LG VX9800 Review

Reasonably-sized when closed, the LG VX9800 measures 116 x 50 x 25 mm, larger and thicker than most standard phones to fit the QWERTY keypad. Weighing 147 g, the VX9800 is a bit heavier as well.

While closed, the front panel features a bright 65K-color screen, capable of displaying vivid photos and videos conveniently. A fully-functional phone with a 5-way navigational keypad, users never have to open the VX9800 to access features and functionality. Additionally, its numeric keypad can be used for T9 predictive text messaging.

On the back, the lens to the 1.3-megapixel camera is positioned to capture lasting memories. Nearby a built-in flash can be triggered to ensure those recollections show up bright and clear even in low-light conditions.

Triggered by the Camera Key situated on the left side, additional quick keys provide convenient shortcuts through controlling ringtone and speaker volumes during standby and calling modes. Meanwhile, a miniSD expansion card slot and 2.5mm headphone jack are positioned on the right side. A charger port is located on the bottom.

Similar to the F9100, the VX9800's QWERTY keypad is hidden beneath to minimize size. However instead of a sliding mechanism, the VX9800 uses a more conventional horizontal clamshell design. Opening the VX9800 reveals its state-of-the-art 262K-color screen, able to display graphics at an enormous 320 x 256 px in size. Dual external speakers line both sides of the screen, providing rich and full sounds such as when watching videos the Verizon's VCAST service.

LG VX8700 Review

Flipping the phone open reveals a flat, brushed metal keypad that continues the design of the exterior of the phone. The mirror-like surface of the interior display, when the backlight turns off, continues the theme of the external display. The keypad is strikingly similar to Motorola's early RAZR models.

The large size of the keys can be an attractive feature of the keypad or a problematic one, depending on whether users dial by touch without looking at the keys. The conventional push-button keypad is completely flat and allows for faster dialing because users' fingers can glide across it with ease.

The VX8700 features a one-touch speakerphone, and Verizon Wireless' Get It Now music and ringtones can be accessed with the arrow keys. Arrow keys can also be used to pull up VCAST video and personal photo and videos, and to access Mobile Web 2.0 and the calendar.

A one-touch button on the lower right side of the VX8700 is also a faster way to bring up the camera, camcorder and saved media. Volume controls can also be adjusted easily with the two small buttons on the top left side of the phone, and settings include vibrate and alarm only as well as different sound levels.

The small speaker is located at the top of the phone, yet the highest volume level on the VX8700 was not very loud. The handheld comes with 13 ringtones as well as vibrate and silent modes, and quick access to Verizon Wireless' Get it Now music and tones to customize the phone's ringtone.

LG VX8600 Review

The lower half of the VX8600's exterior sports three touch-sensitive music control buttons - play/pause and track forward and back buttons - which can be activated to a glowing red by pressing the music control button on the device's right side panel. Once the red backlighting is off, the controls disappear from the face of the handheld.

Above the music controls is a large 128 x 160 px 65K-color TFT LCD screen that displays caller ID, time, battery life and music tracks if the music player is on. The external LCD screen can also be used as a camera viewfinder for self-portraits. Directly above the screen is the 1.3-megapixel camera and camcorder lens. A small external speaker for music features is located near the bottom rim of the VX8600.

The bottom half of the clamshell houses the internal antenna and 800 mAh Li-Ion battery with up to 3 hours and 40 minutes of talk time and up to 16 days and 14 hours of standby time. A carrying hole on the top of the bottom half allows a hand strap or other cell phone bauble to be attached.

A thin volume control button on the top left side of the VX8600 offers five volume settings in addition to a choice between vibrate and alarm only options. Just below the volume control is a charging port and headset adapter port. The top right side of the phone also has two thin control buttons: One button for activating the music player, voice command and speakerphone and another button for controlling the camera and camcorder features. Just below that is a slot for a microSD memory card, which is sold separately.

LG VX8300 Review

While sleek and stylish, the 91 x 48 x 25 mm VX8300 weighs 111 g, hardly razor-thin. But fans of the VX8100 will welcome the VX8300's similar layout. The front panel embeds a 65K-color external screen, capable of displaying frequently accessed information at 96 x 96 px.

