The LG Spectrum is Verizon’s version of the LG Optimus LTE, LG’s latest high-end smartphone that’s done particularly well in other parts of the world. Verizon is the second US carrier to feature the Optimus LTE; AT&T began offering the Nitro HD in December.

Verizon has released a barrage of high-end smartphones over the past [...]]]>

The LG Spectrum is Verizon’s version of the LG Optimus LTE, LG’s latest high-end smartphone that’s done particularly well in other parts of the world. Verizon is the second US carrier to feature the Optimus LTE; AT&T began offering the Nitro HD in December.

Verizon has released a barrage of high-end smartphones over the past few months, and the LG Spectrum will be placed alongside a slew of other Android devices on Big Red’s network with the lofty goal of wooing customers away from the likes of the Droid RAZR, HTC Rezound and Galaxy Nexus superphones. But does the LG Spectrum differentiate itself enough to make it a must-have smartphone for Big Red?

1. Hardware and Performance

The innards of the device are where the Spectrum truly shines. The Spectrum features a 1.5 GHz dual-core Snapdragon S3 processor with the now-standard 1GB of RAM. This combination makes the device truly fly. Even when running multiple programs in the background, the Spectrum performed exceptionally well with nary a hiccup in performance. If you want a phone that’s blazing fast, the LG Spectrum holds its own with even the top-of-the-line devices out there.

Sadly, it does not have an NFC chip inside, which is frankly a baffling move for a device that will feature Android 4.0 (more on that later).

2. Build Quality and Aesthetics

I really wanted to like the build quality in the Spectrum. Though LG had some problems with software (and, perhaps, hardware) on the T-Mobile G2x, the device remains one of the best feeling Android devices out there. Though I haven’t personally had time with the AT&T variant of the Optimus LTE, several reviewers stated the device felt nice in the hand, thanks in large part to the textured backing on the Nitro HD.

When it comes to the LG Spectrum, the textured backing has been swapped out for a glossy checkerboard-patterned cover that, though it certainly looks good, makes the device feel cheap and plasticky. Further, the glossy finish is a fingerprint magnet, and it only feels clean after a fresh wipedown of the device. The Spectrum certainly doesn’t win in the build quality department, either, especially when it’ll be sitting next to the Galaxy Nexus and Droid RAZR line of smartphones.

3. Display

720p displays are certainly becoming a norm in higher end devices, and nowhere is this more true than on Verizon’s network. Though practically all devices Big Red releases feature a 720p display, the Spectrum’s 4.5-inch True HD IPS display stands out as one of the more gorgeous displays we’ve seen in a smartphone. Colors really shine on the Spectrum, especially when you crank the brightness up to the highest setting.

4. LTE

Though we’re almost sick of continually repeating this section at this point, Verizon’s LTE network covers the most people of any true 4G network in the country, and the speeds provided by Verizon LTE are ridiculously fast by any standards. With LTE capability, the Spectrum can easily churn through high definition video streaming and upload photos and video with ease.

5. Android 2.3 with LG's UI Overlay

By now, you’re probably painfully aware of my distaste for the custom UI skins carriers/manufacturers are keen to put on devices. Though there are certainly some good ones out there (I’m quite enjoying Touchwiz on the Epic Touch 4G, for example), they generally detract from the user experience Google has mastered in Android 4.0, and I believe the time is nigh to do away with them.

Unfortunately, these skins seem to be here to stay. LG has some serious work to do if it’s going to attract people to its UI. The categorized app drawer is hideous, and the launcher looks like a boxier version of Touchwiz. Fortunately, this problem is quickly remedied by installing a launcher replacement from the Android market.

Still, if you’re going to put money into the development of a UI overlay, be sure to make it differentiate itself in some way. Or, at least make it look pretty. In my opinion, LG’s does neither.

LG has promised to deliver Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich shortly, and we’ll update this review once the update hits our device. Hopefully LG releases a skinned-down version of Google’s latest OS, if not pure Android 4.0 altogether. Though without an NFC chip, we won’t be seeing Android Beam or Google Wallet hitting this device.

6. Camera Quality

I was actually pleasantly surprised with the LG Spectrum’s 8 megapixel 1080p capable camera. Though performance in low lighting for any smartphone camera is average at best, the Spectrum performed beautifully in medium to well lit situations. Pictures came out crisp and captured detail remarkably well. Videos came out good as well, though the auto-focus struggled a bit while taking video samples.

