LG Spectrum LTE Smartphone Review


Introduction & Specifications

LG and Verizon Wireless have brought the same display technology used in LG's premium HD televisions to a new smartphone dubbed the Spectrum. Featuring a 4.5-inch True HD IPS display and a resolution of 1280x720, the LG Spectrum uses Real Stripe subpixel arrangement which LG says is denser and 1.4 times sharper than the PenTile subpixel arrangement used on Super AMOLED displays.  The phone's display features a screen density of 329 pixels per inch to provide a sharp, crisp picture that shows fine details.

The LG Spectrum features a Qualcomm 1.5GHz dual-core Snapdragon S3 processor and connects to Verizon Wireless' 4G LTE network. The phone also supports 4G mobile hotspot capabilities for up to ten devices, provided you pay for the option to use this feature.

The Spectrum currently runs on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), though Verizon Wireless has said this phone will be receiving an update to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). This update is expected to be available in the first half of 2012.

For sports fans, the Spectrum also provides exclusive HD access to the ESPN ScoreCenter application. This app provides ScoreCenter stats, images and videos in 720p HD quality. You can also access scoreboards and live game details such as in-game stats, news, and video from the application.

Furthering its multimedia capabilities, the Spectrum also supports Dolby Digital Plus which lets you stream up to 7.1 channels of surround sound through home entertainment systems. You'll also find SmartShare on the phone for sharing media wirelessly to DLNA-enabled devices.

The Spectrum by LG is currently available for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement. Read on as we take a full hands-on look at what this phone has to offer.

Spectrum by LG
Specifications & Features
Network
Verizon Wireless
Bands/Modes
1.9 GHz CDMA PCS, 800 MHz CDMA, 700 MHz LTE
OS
Android 2.3, upgradable to Android 4.0 at some point in the future
Display
4.5-inch True HD IPS touchscreen, 1280 x 720
Corning Gorilla Glass

Processor
1.5 GHz Dual-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon S3
Memory
1GB RAM internal memory
4GB internal memory
16GB microSD card pre-installed
Talk and Standby Time
Usage Time: up to 498 minutes
Standby Time: up to 348 hours

Dimensions
5.33 x 2.71 x 0.42 inches (HxWxD)
Weight
4.99 ounces
Battery
1830 mAh
Connectivity
 Bluetooth Version 3.0, 802.11b/g/n, Wi–Fi Direct, 4G Mobile Hotspot, microUSB, S-GPS, 3.5mm headset jack
Camera
8 Megapixel Rear-Facing Autofocus Camera and Camcorder with LED Flash
 1.3 Megapixel Front-Facing Camera
Price
$199.99 with contract and discounts
 

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