Above the screen, a lens and flash to the 1.3-megapixel camera allow users to snap high-resolution printable photos at 1280 x 960 px. Positioned on the lower half, dedicated music keys give convenient access to Rewind, Play/Pause, and Forward functions when listening to tracks.

The left and right edges have handy buttons for shortcuts to frequently accessed features. Along the left, Volume Keys adjust the ring and voice volumes during standby and calls, while a Voice Commands Key records and playbacks memos doubling as the activation to the speaker-independent voice recognition system. On the right, a Camera Key lies above a microSD expansion card slot, providing removable storage for memory-intense multimedia applications such as photos, videos, and music.

A headset jack located on the top gives users private listening and handsfree access. While twin speakers on both ends of the hinge blast stereo sound for an exceptional open-air listening experience.

LG VX8100 Review

Closed, the VX8100's external 65K Color TFT screen displays 7 lines of information, including date, time, battery level, signal strength, and a small wallpaper. Additionally, incoming calls are shown for convenience.

Above the LCD, the lens to the 1.3-megapixel camera is positioned to capture lasting memories; activated with the press of the Camera Key along the right side. While a built-in flash can be triggered to ensure those recollections show up bright and clear even in low-light conditions.

Navigation and shortcut keys provide convenient access without opening the VX8100. Below the external screen, Left, Right, and Select buttons allow consumers to Rewind, Fast Forward, and Play / Stop when listening to the built-in MP3 player.

On the left side, up and down keys adjust the ring and voice volumes during standby and calls, and doubling as scroll buttons through months in the Calendar or pages in the MiniBrowser. Pressing the dedicated Voice Dial Key below records and playbacks memos; even activating the speaker-independent voice recognition system.

Since the VX8100 is a video phone, an ample amount of storage is needed to stream and store large files. And should users find themselves out of internal memory, an expansion slot along the right side accepts miniSD cards.

LG VX8000 Review

A camera lens and flash are situated above providing high resolution photos at 1280 x 960 px in size. While a rotating Camera Key around the lens offers quick camera function control between Portrait and Macro Modes. Left, Right, and Select keys are located below the screen, providing convenient access to shortcuts such as Rewind, Fast Forward, and Play / Stop when listening to the built-in MP3 player. And dual speakers ports located underneath allow for stereo sound.

Turned around, the back includes a capped external antenna port on the upper left, for those times when the extendable antenna may not be enough.

Flipped opened, the LG VX8000 features an impressive 176 x 220 px internal monitor, also able to display 262K colors. The 5-way keypad provides navigation through the menu, flanked by Send, End / Power, Clear, Camera, and Left and Right soft keys. Standard numeric keys provide trouble-free messaging, utilizing T9 predictive text.

Side Keys used to adjust the ringer volume in standby and earpiece volume during a call are located on the left side. Additionally, a dedicated Voice Dial Key and 2.5 mm headset jack are positioned there. Meanwhile, for those impromptu moments, a side key along the right quickly enables Camera Mode at the press of a button. Outlets for attaching the charger and accessories are located on the bottom.

Out of the box, the LG VX8000 comes with a standard 1100 mAh Li-Polymer battery, AC adapter, stereo headset, Quick Start CD, and user manual.

LG VX7000 Review

Throughout the review many comparisons will be made with the VX6000. The VX6000 was the foundation that the VX7000 was built on. Therefore, many features will be similar, while others will have been upgraded.

Although the VX7000 is plastic, the build quality of the VX7000 is significantly better than the VX6000. Small details have been improved upon resulting in more stable operation, and more solid open and close construction.

The front of the VX7000 features an external screen. With 4096 colors, the 96 x 96 px STN display shows common information such as battery life, date, time, and network status. However, located directly above the external screen lies the built-in camera flash. When the VX7000 is flipped open, the flash is pointed at the subject, allows users to take pictures in low light conditions.

