LG Optimus F3 Review

LG is never one to shy away from gaining traction in the entry-level segment of the market, seeing that it’s still highly regarded as the bread and butter of a company’s growth opportunity. Likely one to attract people to its $29.99 on-contract cost, the LG Optimus F3 for Sprint might look like an inferior port of LG’s flagship devices, but don’t be fooled for a moment to think it’s automatically a forgettable thing.
The package contains: 

• microUSB cable
• Wall Charger
• Quick User Guide
• Important Safety and Handling Information

Design: 

When you’re priced so low, there are only few directions you can go with design – so that’s the case here with the Optimus F3! No doubt, the handset does feel cheap with its construction, due to the handset’s hollowness, lightweight feel, and textured plastic casing. Nevertheless, we do appreciate that it’s compact and comfortable to hold in the hand. Visually speaking, it might have a similarity to some of LG’s more prestigious offerings, but upon closer inspection, it’s obvious that it’s rather boring with its design.

Just like some other recent Optimus devices, the F3 also features an LED-lit home button, which pulsates in various colors depending on the type of notification – something that proves to be useful in keeping us aware. Looking around the sides of the phone, we spot its power button, volume control, noise-cancelling mic, 3.5mm headset jack, standard mic, and microUSB port for charging/data connectivity.

Armed with a 5-megapixel camera in the rear, with a front-facing 0.3-megapixel VGA one in the front, it’s pretty much within line to what we expect out of an entry-level device. However, it’s comforting to know that it’s also packing along a microSD slot after its rear casing is removed, which also conceals its microSIM slot and beefy 2650 mAh battery.

Display:

Once thought as a cutting-edge resolution, the 480 x 800 WVGA resolution of the Optimus F3’s 4-inch IPS-LCD panel easily fits its budget status – albeit, it’s nothing to write home about. For the most part, it’s usable enough to use with most things, but it’s still without its own flaws. Specifically, details can be insignificant at times, which is noticeable when you’re in a zoomed out view in the browser. At the same time, its weak viewing angles can cause things to distort and fade – making it difficult to view under the sun.

Source: Phonearena

Posted by Unknown

on Friday, June 28, 2013

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LG Optimus L9 II to be announced on August 7th, as well?

It looks like the Optimus G2 isn’t the only new smartphone that LG could announce on August 7.

According to Techtastic, the LG Optimus L9 II (model number D600) is also going to be unveiled on that day. Obviously coming as the successor to the Optimus L9 released last year, the Optimus L9 II reportedly features: Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, NFC, a 4.7 inch HD (1280 x 720) display, a Snapdragon 400 processor clocked at 1.4GHz, and an 8MP rear camera.

In addition, an LG D500 should be announced on August 7, too. This seemingly features Android Jelly Bean 4.12., a qHD display of unknown size, 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 processor, and a 5MP camera on the back.

As for the Optimus G2, LG has already confirmed that this would have a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, reportedly being capable to “redefine the smartphone experience through stunning performance, rich graphics and outstanding battery efficiency.” Techtastic now has a few screenshots that allegedly come from a G2:

Source: Techtastic via unwiredview

Posted by Unknown

on Thursday, June 27, 2013

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LG Optimus G2 shows up again in leaked slides

More alleged images of the LG Optimus G2 have made an appearance on the web, courtesy of @evleaks. This time around, the upcoming Android powerhouse showed up in leaked slides.

In line with previous leaks, the images of the yet to be revealed handset reveal an interesting set of buttons on its back, below its camera unit. The slides also suggest that the Korean manufacturer might do away with the Optimus moniker and unveils the device as the LG G2.

LG already announced that the upcoming smartphone will feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 SoC with quad-core Krait 400 CPUs and Adreno 330 GPU. Alleged screenshots have also revealed that the smartphone will (expectedly) pack a 1080p display.

The handset is expected to break cover on August 7, at an event in NYC. We'll be there live, so be sure to tune in for the full scoop on the device.

