LG Spectrum Review

The LG Spectrum aka LG Revolution 2 has been officially announced. This 4G LTE smartphone from LG on Verizon Wireless features a 4.5-inch true HD IPS display with 329 pixels per inch and 16:9 aspect ratio. Pile on the multimedia features with an 8MP camera, 1.3MP front-facing camera, 1080p HD Video Recording, and — get this sports lovers — the first phone to have ESPN 720p HD video with an ESPN ScoreCenter App. Added to the fact is that Verizon has a solid sports line up with its NFL coverage.  This is a pretty nice addition.  All powered by a dual-core 1.5Ghz Processor from QUALCOMM running Android 2.3.5.  It will be upgradable to ICS Android 4.0 when it becomes available.

The LG Spectrum is built similar to the LG Nitro HD on AT&T, though it has an 1830mAh battery which allows the Spectrum feel light and comfortable in the hands. The LG Spectrum is the spiritual successor to the LG Revolution, which was one of Verizon’s first 4G LTE smartphones. The Spectrum does stand tall as a successor. The True HD IPS display is vibrant and watching HD movies and videos off the web are crisp and clear. The LG Spectrum also sports an 8 megapixel camera that records at 1080p. Here LG has done a great job in creating a camera that records well at 1080p with good video image stabilization, though sound levels on reset are a bit on the high side.  It also takes some crisp clear photos, which you will find within the video review.

Conclusion

The LG Spectrum has got a great display and 4G LTE speeds with max speeds reaching 43Mbps. Other than that, it feels like every other LG smartphone on the market – meaning the Spectrum is good, but not great. Its got an ok build quality; the camera is good, but doesn’t wow you (though it does a good job on stills). LG’s custom UI is okay, but it slows you down in functionality when you get into the app tray. Overall, the LG Spectrum felt like a rushed successor to the LG Revolution. Yes it has better features, like the True HD IPS display and 8 Megapixel camera. But everything else on it feels rushed.  The LG Spectrum is not a bad phone – it’s just an OK phone