LG VX6100 Review

With the VX6100 closed, the front panel features an grayscale external display for quick access to caller ID, time, network status, battery charge, and other useful information. Directly above lies the lens for the built-in CMOS VGA digital camera, able to capture photos at up to 640 x 480 px. A handy feature is the addition of a cover to protect the camera lens. By sliding it down, users can easily activate the camera mode for quick shots.

New to the VX6100 not found on the VX6000 is a flash located next to the lens. Many phones nowadays include digital cameras, but not flashes. For impromptu night shots, these camera phones are unable to low-light shots due to underexposure. By providing an attached flash, the VX6100 becomes is able to provide day and night coverage for those unexpected moments.

When flipped open, an internal 128 x 160 px 262K TFT screen becomes visible, capable of displaying up to 7 lines of text. Additionally, a blue backlit numeric keypad and 5-way directional keys are used to navigate through the VX6100's menu structure.

The sides of the VX6100 contain several functions as well. The left side contains a headset jack, while side keys are used to adjust the ringer volume in standby mode and earpiece volume during calls. A voice command key is also conveniently placed allowing users quick access to voice commands. The right side contains the side camera key for quick access to camera functions.

LG VX6000 Review

CDMA varies with GSM and TDMA fundamentally based on how voice is transmitted through the airwaves. The inherent technical properties of CDMA makes voice quality more resistant to interference and noise. That results in cleaner and clearer voices.

The VX6000 voice quality is much better than GSM phones. It has to do more with the technology and service rather than to phone itself. But regardless, superior nonetheless.

So if CDMA is the better technology why didn't it take off? Well, simply put, because the rest of the world already had already settled on a standard. GSM's appeal was its ability to store customer information on a SIM card. So swapping phones was effortless. With Europe and Asia firmly embracing GSM, CDMA came too late and was always the minority. So the VX6000 is not compatible when outside the Verizon network. To many this may not be what they are looking for. If a world phone is needed, then GSM is the way to go.

From a hardware perspective, the VX6000 is stunning. With color internal and external screens, the VX6000 is sure to be a hit. As for ring tones, the phone is CMX 3.0 compliant. Midi files can to be converted to 16 bit mono wav and used for ring tones. As opposed to midis which is like storing a sheet music of notes to play. By using wav files, VX6000 has the ability to not only play music, but use voices, or real music from CDs.

LG VX5300 Review

The look of this sleek LG phone doesn't waver much from its VX5200 predecessor. Headset jack, command keys for volume control and voice recording are positioned on the phone's left side, opposite from the camera control key. The phone charges from a port on the bottom side of the handset.

The top front of the silver-toned clamshell reveals the built-in VGA camera with flash that can take photos up to 640 x 480 px. Beneath the camera is a 65K-color OLED LCD screen that provides the usual functions of an external screen while also standing in as the camera's view finder when the phone's self-portrait mode is activated. The phone's speaker is also located on its top exterior.

The smooth numeric keypad is paired alongside a circular control button that gives access to the phone's calendar, Verizon's mobile Web, Get It Now and Get PIX services. The 23-key keypad is easy-to-read and accentuated by a calming blue back light. At the center of it all is the convenient, one-touch speakerphone button.

The phone weighs 3.28 ounces - almost an ounce lighter than the VX5200 - and measures in at 3.5" x 1.9" x 0.9". While the VX5300 is a lightweight, its 1.0-inch antenna can make the VX5300 feel awkward when carried in a pocket. Moreover, there are no carrying holes on this phone for the user to attach a hand strap or other such device.

LG Fusic Review

On the front panel, a color external screen allows users to glance at frequented information and control the MP3 player through the external navigational pad below. Up / Down, Rewind, Play / Pause, and Fast Forward Keys let music listeners conveniently control tracks without having to open the phone. Slightly awkward in design, the directional keys don't actually depress like the middle key, causing overly-touchy actions that cause frequent mis-presses and scrolling

The external speaker port is located on the bottom right corner. When the Fusic is flipped open to watch streaming videos, the speaker points in the opposite direction of the internal screen, blasting sound away from the watcher. Rather ineffectively placed, consumers will unfortunately need headphones to clearly hear audio from streaming videos.