Source: @evleaks

Posted by Unknown

on Wednesday, June 26, 2013

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Rumor: LG G2 to launch in July in Korea, ahead of August 7 media event

The LG Optimus G's successor, which is rumored to be called simply LG G2, is now said to launch in July in the company’s home country, and later in other markets.

The company has already issued press invites for an August 7 media event taking place in New York, supposedly to unveil the LG G2, but the handset will reportedly arrive earlier in South Korea.

A few days ago, LG announced that the successor to the Optimus G – the company did not refer to the device as the G2 in the press release – will pack a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, just as previously rumored.

However, other specs and features have not been revealed. A different rumor did say that the G2 will feature a new design, with buttons placed on the back of the handset. Slim bezels and, therefore, an edge-to-edge display are also to be expected, although nothing is official yet.

In addition to saying that the handset will be announced in July in South Korea, DDaily also says that the handset will come with LTE-Advanced support, another expected feature for the device. A Samsung Galaxy S4 version also packing a Snapdragon 800 CPU and LTE-Advanced capabilities is also supposed to hit the same market soon.

Comparatively, the first Optimus G model was announced in mid-September 2012, launching in various countries in the months that followed. The handset is of particular importance considering that it’s an almost identical version of the fourth-generation Nexus smartphone.

Obviously, we’re very curious to see whether an LG Nexus 5 similar to the LG G2 would be launched later this year, especially considering the recent Nexus-related reports surrounding the company.

Source: Androidauthority

Posted by Unknown

on Monday, June 24, 2013

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LG Optimus G2 could be Unveiled On August 7th

LG is expected to launch its next-generation LG Optimus G2 device at a New York event on August 7.

The South Korean company has announced it is planning an “international media event” based in New York City on August 7, but fails to release any further details.

The event announcement comes just days after LG confirmed that the LG Optimus G2 will run on a Snapdragon 800 CPU. 

It seems fairly coincidental that the two announcements are so close together, so we strongly predict the LG August 7 event to be smartphone related.

LG has already confirmed that the successor to the flagship LG Optimus G will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor that is said to offer a 75 per cent performance increase of the Snapdragon S4 Pro – found inside the LG-made Google Nexus 4 and Sony Xperia Z. 
 
“With a powerful combination of LG’s core smartphone technologies and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, we are taking a significant step forward in the mobile experience,” said President and CEO of LG Mobile, Dr. Jong-seok Park. “The result of this collaboration will in many ways be the industry’s best smartphone by which all other devices will be measured.”

Rumoured to run on Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, the LG Optimus G2 is tipped to have a 5-inch 1080p IPS display with a 13-megapixel camera.

The South Korean electronics manufacturer confirmed to TrustedReviews in April that the LG Optimus G2 would definitely launch in Q3, so this August event will fit nicely with such a release schedule. 

“The LG Optimus G2 is coming in Q3,” said Won Kim, LG’s Head of Mobile Communication for Europe. “To some extent we have to tease the features and specifications through channels, it is somewhat premature for me to talk about the G2 in terms of specifications.”

source: Engadget via Trustedreviews

Posted by Unknown

on Saturday, June 22, 2013

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AT&T Offering LG Optimus G For $49, Optimus G Pro For $99

AT&T is offering a sweet deal on LG’s Optimus G line of smartphones, offering the Optimus G Pro for $99, and the Optimus G for $49 with a new two-year contract. The sale is running for a limited time, ending on July 25th.

The LG Optimus G offers a 4.7 inch LCD screen with resolution of 768 x 1280. A quad-core 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro processor powers the device, which has 16GB of native storage with a 64GB capacity microSD slot, and an 8MP rear facing snapper. The LG Optimus G Pro features a 5.5 inch display with 1080 x 1920 resolution (FHD), and a quad-core 1.7GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor is under the hood. While 32GB of native storage comes with the phone, the device does offer a 32GB capacity microSD slot. A 13MP shooter graces the back of this model.

