-inch IPS LCD touchscreen that operates at a resolution of 480 x 800 and a pixel density of 223ppi, making it pretty standard Android fare.
HTC's Sensation XE comes in with a 4.3-inch S-LCD qHD display which operates at a resolution of 540 x 960, giving it a subtle edge over the LG, and it beats the Q2 in pixel density too, with 256ppi, which is good but no iPhone 4.
Both devices will do justice to an assortment of media though, and you'll likely find them more than a match for any HD videos and games you might want to run on your device.
Winner - HTC Sensation XE

Form & Build
LG Optimus Q2 - 123x65x12.3mm, 147g
HTC Sensation XE - 126.1x65.4 x11.3mm, 151g
Despite offering a nice, full Qwerty keyboard the Optimus Q2 is still only 12.3mm thick, giving it a real edge over other full keyboard toting Android devices.
You can expect the build to live-up to LG's recent track record, which is to say solid and durable with a pleasant premium feel, and at only 147g you won't feel like you're carrying a lead weight around with you.
The HTC Sensation XE is only 1mm thinner than the Optimus Q2, even without a keyboard, and this doesn't work to the device's favour in this round. The extra input options that a full QWERTY brings are well worth that tiny bit of extra paunch.
Other than that the Sensation XE is good, but unremarkable. It feels a nice weight and the balance is on par with what we've come to expect of a manufacturer with HTC's cachet.
Winner - LG Optimus Q2

Camera
The HTC Sensation XE features the same 8-megapixel camera as the original Sensation and the performance is equally as idiosyncratic.
You get the usual add-ons with the Sensation XE too, such as dual-LED flash, face detection, touch-focus, geo-tagging and instant capture as well as 1080P video capture and a front facing VGA offering, giving the device a nice spec-sheet, but don't expect it to replace your compact.
The LG Optimus Q2 features a standard 5-megapixel snapper with autofocus, LED flash and geo-tagging, as well as a front facing VGA camera for video-calling.
We can't comment on the performance, but we wouldn't expect it to be anything better than what's already on the market.
Winner - HTC Sensation XE

Software
Both of our contenders run on version 2.3.4 of Google's Android platform and more than do the operating system justice.
The Optimus Q2 features LG's custom overlay, which brings some new widgets, apps and other functionality to bear on the already well-stocked OS, though it mightn't be to everyone's liking.
The Sensation XE features HTC's sterling Sense UI overlay, which really gives the Taiwanese manufacturer's devices the edge over virtually every other Android on the market.
Sense brings social networking integration, widgets, apps and eye candy to the device and makes it a breeze to use and a pleasure to look at.
On top of Sense you also get the benefit of the vaunted 'Beats' software (and headphones too!) which offers custom sound profiles and tweaking, and gives the XE exemplary sound quality, so pick yourself one up if you're a muso in training.
Winner - HTC Sensation XE

Power
The Optimus Q2 runs on a dual-core 1.2GHz Tegra 2 CPU, so you can expect the device to run at a fair trot and cope with all the latest apps and games without a hiccup, and while there are faster devices out there you won't find the Q2 wanting.
HTC's Sensation XE is driven by a new 1.5GHz dual-core CPU that makes the device fly. The extra oomph is really noticeable and the inclusion of a larger, 1730mAh battery will keep the slick package running for longer too. This we like.
HTC didn't deem a RAM upgrade necessary though, meaning the device comes with 726MB installed, the same as its forebear. This we don't like.
That aside the Sensation XE is still a blisteringly fast smartphone which performs brilliantly in almost every regard.
Winner - HTC Sensation XE
HTC's Sensation XE takes the tape first in this comparison, and with effort to spare.
Sure, the Optimus Q2 is a contender, and its hardware QWERTY and slim figure will appeal to those message heavy users, but it just isn't as much fun as the obscenely powerful and pretty Sensation XE.
Is the XE worth the upgrade if you already own the original? Well, no, unless you're keen to hammer your credit card or music's more important to you than money, but for those that are looking for a rewarding and powerful Android experience it's the flavour of the week.