Turned around, the lens to the 1.3-megapixel camera captures photos up to 1280 x 960 px in resolution. A built-in flash nearby ensures consumers can get shots in low light conditions.

The left and right edges integrate convenient keys for shortcuts. The left contains a microSD expansion card port, Volume Keys to adjust the ring and voice volumes during standby and calls, and a Voice Services Key to let users dial contacts or record voice memos. On the right, a Camera Key lies below a 2.5mm Headset Jack for handsfree communication or private music listening. The Charger and Accessory Jacks are located on the bottom side.

LG F9200 Review

Resembling its predecessors, the LG F9100 and F7200, the new F9200 offers a more casual and relaxed design, offering rounded corners and angles rather than strict lines and edges. Measuring 110 x 50 x 25 mm and weighing 134 g, the F9200 is also slightly larger and heavier than the former models, leaning towards the bulky side, but neither abnormally large nor small by mobile standards. Part of the dilemma facing manufacturers is creating a typing device small enough to be easily carried around, yet large enough to type on comfortably. For most consumers, the F9200 should accomplish both.

The all-gray exterior is highlighted with a standard 65K-color LCD, displaying frequently-accessed information such as time, battery strength, and reception status. Below, a 5-Way Keypad is flanked by Send, Clear, End, and Left and Right Soft Keys for quick and convenient access.

Side Keys along the left control the ringtone and speaker volume during standby and calls. On the right, an ear microphone jack allows users to talk through a handsfree headset, while a dedicated Camera Key activates the VGA (0.3-megapixel) camera lens positioned on the back, capable of capturing photos up to 640 x 480 px in size. The Charger Port is located on the bottom.

LG F9100 Review

Quick keys along the left side control ringtone and speaker volumes during standby and calling modes, while a 2.5 mm headset jack is located on the right side. A port along the bottom of the F910 is used for charging.

Hidden beneath the cover, a full QWERTY keyboard slides out on twin rails from the right; turning the F9100 90-degrees from a vertical to horizontal view.

The two mysterious keys located to the right of the screen suddenly become apparent; being the soft keys when in messaging mode. The keyboard layout is more spacious than other QWERTY phones; allowing more comfortable and quicker typing with a more tactile feel and touch.

Out of the box, the LG F9100 comes with a 1030 mAh Li-Ion battery, AC charger, and user manual.

LG F7200 Review

Positioned on the front, the F7200's 65K-color 128 x 160 px LCD displays phone status icons, menu items, Web information, pictures and more. Below, a 5-Way Navigation Key is flanked by Send, Clear, End, and Left and Right Soft Keys for quick and convenient access opened or closed. The Speakerphone grill can be found nearby as well.

Side Keys along the left adjust ringtone and speaker volume during standby and calls, while a dedicated Push-to-Talk Key triggers off-network calls. On the right, handsfree access is activated with the Speakerphone Key or by attaching headphones through the earphone jack. The Charger Port is located on the bottom.

With the push of a thumb, a spring-loaded mechanism moves into action, sliding the front half upwards revealing the numeric keypad. Pushing the microphone towards mouth-level, the F7200 opens ready for talking.

Out of the box, the LG F7200 comes with a standard 960 mAh Li-Ion Battery, AC Travel Charger, and User Manual.

LG CU320 Review

Measuring 97 x 48 x 24 mm and weighing 122 g, the CU320 is also slightly larger and heavier than most devices on the market, offering more bulk to carry around. But then again, the CU320 was designed for a different type of user, those who value functionality over form.

Displaying a brilliant 2-inch LCD, users can view essential information such as network status, time, and battery levels in 262K-colors, also providing indications for incoming calls and messages alerts.

Above, a built-in 1.3-megapixel camera captures photos from front to back, rotating about a 180-degree vertical range. Snapping images with the viewfinder pointed in the same or opposite direction of the lens, awkward angles, self-portraits, or group shots are as simple as turning the lens.

Surrounded by Send, End / Power, Clear, and Left and Right shortcut keys, the 5-way directional keypad also doubles as quick keys to open messages or launch the WAP browser (when held down).