So if you’re looking to grab one of LG’s powerful handsets at a bargain price, check out AT&T before July 25th.

source: AT&T

Posted by Unknown

on Saturday, June 22, 2013

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LG working on always-on voice commands for 2014 smartphones

LG is bringing the game to S-Voice, Google Now and Siri with its own implementation of voice search and commands that will be always on. Instead of basic functionality like launching apps, searching and note dictation, LG will be implementing its voice command tech more broadly and primarily for the purpose of navigation. Sources told GottaBeMobile about the new implementation, which will be coming in an LG smartphone in 2014. 

The new voice command system would be particularly beneficial for users in automobiles, where currently voice-based control of Google Maps and navigation routes is not possible. Users can command Google Maps to pan around the displayed map or to switch views between map and route. Users can zoom in and out of maps using voice commands alone, thereby greatly minimising the need to touch your smartphone while driving.

Such a situation would not be possible with the upcoming Snapdragon 800 CPU, which will bring native always-on voice capabilities. The Snapdragon 800 learns the voice of the user so that not just anybody can use the voice commands. However, it’s not yet known whether LG will be using this particular SoC or some other way to implement the always-on system.


In addition, we can also see the technology being useful for waking the phone up from sleep straight to camera without having to tap any buttons or composing an email in double-quick time from a locked state. Of course, there’s still the question of how LG plans to deal with potential security issues with such a system. We can totally imagine pesky friends having fun at our expense by prank-dialling premium charge numbers. 

source: GottaBeMobile 

Posted by Unknown

on Friday, June 21, 2013

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Boost Mobile to Offer The LG Optimus F7 on June 27th for $299.99

Boost Mobile yesterday announced its plans to launch the LG Optimus F7. The Optimus F7 will be hitting Boost's shelves on June 27 for $299.99 sans commitment, and when it does, it'll boast compatibility with the Sprint 4G LTE network. Sprint recently expanded its LTE coverage, growing the network's footprint to 110 markets.

Along with LTE connectivity, Boost's flavor of the Optimus F7 features a 4.7-inch True HD IPS touchscreen, "Instant Alert" home button with LED and a 1.3-megapixel camera on its face, as well as an 8-megapixel shooter on its rear. Inside the Optimus F7 is Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and compatibility with Sprint's 3G and 4G LTE networks. The Optimus F7 comes preloaded with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and some LG-exclusive software add-ons, like the VuTalk app that lets users share notes with one another in real time and the QuickMemo app for taking screenshots and scribbling down a note or two on them.

As with other Android phones on Boost Mobile, the Optimus F7 can be used with the operator's $55 Android Monthly Unlimited plan with Shrinking Payments. The plan includes unlimited talk, text and web, though users will see their speeds slowed after consuming more than 2.5GB of data in a single cycle. For every six on-time payments that a customer makes, his or her monthly cost will drop by $5, eventually getting as low as $40 per month.

If you’re looking for a 4G capable phone on Boost mobile for a bargain price, check out the LG Optimus F7 when it hits the carrier on June 27th.

Posted by Unknown

on Thursday, June 20, 2013

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LG confirms LG Optimus G2 will run on Snapdragon 800 CPU

LG today officially confirmed that G2 – the successor to its best selling Optimus G flagship is coming, and it will run on Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 800 CPU.

Their announcement also shows that LG is rethinking the branding of their high end products, and ditching the Optimus name in favor of the simplified G Series. They will likely keep Optimus for the lower end Android devices.

Some Korean sites also report that the new LG G2 smartphone will be announced as early as July. But late August/early September launch, coinciding with the IFA – a major Consumer Electronics tradeshow – is more likely.

If it sounds a little odd that a major smartphone manufacturer would announce a specific component for a flagship device ahead of naming the device itself, the fact that this was a joint release with Qualcomm (the maker of the Snapdragon 800 chip) should explain it.

