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Verizon News TECH TIME REVIEW: LG Spectrum is company’s best smartphone offering yet WITH VIDEO
Verizon News TECH TIME REVIEW: LG Spectrum is company’s best smartphone offering yet WITH VIDEO
TECH TIME REVIEW: LG Spectrum is company’s best smartphone offering yet WITH VIDEO
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A new year brings an avalanche of new smartphones. Among the early offerings from Verizon Wireless is the LG Spectrum, a phone with some impressive specs that should provide competition to the heavyweight phones on the market, even in a crowded market.
LG isn’t the most well-known brand in the smartphone game, but with the Spectrum, they arguably have their best product yet and are becoming more of a player that people should take seriously.
I recently took the Spectrum for a test run, and I’ll let you know how it compares to the competition.
LOOKS
The LG Spectrum boasts a large screen – 4.5 inches to be exact. This is the new norm in cell phones, and makes for bigger areas to view videos and movies and to play games. There are some people who don’t want a phone this big, especially those with smaller hands, and they’ll likely avoid the Spectrum and similar sized phones.
The materials used on the Spectrum are very high quality, as it comes with what feels like a built-in case. That means that a drop here and there will likely not cause any major damage. The screen is secure too, as it is protected by Gorilla Glass.
Exact specs are 5.33” x 2.71” 0.41”, and the weight is 4.99 oz.
SCREEN
The 1280x720p high-def touchscreen is very responsive, and everything comes through bright and clear. It’s not the absolute best resolution on the market, but it’s right near the top. Continued...
LG isn’t the most well-known brand in the smartphone game, but with the Spectrum, they arguably have their best product yet and are becoming more of a player that people should take seriously.
I recently took the Spectrum for a test run, and I’ll let you know how it compares to the competition.
LOOKS
The LG Spectrum boasts a large screen – 4.5 inches to be exact. This is the new norm in cell phones, and makes for bigger areas to view videos and movies and to play games. There are some people who don’t want a phone this big, especially those with smaller hands, and they’ll likely avoid the Spectrum and similar sized phones.
The materials used on the Spectrum are very high quality, as it comes with what feels like a built-in case. That means that a drop here and there will likely not cause any major damage. The screen is secure too, as it is protected by Gorilla Glass.
Exact specs are 5.33” x 2.71” 0.41”, and the weight is 4.99 oz.
SCREEN
The 1280x720p high-def touchscreen is very responsive, and everything comes through bright and clear. It’s not the absolute best resolution on the market, but it’s right near the top. Continued...
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4G NETWORK, PROCESSOR
The LG Spectrum uses Verizon’s 4G network, which offers superfast downloads and uploads. Combine that with the speedy 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, and the result is you’ve got one of the fastest phones on the market and won’t have any issue with multitasking. Whatever you want to do, it will get done very fast on this machine.
Web browsing, one of the most common uses of a smartphone, is extremely quick and easy on the Spectrum.
CAMERAS
With many people relying on their phones to take photos these days, this is a key area on new smartphones. And LG has done well here, as the camera specs measure up to the best of the competition. You get an 8 megapixel camera in the rear (with flash and autofocus) and a 1.3 MP in front for video chat. There is also 1080p HD video recording. I was very impressed with the overall quality of pictures and video I took with the Spectrum.
Also, the Smart Movie HD app allows you to edit videos right on your phone, and even add music to them.
OPERATING SYSTEM, USER INTERFACE
The phone runs the Android 2.3 operating system, but an Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade is likely in the near future. You’ll get the usual boatload of Google integration, plus Android Market and its hundreds of thousands of apps.
There are seven customizable home screens, allowing you to add plenty of shortcuts to your favorite apps and widgets.
LG’s user interface can be clunky at times, such as the odd way it sorts your apps, but that won’t be a major concern for most people once they figure it out. Continued...
The LG Spectrum uses Verizon’s 4G network, which offers superfast downloads and uploads. Combine that with the speedy 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, and the result is you’ve got one of the fastest phones on the market and won’t have any issue with multitasking. Whatever you want to do, it will get done very fast on this machine.
Web browsing, one of the most common uses of a smartphone, is extremely quick and easy on the Spectrum.
CAMERAS
With many people relying on their phones to take photos these days, this is a key area on new smartphones. And LG has done well here, as the camera specs measure up to the best of the competition. You get an 8 megapixel camera in the rear (with flash and autofocus) and a 1.3 MP in front for video chat. There is also 1080p HD video recording. I was very impressed with the overall quality of pictures and video I took with the Spectrum.