On the left, side keys to control the ringtone and speaker volumes during standby and calls are nearby a TransFlash expansion slot, able to accept cards up to 512 MB in size. Above a headset jack offers handsfree access with optional headphones. On the right, a dedicated Camera Key activates the lens, while a Task Menu Key quickly accesses saved or managed errands. Sliding open to reveal the numeric keypad, the CU320 offers comfortable text messaging or chatting aided by T9 predictive text.

Out of the box, the LG CU320 comes with a standard 1000 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Travel Charger, Quick Start Guide, and User Manual.

LG enV Review

With the enclosed keyboard, the phone cannot and does not attempt to compete with the latest ultra-slim devices floating around on the market. Nevertheless, at 118 x 53 x 20 mm and 130 grams, the phone is far from bulky. Its dimensions and weight fit nicely into the hand, whether the unit is being held vertically (phone) or horizontally (camera, keyboard).

The front of the closed device contains all the features of a standard block-type cell phone. With a two-tone black and silver front plate, the phone looks both interesting and professional. The small external screen is located close to the top, and is large enough to handle the usual call-related display necessities. Beneath the screen, the power and navigation keys arrange themselves in the usual fashion. The number keys fit neatly into the bottom third of the phone in the form of slender rectangles, an arrangement that makes for easy dialing. The bottom edge contains the power port, while the microSD slot and headphone jack dwell along the right edge. With its relatively small size and compact, two-tone design, the "phone" makes for a nice device by itself, regardless of the other technologies rolled into the enV.

The "back" of the phone is really the digital camera. Turned sideways, the phone becomes the "back" of the digital camera, so that the phone screen becomes the camera viewing window. The camera face itself is mostly silver, with a large circular black-colored lens area. The battery slides in to the right of the camera lens, taking up about two-thirds of the camera's "face." Still, the battery is not so intrusive that it detracts from the look of the camera. All in all, the "camera" side of the phone looks much more like an actual digital camera than that of the average cameraphone, which is usually no more than a circular afterthought on the frontplate.

LG Chocolate Review

Volume and Voice Command Keys and the Charger Port are positioned on the left side, while the Camera and Power On / Off Keys are located on the right with the Music Key and microSD expansion card slot nearby.

Slid open, the numeric keypad is revealed along with the 1.3-megapixel camera lens on the back. Able to snap photos up to 1280 x 960 px, positioning the lens on the top half of the slide protects the lens when the Chocolate is closed. On the bottom half, carrying holes allow users to attach a hand strap.

LG's attention to aesthetics is truly amazing. When closed, the Chocolate's 'hidden' display and touchpad are virtually invisible. The minimalist design is brought to life with one push of the thumb, suddenly illuminating the brilliant LCD and touchpad with a glowing red hue, sure to turn heads in a crowded area. Seeing nothing like this on handhelds in the past, the Chocolate's innovative style and unorthodox design elements are sure to be popular.

Out of the box, the LG Chocolate comes with a Standard 800 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Travel Charger, Headset Adapter, and User Manual.

LG CG225 Review

Measuring 85 x 48 x 23 mm, the CG225 is moderately sized and most users will find it fits well in the hand or pocket and won't weigh users down, as it tips the scales at just 93 grams.

The front of the CG225 features its external LCD which provides the time as well as caller ID, battery, signal, and ringer status. While small and monochrome, the display remains active and is clear even in bright or dark conditions (with the backlight). The phone's 0.3-megapixel camera lens is surrounded by a chrome ring and located in the top center of the camera, above the LCD.

Volume buttons are located along the left side of the phone for easy in-call adjustment. The headset port is above the volume buttons and will accept a standard headset jack. Positioned on the right side of the phone is a dedicated camera button.

The connector for the charger and data cable is located on the bottom of the phone. Covering the output, the rubber plug unfortunately doesn't remain connected to the handset, so it may be easily misplaced. By sliding off the back cover, users can gain access to the battery and SIM card.

Opening the clamshell reveals the CG225's undersized internal LCD screen. Just 128 x 128 px, the display is bright but offers little contrast and appears washed out. Below the screen, the CG225's 5-Way directional keypad and sufficiently large numeric buttons provide relative ease of navigation.