LG confirmed the existence of the LG Optimus G2 back in April, as well as a Q3 UK release window. However, it also told Trusted Reviews at the time that the precise naming of the phone was still up in the air, and that the device's specs would be revealed at a later time.
We now have one vital part of those specs, at least.
According to the press release, "LG’s G series device powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processors will redefine the smartphone experience through stunning performance, rich graphics and outstanding battery efficiency."
This will result in a predicted 75 percent performance increase over the Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro, which powers the current LG Optimus G as well as the Sony Xperia Z and the Google Nexus 4 (which is also built by LG).
Another major part of the Snapdragon 800's appeal will be its improved handling of LTE or 4G signals - or to put it in LG and Qualcomm's technical terms, "maximizing spectrum bandwidth to increase data speeds and reduce latency."
LG president and CEO Dr. Jong-seok Park is certainly talking his company's forthcoming flagship up, referring to it as "the industry’s best smartphone by which all other devices will be measured."
It's rumoured that the LG Optimus G2 will also feature a 5-inch 1080p IPS display, a 13-megapixel camera and Android 4.2.

Source: Trustedreviews

Posted by Unknown

on Thursday, June 20, 2013

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Jelly Bean powered LG Optimus L4 II now official

South Korean mobile phone maker LG Electronics has unveiled a new Android-based smartphone for the masses, namely the Optimus L4 II, a device set to land on shelves in Russia and Ukraine first

The new handset is a entry level model with a 3.8 inch screen offering resolution of 320 x 480. A single-core 1GHz MediaTek processor is under the hood with 512MB of RAM on board. 4GB of native storage is inside, expandable with the use of the microSD slot on the phone. There is a 3MP rear-facing shooter with an LED flash, and Android 4.1 is installed. That means despite the entry-level label that permeates through the device, it will have the smooth scrolling and responsiveness of Project Butter, the information you need when you need it from Google Now and the actionable notifications shade.
LG Optimus L4 II is based on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and should be launched in both single and dual-SIM flavors. The mobile phone is expected to arrive in Russia priced at 5,490 Rubles ($173 / €130), a recent article on mobile-review states.

The LG Optimus L4 II and its dual SIM brother should eventually be available in other European and Asian countries before the year is out.

Posted by Unknown

on Monday, June 17, 2013

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Rumor: LG may drop the Optimus brand name for high-end smartphones

A new report has suggested LG could be considering retiring the Optimus brand name from its flagship smartphones, but will keep it for its mid-range devices. The news comes from Korean site Chosun.com, which suggests LG is dreaming up a new name which will be introduced with the phone we currently know as the Optimus G2.The Optimus branding, which is to LG what the Galaxy name is to Samsung, has been around since the beginning of 2010, when it was first attached on the GT540 Android phone. It was subsequently added to a wide range of smartphones, along with LG’s Android tablet the Optimus Pad, and it hasn’t been limited to the firm’s Android hardware either, as LG’s vague dalliance with Windows Phone 7 resulted in the Optimus 7 and Optimus 7Q.Dropping such an established name is quite surprising, particularly as its two most recent major releases – the Optimus G and the Optimus G Pro – have been well-received, and have undoubtedly given the name more cache. LG may hope to build this into its mid-range handsets, and will create an alternative, ultimate-style brand for its flagship hardware.The Korean report hints LG may not introduce another name at all, and it will use the letter G on its own. The name LG G2 does trip off the tongue nicely, but it’s not very descriptive, and Samsung has really shown the importance of attaching a strong, recognizable name to a mobile phone range.This isn’t the first time we’ve heard talk of the Optimus name’s demise, as in an interview in April, LG’s mobile comms chief in Europe said the G2’s name hadn’t been finalized, and talked about the company wanting a clean start with the device. There is considerable anticipation building around the G2 already, mainly because it may (or may not) use a flexible screen, making the right branding very important.