Also, the Smart Movie HD app allows you to edit videos right on your phone, and even add music to them.
OPERATING SYSTEM, USER INTERFACE
The phone runs the Android 2.3 operating system, but an Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade is likely in the near future. You’ll get the usual boatload of Google integration, plus Android Market and its hundreds of thousands of apps.
There are seven customizable home screens, allowing you to add plenty of shortcuts to your favorite apps and widgets.
LG’s user interface can be clunky at times, such as the odd way it sorts your apps, but that won’t be a major concern for most people once they figure it out. Continued...
MESSAGING, VOICE CALLS
All the usual messaging options (text, photo, video, IM) are offered, and I had not issues with dropped calls or interference when using the phone for voice calls.
Group Messaging allows you to send a message to a group of contacts, who can then see and reply to the group
The keyboard is amply sized, and you can use the Swype method for faster messaging.
You can use voice commands and voice–activated dialing, and a text to speech feature converts on–screen messages and contact info into an audio format
The phone is Bluetooth capable, and you can save Up to 100 Bluetooth Pairings (though I’m pretty sure nobody in the world has 100 Bluetooth devices).
BATTERY
Battery life was solid for a 4G phone, but it’s not the best on Verizon in that area (that would be the Droid RAZR Maxx). Still, it’s better than most of the competition, both on and off Verizon. Battery-sucking apps like Pandora and Google Music lasted longer than I expected.
MEMORY
If you need storage space, you’re in good shape with the Spectrum. You get 4GB of internal memory, plus a 16GB microSD card is preinstalled. Continued...
All the usual messaging options (text, photo, video, IM) are offered, and I had not issues with dropped calls or interference when using the phone for voice calls.
Group Messaging allows you to send a message to a group of contacts, who can then see and reply to the group
The keyboard is amply sized, and you can use the Swype method for faster messaging.
You can use voice commands and voice–activated dialing, and a text to speech feature converts on–screen messages and contact info into an audio format
The phone is Bluetooth capable, and you can save Up to 100 Bluetooth Pairings (though I’m pretty sure nobody in the world has 100 Bluetooth devices).
BATTERY
Battery life was solid for a 4G phone, but it’s not the best on Verizon in that area (that would be the Droid RAZR Maxx). Still, it’s better than most of the competition, both on and off Verizon. Battery-sucking apps like Pandora and Google Music lasted longer than I expected.
MEMORY
If you need storage space, you’re in good shape with the Spectrum. You get 4GB of internal memory, plus a 16GB microSD card is preinstalled. Continued...
OTHER
The phone features several preloaded entertainment apps, including Netflix, Verizon Video, and ESPN ScoreCenter.
For an extra monthly fee, the Spectrum can serve as a 4G Mobile Hotspot that shares its 4G connection with up to 10 wireless devices.
COST
The LG Spectrum will cost you $199.99 out of pocket with a 2-year contract, which is as much as $100 less than some of its competition. And of course, as with any smartphone, a data plan is required.
BOTTOM LINE
LG isn’t the biggest name in smartphones, so it has some tough competition, but with the Spectrum, LG has joined the ranks of manufacturers with a truly high-end device that can compete with the best phones on the market.
I doubt it will be the biggest phone on Verizon this (it doesn’t have the buzz of something like the Razr or the iPhone). But between the great specs and the price, it should find some fans out there despite a crowded smartphone market.
Matt Myftiu can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 248-745-4617. Follow him on Twitter @MattMyftiu or become a fan of the Facebook page “OPTechTime”. Check out his blog at realtechtime.blogspot.com.
The phone features several preloaded entertainment apps, including Netflix, Verizon Video, and ESPN ScoreCenter.
For an extra monthly fee, the Spectrum can serve as a 4G Mobile Hotspot that shares its 4G connection with up to 10 wireless devices.
COST
The LG Spectrum will cost you $199.99 out of pocket with a 2-year contract, which is as much as $100 less than some of its competition. And of course, as with any smartphone, a data plan is required.
BOTTOM LINE
LG isn’t the biggest name in smartphones, so it has some tough competition, but with the Spectrum, LG has joined the ranks of manufacturers with a truly high-end device that can compete with the best phones on the market.
I doubt it will be the biggest phone on Verizon this (it doesn’t have the buzz of something like the Razr or the iPhone). But between the great specs and the price, it should find some fans out there despite a crowded smartphone market.