All in all, the camera on the Spectrum is one of the better cameras we’ve seen in an Android phone, and I’d argue you’ll be totally fine leaving the point and shoot at home if you’re going to be snapping a few photos in a reasonably well lit environment. Photo and video samples from the Spectrum can be found below.

7. Battery Life

The LG Spectrum is not the Droid RAZR Maxx; you won’t be able to get 24 or even 10 hours out of the device with moderate use. As with almost all LTE devices currently available, you’ll only be able to get through the standard 8.5-9 hour workday if you barely touch your device. The Spectrum fares about as well as the rest of the LTE devices, and I found it generally lasted about 7 hours before I was scrambling to find a charger.

As with most LTE devices, you’ll probably want to drop some money on an extended battery if you’re going to pick up the Spectrum. Fortunately, since the Spectrum runs a full $100 less on-contract than the top of the line devices, you’ll have some extra cash in your pocket to drop on an extended battery.

8. Call and Sound Quality

When placing phone calls, folks on the other end of the line were able to hear me perfectly well, and the sound on my end was pretty good, too. Speakerphone quality was also surprisingly good on the Spectrum. As for the speakers in general, the Spectrum provides pretty good sound output; movies and music played loud enough to hear them without having to stand or sit too close to the device.

9. Included Applications

Carriers are keen on loading extra applications on their devices, and Verizon is certainly as guilty as the rest. The Spectrum comes preloaded with several Verizon-branded applications, only a few of which proved useful. Of note, Verizon Video gives users access to a ton of video content, including live sporting events. I watched a bit of the Marquette at Notre Dame basketball game in HD quality — pretty handy for when you’re away from your TV or computer. You’ll also find access to several TV shows and other content.

Netflix HD and ESPN ScoreCenter HD come preloaded on the device to show off the HD capabilities of the IPS 720p display. I only tested out Netflix, but was really impressed with the video quality on the Spectrum’s screen. Consumers of video may want to take a hard and fast look at the Spectrum as a media consumption device.

As you’d expect, there are several other applications out there, some of which are arguably little more than free space takers on your device. If you were hoping you’d be able to uninstall these applications, you’re out of luck. They appear to be locked down by Big Red. The lack of ability to uninstall useless applications gives the Spectrum a half-point ding in this category.

10. Differentiating Factor

Customers who walk into Verizon’s store will be pitting the LG Spectrum against dozens of other Android devices out there. Even with the $199 price point, the Spectrum’s immediate competition will be the recently discounted Droid RAZR and HTC Rezound smartphones. Customers willing to spend a bit more will even consider the Galaxy Nexus and Droid RAZR Maxx devices against the Spectrum.

For the Spectrum to succeed, it will need to immediately catch the eye of the customer. Frankly, it is our opinion that the LG Spectrum does not do enough to differentiate itself from the competition in a good way. Several other devices have a 720p screen, feel better in the hands, or have an arguably better user interface than the Spectrum.

Final Thoughts

Verizon customers have a nearly infinite level of choice when it comes to which device is going to find its way into their pockets. Going up against the similarly priced Droid RAZR and HTC Rezound, the Spectrum fails to differentiate itself as the better choice, even more so when you consider the RAZR Maxx and Galaxy Nexus devices.

As always, the choice of which smartphone will be your next device is yours and yours alone, and we encourage you to spend some hands-on time with the device for yourself before making that decision; the Spectrum may very well be your preferred device in Verizon’s lineup, you just won’t likely find it in any of our hands.

Sorry about the fingerprints in the gallery below. I wiped the phone multiple times during the photo shoot, but this thing shows prints like no tomorrow, front and back!

T-Mobile has started spring cleaning a little early this year. TmoNews has unveiled a snapshot of T-Mobile’s inventory system which shows six Android powered phones which have been designated as “Nearing EOL.” The list features phones from LG and HTC which include the HTC myTouch 4G Slide, HTC Sensation 4G, HTC Amaze 4G, LG Doubleplay, [...]]]>

T-Mobile has started spring cleaning a little early this year. TmoNews has unveiled a snapshot of T-Mobile’s inventory system which shows six Android powered phones which have been designated as “Nearing EOL.” The list features phones from LG and HTC which include the HTC myTouch 4G Slide, HTC Sensation 4G, HTC Amaze 4G, LG Doubleplay, LG myTouch and the LG myTouch Q.