Posted by Unknown

on Tuesday, June 11, 2013

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LG Optimus L3 II Dual review

The line between feature phones and smartphones is diminishing each day as Android phones start making their presence felt in the Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 phone segment. While Indian handset brands are already competing with each other by packing in a plethora of features in their phones, international brands have been a little hesitant. It used to be partly because an Android handset with entry-level hardware specifications doesn't deliver a smooth user experience maybe because the OS is too demanding. 
However, with Android 4.1 everyone's hoping that things will change for the good. 
LG is offering a dual-SIM Android 4.1 handset in the same segment with the LG Optimus L3 II Dual. The handset is an upgrade to its Optimus L3 Dual phone that it launched last August. Is the phone a good option especially for consumers on a budget? We find out.The LG Optimus L3 II Dual sports a compact form factor and is just 102mm long and 61mm wide. The smartphone has curved rounded corners. We had a Black colour variant of the phone as our review unit. The back cover is made of plastic and sports a glossy finish, which is susceptible to smudges. The 3.2-megapixel-camera lens is located towards the upper part of the back. The back cover hides a battery compartment, two SIM card slots sharing the same compartment and a microSD card slot located towards the top edge.
The phone's appearance is nothing to talk about and is utilitarian at best.The back cover is made of plastic and sports a glossy finish, which is susceptible to smudges. The 3.2-megapixel-camera lens is located towards the upper part of the back. The back cover hides a battery compartment, two SIM card slots sharing the same compartment and a microSD card slot located towards the top edge.The phone's appearance is nothing to talk about and is utilitarian at best.The phone's appearance is nothing to talk about and is utilitarian at best.The LG Optimus L3 II Dual comes with a 3.2-inch screen that has a resolution of 240x320 pixels, which is very low compared to other smartphones in the segment. This results in graphics and text appearing less sharp. At times text that has a small font size is even unreadable. Even watching videos or playing games isn't a very pleasant experience. In fact, we'd say the low-resolution display is one of the major flaws of this handset. However, the screen is not very reflective, and the viewing angles were pretty decent thanks to the IPS panel. The under sun visibility for this smartphone is above average at full brightness levels.
Software/ User InterfaceThe smartphone runs Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and LG has added its own Optimus UI layer on top, majorly changing the look and feel of the interface and enabling users to customise the phone. Interestingly some of the customisations and UI extras offered by LG with its flagship phones such as the Optimus G, have made it to this phone in the same or a lighter avatar. 
You can have up to 5 screens that can be populated with widgets and app shortcuts. LG also allows users to choose the phone's default font and font size. You can select from 4 different visual themes, each with a different icon set, home screen wallpaper and app drawer background.  LG even allows you to choose between various animation effects when you swipe from one home screen to another or when you unlock the phone.However, the screen is not very reflective, and the viewing angles were pretty decent thanks to the IPS panel. The under sun visibility for this smartphone is above average at full brightness levels.Software/ User InterfaceThe smartphone runs Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and LG has added its own Optimus UI layer on top, majorly changing the look and feel of the interface and enabling users to customise the phone. Interestingly some of the customisations and UI extras offered by LG with its flagship phones such as the Optimus G, have made it to this phone in the same or a lighter avatar. 
You can have up to 5 screens that can be populated with widgets and app shortcuts. LG also allows users to choose the phone's default font and font size. You can select from 4 different visual themes, each with a different icon set, home screen wallpaper and app drawer background.  LG even allows you to choose between various animation effects when you swipe from one home screen to another or when you unlock the phone.Software/ User InterfaceThe smartphone runs Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and LG has added its own Optimus UI layer on top, majorly changing the look and feel of the interface and enabling users to customise the phone. Interestingly some of the customisations and UI extras offered by LG with its flagship phones such as the Optimus G, have made it to this phone in the same or a lighter avatar. You can have up to 5 screens that can be populated with widgets and app shortcuts. LG also allows users to choose the phone's default font and font size. You can select from 4 different visual themes, each with a different icon set, home screen wallpaper and app drawer background.  LG even allows you to choose between various animation effects when you swipe from one home screen to another or when you unlock the phone.You can have up to 5 screens that can be populated with widgets and app shortcuts. LG also allows users to choose the phone's default font and font size. You can select from 4 different visual themes, each with a different icon set, home screen wallpaper and app drawer background.  LG even allows you to choose between various animation effects when you swipe from one home screen to another or when you unlock the phone.