Matt Myftiu can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 248-745-4617. Follow him on Twitter @MattMyftiu or become a fan of the Facebook page “OPTechTime”. Check out his blog at realtechtime.blogspot.com.
A new year brings an avalanche of new smartphones. Among the early offerings from Verizon Wireless is the LG Spectrum, a phone with some impressive specs that should provide competition to the heavyweight phones on the market, even in a crowded market.
LG isn’t the most well-known brand in the smartphone game, but with the Spectrum, they arguably have their best product yet and are becoming more of a player that people should take seriously.
I recently took the Spectrum for a test run, and I’ll let you know how it compares to the competition.
LOOKS
The LG Spectrum boasts a large screen – 4.5 inches to be exact. This is the new norm in cell phones, and makes for bigger areas to view videos and movies and to play games. There are some people who don’t want a phone this big, especially those with smaller hands, and they’ll likely avoid the Spectrum and similar sized phones.
The materials used on the Spectrum are very high quality, as it comes with what feels like a built-in case. That means that a drop here and there will likely not cause any major damage. The screen is secure too, as it is protected by Gorilla Glass.
Exact specs are 5.33” x 2.71” 0.41”, and the weight is 4.99 oz.
SCREEN
The 1280x720p high-def touchscreen is very responsive, and everything comes through bright and clear. It’s not the absolute best resolution on the market, but it’s right near the top.
4G NETWORK, PROCESSOR
The LG Spectrum uses Verizon’s 4G network, which offers superfast downloads and uploads. Combine that with the speedy 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, and the result is you’ve got one of the fastest phones on the market and won’t have any issue with multitasking. Whatever you want to do, it will get done very fast on this machine.
Web browsing, one of the most common uses of a smartphone, is extremely quick and easy on the Spectrum.
CAMERAS
With many people relying on their phones to take photos these days, this is a key area on new smartphones. And LG has done well here, as the camera specs measure up to the best of the competition. You get an 8 megapixel camera in the rear (with flash and autofocus) and a 1.3 MP in front for video chat. There is also 1080p HD video recording. I was very impressed with the overall quality of pictures and video I took with the Spectrum.
Also, the Smart Movie HD app allows you to edit videos right on your phone, and even add music to them.
OPERATING SYSTEM, USER INTERFACE
The phone runs the Android 2.3 operating system, but an Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade is likely in the near future. You’ll get the usual boatload of Google integration, plus Android Market and its hundreds of thousands of apps.
There are seven customizable home screens, allowing you to add plenty of shortcuts to your favorite apps and widgets.
LG’s user interface can be clunky at times, such as the odd way it sorts your apps, but that won’t be a major concern for most people once they figure it out.
MESSAGING, VOICE CALLS
All the usual messaging options (text, photo, video, IM) are offered, and I had not issues with dropped calls or interference when using the phone for voice calls.
Group Messaging allows you to send a message to a group of contacts, who can then see and reply to the group
The keyboard is amply sized, and you can use the Swype method for faster messaging.
You can use voice commands and voice–activated dialing, and a text to speech feature converts on–screen messages and contact info into an audio format
The phone is Bluetooth capable, and you can save Up to 100 Bluetooth Pairings (though I’m pretty sure nobody in the world has 100 Bluetooth devices).
BATTERY
Battery life was solid for a 4G phone, but it’s not the best on Verizon in that area (that would be the Droid RAZR Maxx). Still, it’s better than most of the competition, both on and off Verizon. Battery-sucking apps like Pandora and Google Music lasted longer than I expected.
MEMORY
If you need storage space, you’re in good shape with the Spectrum. You get 4GB of internal memory, plus a 16GB microSD card is preinstalled.
OTHER
The phone features several preloaded entertainment apps, including Netflix, Verizon Video, and ESPN ScoreCenter.
For an extra monthly fee, the Spectrum can serve as a 4G Mobile Hotspot that shares its 4G connection with up to 10 wireless devices.
COST
The LG Spectrum will cost you $199.99 out of pocket with a 2-year contract, which is as much as $100 less than some of its competition. And of course, as with any smartphone, a data plan is required.
BOTTOM LINE
LG isn’t the biggest name in smartphones, so it has some tough competition, but with the Spectrum, LG has joined the ranks of manufacturers with a truly high-end device that can compete with the best phones on the market.
I doubt it will be the biggest phone on Verizon this (it doesn’t have the buzz of something like the Razr or the iPhone). But between the great specs and the price, it should find some fans out there despite a crowded smartphone market.