Since every carrier deals with their end-of-life devices in different ways, it’s hard to say exactly what this designation truly means. For all we know, T-Mobile has enough inventory in stock for all of these devices to keep orders flowing and store shelves stocked for months. We know that all phones eventually get phased out, but it’s truly surprising to see T-Mobile shifting its focus away from these six phones since most of them have only been on the market since last summer. To put that into perspective, Sprint has only recently retired the HTC EVO 4G which  hit the market more than 18 months ago.

The LG phones listed for retirements were not really anything special, but the HTC Sensation, myTouch 4G Slide and Amaze are still considered flagship phones on T-Mobile’s network. The hope is that T-Mobile will have new flagship devices ready to ship before their current supply of devices is completely depleted.

Do you think there’s a good chance we’ll see the HTC Ville or Edge show up in T-Mobile stores this spring?

It has been almost a year since LG set foot on stage at MWC, announcing the LG Optimus 3D (known as LG Thrill 4G in the US). This device was pretty exciting and revolutionary. Very few manufacturers have a glasses-free 3D option for their customers. Though an impressive device, most users expected [...]]]>

It has been almost a year since LG set foot on stage at MWC, announcing the LG Optimus 3D (known as LG Thrill 4G in the US). This device was pretty exciting and revolutionary. Very few manufacturers have a glasses-free 3D option for their customers. Though an impressive device, most users expected more from the Optimus 3D. It seems LG is trying to make things better with a successor this year which it will unveil at the 2012 MWC, rumored to be named the LG CX2.

The LG CX2 is not as beefed up as some of the smartphones we are expecting, but it might bring some good improvements if you do not need stunning specs. According to PocketNow’s sources, this device will feature a 1.2 GHz dual-core TI OMAP processor, a 4.3-inch WVGA NOVA display, an NFC chip, DLNA, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, and an HSPA+21 antenna.

This smartphone will also be a bit thinner, measuring just under a centimeter (LG Optimus 3D is under 1.2 cm). Adding the NOVA display will help improve the brightness of the display. PocketNow is reporting that there will be a difference in brightness between 2D and 3D modes, though.

We will have to wait and see what LG has in store for the CX2 once this device is officially unveiled next month. As for the rest, it is expected to be pretty much the same as the LG Optimus 3D. For now, feel free to chime in in the comments section. Do you think this device is enough of an upgrade, or will you be skipping it?

The Resident Evil game saga has made a huge impact on our generation. Among other classics, these zombie-killing games have been one of the most acclaimed, and one of the most popular ones is out today for Android – Resident Evil 4.

Don’t go rushing to the Android Market just yet, though. This treat is [...]]]>

The Resident Evil game saga has made a huge impact on our generation. Among other classics, these zombie-killing games have been one of the most acclaimed, and one of the most popular ones is out today for Android – Resident Evil 4.

Don’t go rushing to the Android Market just yet, though. This treat is not for everyone, as LG has exclusivity for a while. The sad part is that this is not only exclusive to LG users, but there are a couple more requirements one needs to fulfill to enjoy this game.

This Capcom hit will temporarily only be available for Korean users that own an LG 4G LTE U+ device. We are sure that 4G LTE is not a system requirement, though. Any device with the appropriate hardware should be able to run this game.

Resident Evil 4 runs for ₩5,500 (about $5), and is available today if you happen to fulfill all the requirements. We certainly hope that this game makes it to other devices, as well as other countries, as soon as possible. But for now, let’s just be jealous for a while and stick to our current games.

Will any of you be willing to spend $5 on this game? What other games are you still waiting for? I know I am still dreaming about playing Final Fantasy 7 on my Android devices.

If you were at all disappointed by the handsets shown at CES earlier this month, just wait until Mobile World Congress. Flagship devices will be on display from every major player on the market. Including LG, whose crown jewel for the first half of 2012 has just been leaked and detailed by PocketNow.

According to [...]]]>

If you were at all disappointed by the handsets shown at CES earlier this month, just wait until Mobile World Congress. Flagship devices will be on display from every major player on the market. Including LG, whose crown jewel for the first half of 2012 has just been leaked and detailed by PocketNow.

According to Evan Blass of PocketNow, the X3 will be LG’s next big device launch – and it certainly has the rumored specs to fit:

• Android 4.0
• Quad-core Tegra processor
• 4.7-inch 1280×720 display
• 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera
• 8 megapixel rear camera
• 16GB of expandable storage
• Bluetooth 4.0
• NFC
• 2,000mAh battery

The LG X3 is slated to come with HSPA+ 21, but don’t count an LTE model out just yet. An LTE version could very well be in the works for areas that can utilize the network.