Design/ Hardware
The front houses a 3.2-inch screen and 4 capacitive buttons, namely Back, Home, Menu and a button for switching to the other SIM. The bezel below the display is pretty large and at times makes it inconvenient to reach the buttons without looking. There's a volume rocker key at the right side of the phone, while there are no buttons on the left side. The Power/ Screen-lock key and the 3.5mm headset jack sits at the top while the micro-USB port is located at the bottom.

Display
LG also allows you to customise the Lock screen giving the ability to select four app shortcuts and a clock or calendar.

LG has also skinned the notification tray and has included toggles for various settings including for sound, data, NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Hotspot among others. It also features a shortcut for system settings, and a control for changing screen brightness.

LG also offers a QuickMemo app that lets users scribble notes on a blank page or on top of a screen shot. The app also has an overlay mode that usually allows you to take notes while running another app but here it's present as a shortcut for invoking the app. We're not sure if people with big hands will find it useful as LG doesn't offer a Stylus with the phone and the phone's screen is really small.

Talking of apps, the phone includes additional ones for Backup, Cell Broadcast, File Manager, a Memo app, Polaris Viewer (for office documents), LG's service related apps, LG's own app store (SmartWorld), and a Task Manager. 

LG has customised nearly all stock-apps including the Gallery and Music apps, adding more functionality in addition to just bringing eye candy. For instance the Music app features a button for locating the video of a song on YouTube. Even the system settings menus have been skinned and are pleasant to look at.

In addition to all of these, the phone brings standard Jelly Bean functionality. Overall, LG has tried to make the phone as different from stock Android, as possible.


Camera
The LG Optimus L3 II Dual sports a 3.2-megapixel-rear camera and doesn't come with a flash. Just like the Optimus G, it can also take pictures with voice commands like 'cheese', 'kimchi', 'LG', 'Smile' and 'Whisky'. The phone's camera app offers various scene mode's including Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Sunset and Night modes, along with settings for ISO, White Balance, Colour effects, and exposure. It also offers a timer. 

However, the phone was not able to play 720p HD and 1080p video clips. We were able to run .AVI videos natively. The phone offers FM radio functionality.

Strangely, the capacitive touch keys on the phone are not backlit, which means that you can't use the keys in the dark unless you're used to them. We've always advocated the need for manufacturers to switch to a standard three key system similar to stock Android and don't think there's a need for a separate Menu key. The SIM-switch key could have been a hardware key located on the side as it doesn't really serve any purpose in its current avatar.
We also found typing with the phone's default QWERTY soft-keyboard cumbersome because of the small screen. People with big hands would be better off installing a third-party keyboard.
The LG Optimus L3 II Dual comes with the native Android browser as well as Chrome and we found that it renders all webpages well. The phone doesn't come with Adobe Flash pre-installed. The speaker on the phone delivers average quality sound at high volume levels. The speaker is integrated with the phone's earpiece so sound doesn't get muffled even when the phone lies on its back.
Call quality was good with our voice being delivered loud and clear to the other party. The phone is a dual-SIM GSM phone with support for one active and the other in standby mode.
The phone comes with a 1540mAh battery and we were satisfied with the backup that it offered. With mixed usage during the day, including playing games, a few calls, and e-mail and Twitter notifications turned on, we were able to get about one-and-a-half days of backup. Although the battery's capacity isn't very large, we believe that the low-resolution screen helps in optimizing the battery backup offered by the phone.

Posted by Unknown

on Tuesday, June 11, 2013

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