Matt Myftiu can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 248-745-4617. Follow him on Twitter @MattMyftiu or become a fan of the Facebook page “OPTechTime”. Check out his blog at realtechtime.blogspot.com.
LG isn’t the most well-known brand in the smartphone game, but with the Spectrum, they arguably have their best product yet and are becoming more of a player that people should take seriously.
I recently took the Spectrum for a test run, and I’ll let you know how it compares to the competition.
LOOKS
The LG Spectrum boasts a large screen – 4.5 inches to be exact. This is the new norm in cell phones, and makes for bigger areas to view videos and movies and to play games. There are some people who don’t want a phone this big, especially those with smaller hands, and they’ll likely avoid the Spectrum and similar sized phones.
The materials used on the Spectrum are very high quality, as it comes with what feels like a built-in case. That means that a drop here and there will likely not cause any major damage. The screen is secure too, as it is protected by Gorilla Glass.
Exact specs are 5.33” x 2.71” 0.41”, and the weight is 4.99 oz.
SCREEN
The 1280x720p high-def touchscreen is very responsive, and everything comes through bright and clear. It’s not the absolute best resolution on the market, but it’s right near the top.
4G NETWORK, PROCESSOR
The LG Spectrum uses Verizon’s 4G network, which offers superfast downloads and uploads. Combine that with the speedy 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, and the result is you’ve got one of the fastest phones on the market and won’t have any issue with multitasking. Whatever you want to do, it will get done very fast on this machine.
Web browsing, one of the most common uses of a smartphone, is extremely quick and easy on the Spectrum.
CAMERAS
With many people relying on their phones to take photos these days, this is a key area on new smartphones. And LG has done well here, as the camera specs measure up to the best of the competition. You get an 8 megapixel camera in the rear (with flash and autofocus) and a 1.3 MP in front for video chat. There is also 1080p HD video recording. I was very impressed with the overall quality of pictures and video I took with the Spectrum.
Also, the Smart Movie HD app allows you to edit videos right on your phone, and even add music to them.
OPERATING SYSTEM, USER INTERFACE
The phone runs the Android 2.3 operating system, but an Ice Cream Sandwich upgrade is likely in the near future. You’ll get the usual boatload of Google integration, plus Android Market and its hundreds of thousands of apps.
There are seven customizable home screens, allowing you to add plenty of shortcuts to your favorite apps and widgets.
LG’s user interface can be clunky at times, such as the odd way it sorts your apps, but that won’t be a major concern for most people once they figure it out.
MESSAGING, VOICE CALLS
All the usual messaging options (text, photo, video, IM) are offered, and I had not issues with dropped calls or interference when using the phone for voice calls.
Group Messaging allows you to send a message to a group of contacts, who can then see and reply to the group
The keyboard is amply sized, and you can use the Swype method for faster messaging.
You can use voice commands and voice–activated dialing, and a text to speech feature converts on–screen messages and contact info into an audio format
The phone is Bluetooth capable, and you can save Up to 100 Bluetooth Pairings (though I’m pretty sure nobody in the world has 100 Bluetooth devices).
BATTERY
Battery life was solid for a 4G phone, but it’s not the best on Verizon in that area (that would be the Droid RAZR Maxx). Still, it’s better than most of the competition, both on and off Verizon. Battery-sucking apps like Pandora and Google Music lasted longer than I expected.
MEMORY
If you need storage space, you’re in good shape with the Spectrum. You get 4GB of internal memory, plus a 16GB microSD card is preinstalled.
OTHER
The phone features several preloaded entertainment apps, including Netflix, Verizon Video, and ESPN ScoreCenter.
For an extra monthly fee, the Spectrum can serve as a 4G Mobile Hotspot that shares its 4G connection with up to 10 wireless devices.
COST
The LG Spectrum will cost you $199.99 out of pocket with a 2-year contract, which is as much as $100 less than some of its competition. And of course, as with any smartphone, a data plan is required.
BOTTOM LINE
LG isn’t the biggest name in smartphones, so it has some tough competition, but with the Spectrum, LG has joined the ranks of manufacturers with a truly high-end device that can compete with the best phones on the market.
I doubt it will be the biggest phone on Verizon this (it doesn’t have the buzz of something like the Razr or the iPhone). But between the great specs and the price, it should find some fans out there despite a crowded smartphone market.
Matt Myftiu can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 248-745-4617. Follow him on Twitter @MattMyftiu or become a fan of the Facebook page “OPTechTime”. Check out his blog at realtechtime.blogspot.com.
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