While these specs blow any device currently available out of the water, they’re going to be commonplace at Mobile World Congress this year. The HTC Edge, or Supreme (or Endeavor), is also rumored to launch with a quad-core Tegra 3, and the Galaxy S III may just steal the show with whatever Samsung has in store.

As for when the LG X3 will be released, look for it to hit retail sometime in late spring or early summer.

This is total speculation, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see this device land a “G” in its name if it comes to the US and finds its way to T-Mobile. This would be the perfect handset for T-Mobile to base a G3X after. What do you think of the rumored specs on the X3?

After an under-performing 2011, Korean-based LG is trying to start the year by stepping up its game and introducing its first 4G LTE tablet – The Optimus Pad LTE.

The Optimus Pad LTE has an 8.9-inch True HD IPS display (1280x768p) and measures a mere 9.3 mm in thinness. It also weighs 497 grams, [...]]]>

After an under-performing 2011, Korean-based LG is trying to start the year by stepping up its game and introducing its first 4G LTE tablet – The Optimus Pad LTE.

The Optimus Pad LTE has an 8.9-inch True HD IPS display (1280x768p) and measures a mere 9.3 mm in thinness. It also weighs 497 grams, which would be 69 grams less than the super-light Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. Let’s take a deeper look at the specs to see what we have here:

LG Optimus Pad LTE

• Android 3.2 Honeycomb
• Qualcomm 1.5GHz Dual-Core / Dual Channel Processor
• 8.9-inch IPS True HD Display (1280x768p)
• 8 MP rear-facing camera / 2 MP front-facing camera
• 32 GB of internal storage (supports microSD cards of up to 32 GB)
• 6,800 mAh battery
• HDMI, DLNA compatible

Not bad, but we simply do not know how well it will hold up against the upcoming Tegra 3 tablets. These are also coming with affordable prices, making it harder not only for LG, but for every manufacturer to compete. Not to mention that this press release makes no mention of an update to Ice Cream Sandwich.

At this point in the game, tablets should not be released without at least the promise of an upcoming update to Android 4.0. Not all LG customers have been happy with updates (or lack thereof) on their phones and tablets, so this might be something to consider before purchasing the Optimus Pad.

The software version and price are our only concerns, though. If LG makes things right in those departments, this wouldn’t really be a bad tablet to consider, especially if you are a lover of 4G LTE speeds. The specs are pretty decent as well, and the thinness and weight make this device very attractive.

We do not yet know exact prices or release dates. The Optimus Pad LTE will be first launching in Korea, though, followed by the rest of the world soon afterwards.

What do you guys say? Would you go for this LTE tablet, or would you rather wait for a quad-core, Ice Cream Sandwich pad? Let us know what you think and hit the press release button for more details.

As we suspected, Google TV had a fairly strong presence at CES this year. LG, Sony and Vizio all showed off new products which run on the Honeycomb update of Google TV. At the LG booth, we got to spend some quality time playing around with LG’s 3D 55-inch Google TV which features support for [...]]]>

As we suspected, Google TV had a fairly strong presence at CES this year. LG, Sony and Vizio all showed off new products which run on the Honeycomb update of Google TV. At the LG booth, we got to spend some quality time playing around with LG’s 3D 55-inch Google TV which features support for the new LG Magic Remote QWERTY.

If you’re already familiar with Google TV, you may notice the the UI on LG’s television is a bit different. LG has taken the liberty to customize the home screen so that it matches the UI from their other smart TVs. The main screen features a library for your 3D content, your most recent applications, a panel for your TV settings and your bookmarked TV shows or websites. But things get pretty standard once you hit the application button and jump into the standard Google TV UI. The LG Google TV has access to the Android Market and all the applications which developers have made compatible with Google TV.

Gallery

What really makes the LG Google TV stand out from the competition is its compatibility with the LG Magic Remote QWERTY which features air-mouse (similar to the Wii) motion controls, a scroll wheel and a full QWERTY keyboard on the back for easy text input. The Magic Remote QWERTY isn’t the most elegant remote we’ve seen, but it allows users to use the LG Google TV without having to have a full keyboard as a permanent fixture on the coffee table. Pricing and availability details for the LG Google TV have not yet been released, but we’re hoping to see a few different models available for purchase by the middle of 2012.

