LG Optimus V - Virgin Mobile's Version of the LG Optimus!

LG Optimus V - Virgin Mobile's Version of the LG Optimus!
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LG is releasing various versions of the LG Optimus across all the carriers in the U.S. Very similar to how Samsung released various versions of the Samsung Galaxy S across the major carriers in the U.S. Looking at the naming convention, following with the LG Optimus S, T and M, one would assume the LG Optimus V is for Verizon, but the LG Optimus V is the Optimus version exclusively for Virgin Mobile. Verizon’s exclusive version actually avoids the name entirely and has gone with the name LG Vortex.

LG Optimus V Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 4.46 x 2.32 x 0.52 inches (113 x 59 x 13.2 mm)
  • Weight: 4.48 oz (127 g)
  • Display: 3.2 inch LCD Color TFT capacitive touchscreen display, 320 x 480 pixels
  • Memory: 150 MB + Expandable microSD up to 32 GB
  • OS: Android OS 2.2
  • Processor: 600 MHz Qualcomm MSM7627
  • Camera: 3.2 megapixel camera with VGA video recording
  • Connectivity: CDMA Dual Band (800/1900 Mhz)
  • Data: 1xEV-DO rev.A
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 2.1
  • GPS: GPS with A-GPS
  • Battery: Li-Ion 1500 mAh

Design and Display (4 out of 5)

LG Optimus V Review

The LG Optimus V is the spitting image of the LG Optimus S and LG Optimus U. The biggest difference is that the LG Optimus V is pure black, no silver lining or color on the LG Optimus V’s casing. Covering the front of the LG Optimus V is a 3.2 inch LCD capacitive touchscreen display. Below are the now familiar Android shortcuts, menu, home, back and search, similar to the Optimus U. To the left is the microSD slot, and opposite, on the right, exists the volume rocker, voice dial and the dedicated camera button. On the bottom is the microUSB and up top the 3.5 mm headphone jack and power / lock button. Flip the phone over and on the back is the 3.2 megapixel camera.

Overall, the LG Optimus V is the equivalent of the LG Optimus S and Optimus U. Placing all three side by side, the only big differences would be the colors of the cases.

Hardware and Software (3 out of 5)

Like the other Optimus series brothers, the LG Optimus V isn’t intended to be the most powerful smartphone on the market. Instead, it’s set to compete with the lower end smartphones such as the Samsung Transform or the Motorola Charm. Like its brethren on the other networks, the 600 MHz Qualcomm processor does cause some lag, but it is bearable.

The LG Optimus V also comes preloaded with Android 2.2, but without the Flash playing capabilities. The Android build is pretty much the standard stock build. Nothing too different from the other Optimus line up phones. Once again, Android 2.2 is a welcome addition, considering many higher end smartphones are coming with Android 2.2.

User Interface (3 out of 5)

The LG Optimus V, like its brethren, has the same standard Android interface. The interface is easy to pick up and learn for new users who want to try a touchscreen smartphone. Touch controls and gestures are what control the Android interface, so people of all ages can easily start using the LG Optimus V with no problem. Like the Optimus U, there is a slight bit of lag but it doesn’t mess too much with the user interface. The LG Optimus V also comes with Swype, allowing you to text, or e-mail with one finger.

Features (3 out of 5)

The LG Optimus V, like all other Android powered smartphones, comes with Android Market.

LG Optimus V Review

This means that it has access to thousands upon thousands of different applications. Though the LG Optimus V does only come with a 600 MHz processor, it is still powerful enough to run most applications and games. One thing to remember is that the LG Optimus V does not have Flash support even though it is Android 2.2. That is a limitation caused by the hardware.

While the LG Optimus U supports hotspot capability, the LG Optimus V does not. It does have access to the 3G network through EV-DO Rev., however, unlike its brethren, does not have the capability to share that network. It’s a bit of a disappointment, but for a cheap, entry level smartphone, it’s to be expected. The fact that the other LG Optimus phones have that capability is more of a surprise than the norm, but the fact that the LG Optimus V has that capability taken out is still a sad fact.

The LG Optimus V packs a 3.2 megapixel camera, with no LED flash. It’s not the most capable of cameras on a smartphone, but for a cheap smartphone like the Optimus V, the camera does its job. It won’t be a digital camera replacement by any means, but if you’re in a tight situation and need a camera on the spot, the LG Optimus V does the job. It also does video recording in VGA, QVGA, or QCIF, no HD recording on this cheap smartphone.

The Final Verdict (3 out of 5)

The LG Optimus V, like the rest of its brethren is a cheap but solid smartphone for entry level users. Coming in at a $149.99 price tag on Virgin Mobile with no contract, it’s a competitively priced smartphone. For people using Virgin Mobile, the LG Optimus V is a refreshing and solid choice to try. It’s a great entry level smartphone and gives people a great first look into Android. With the cheap, competitive price, as well as the nice, slim design and Android 2.2, which will be upgradeable to Android 2.3 (according to LG), the LG Optimus V ranks in as a solid ‘Average’ smartphone.

References

This post is part of the series: LG Optimus Series Review

A series of reviews on the LG Optimus Series of smartphones from Korean manufacturer, LG. Though not quite as popular as Samsung, LG has been pumping out sleeker and newer smartphones with the Optimus brand.

  1. LG Optimus S Review
  2. LG Optimus T Reviewed
  3. LG Optimus U Reviewed
  4. LG Optimus M Reviewed
  5. LG Optimus V Review