Smartphones can now do pretty much anything you want, but what if you could have the power of Android mounted in the dashboard of your car? Yes, we’ve seen solutions from Parot and other OEMs which have Android-powered, in-dash, car audio systems, but none of them have been too impressive since no one has been [...]]]>

Smartphones can now do pretty much anything you want, but what if you could have the power of Android mounted in the dashboard of your car? Yes, we’ve seen solutions from Parot and other OEMs which have Android-powered, in-dash, car audio systems, but none of them have been too impressive since no one has been able to deliver a UI which is intuitive and simple enough for consumers to use. This year LG unveiled the new Chevy MyLink at CES which marries a Windows CE powered in-dash 7-inch (800 x 480) entertainment unit with your favorite smartphone. The LG made MyLink to be paired via Bluetooth with Android, iOS and BlackBerry devices and run apps which have been updated to work specifically with the in-dash unit.

For now, there are only two Android applications which are compatible with the MyLink but we should see quite a few more pop up once the unit is made available in Q1 on Chevy cars across the country. While LG is the manufacturer of the device, Chevy will have complete control over which applications are approved with MyLink since certain DOT regulations must be taken into account. LG does not yet know what Chevy will be charging for the MyLink, but we can’t imagine it will be cheap. The one thing that automotive manufacturers are really good at is charging consumers 3-5 times more for electronic add-ons than what the devices are actually worth. The Chevy MyLink may not be the true Android experience that many of us would like to see in our vehicles, but we’re excited to see a large company like LG offer up a product like this which can take advantage of the advanced funtionality found in our Android-powered phones.

In an attempt to seamlessly integrate their next generation Google TV software with top of the line hardware, Google may be looking for a TV manufacturer to partner up with. According to industry rumors, that partner just might be LG.

In the past, Google has only introduced their pure experience devices once the market becomes [...]]]>

In an attempt to seamlessly integrate their next generation Google TV software with top of the line hardware, Google may be looking for a TV manufacturer to partner up with. According to industry rumors, that partner just might be LG.

In the past, Google has only introduced their pure experience devices once the market becomes saturated with third-party UIs, and a pure Google device became necessary to show the latest in what they have to offer. They’ve done it with both phones and tablets, but until now, Google hasn’t had to do that with Google TV. That time may finally be here.

Google’s last update to Google TV turned out to be a mess. Logitech and Sony were faced with more obstacles than intended with the update, creating a less than desirable experience for consumers. This, plus the upcoming widespread adoption of Google TV (therefore third-party customizations), and rumors of an Apple manufactured TV, has lead Google to initiate a partnership with LG to bring a Pure Google Experience TV to market.

As the world’s third largest TV manufacturer, LG is a leader in bringing innovation and quality to TV sets across the globe. This CES, LG showed an interest in Google TV when they introduced a 55-inch CINEMA 3D equipped with Google software and Magic Remote capabilities. While there’s no word on the hardware LG would be supplying to Google, there’s a good chance it will involve 3D along with voice and movement integration.

Of course, this is all rumor and speculation for the time being, but it certainly makes sense. I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw the outcome of this partnership by Google I/O this summer.

Microsoft has added LG to its list of Android handset makers it makes money off of. Microsoft has inked a patent agreement deal with LG that will have LG pay Microsoft a small fee for every LG Android (and Chromebook) device sold.

Microsoft’s latest deal brings their total up to a massive 70% of Android [...]]]>

Microsoft has added LG to its list of Android handset makers it makes money off of. Microsoft has inked a patent agreement deal with LG that will have LG pay Microsoft a small fee for every LG Android (and Chromebook) device sold.

Microsoft’s latest deal brings their total up to a massive 70% of Android devices covered under Microsoft’s patent portfolio. Microsoft earns significant amounts of money off Android device sales; it was discovered back in August that Microsoft makes more money with Android than with its own Windows Phone 7 platform, which has struggled to gain any traction in the smartphone market.

With Android sales making up nearly 50% of the US smartphone market, Microsoft is making a ton of money off Android and is certainly looking at ways to capitalize on their patent portfolio. (Could Motorola be next in line?) While we hate to see a rival company making money off Google’s platform, we can only hope that money is going into making Windows Phone 7 more relevant. Though, the odds of Windows Phone 7 gaining a following in the US (or elsewhere, for that matter) is mighty slim.