LG Spectrum Pro Reviews

All in all, the Spectrum is a very capable phone with some compelling features (particularly its display). Given the many LTE-capable phones from Verizon Wireless, however, we can't say the Spectrum stands out in its current form. The hardware and features are certainly there, but until the glitches we mentioned are ironed out it's difficult to recommend this device over competing Verizon LTE offerings.

While the LG Spectrum has some standout features, it's outclassed by other Verizon 4G LTE handsets when it comes to important details like call quality, battery life, OS usability, and included version of Android. Compared to phones like the Samsung Galaxy Nexus or Droid RAZR MAXX, this seemingly premium phone is simply underwhelms compared to more complete options. The little issues might be bearable at the right price, especially if Ice Cream Sandwich arrives sooner than later; but Verizon users hesitant to commit to the LG Spectrum for the next couple years should rightly follow their gut instincts and consider other options.

The LG Nitro HD succeeds in spite of its UI skin because it has great hardware, a great display, fast LTE speeds, and only a few other phones on its network that can claim the same. Even that phone was a pretty blatant imitation of the Galaxy S II, though, and frankly, I wish LG had stuck with that strategy — the Spectrum’s a much more unique phone, and not in a good way. It works well, and its internal hardware is impressive, but it still has a terrible UI skin, plus ugly buttons, an awful back, crowded ports and a poorly placed speaker. None of those problems can be solved with a root or a launcher app. Considering all that, plus its seriously steep Verizon LTE competition — the Galaxy Nexus, Rezound, and the Droid RAZR, to name a few — I can't think of a single reason to buy the Spectrum.

It is unfortunate that the LG Spectrum couldn't live up to its own marketed expectations, even with the partnership with LucasFilm. All the flagship hardware involved, specifically the dual-core Snapdragon processor, were enough to make this phone a powerhouse of choice. Instead, it feels like if LG released the Spectrum either too early (without enough testing) or too late (for the processor and version of Android). It is truly an average device, overpriced in its current configuration. Perhaps a price drop and ICS will serve to uplift the device to a more usable state. But for now, there are plenty of other, more stable devices in the same price range on Verizon. The Force is simply not with this one.

All in all, despite a few annoyances like the overly customized app launcher, my experience with the LGLG Spectrum has been very positive. It's reasonably fast, has a spectacular screen, and in most of the areas where it counts, it performs up to the level people will want and expect. The battery life is not great, but can be dealt with, and it's comfortable to use. And it being a 4G LTE-enabled smartphone available from some retailers online for as little as $80 with a new two-year contract, it provides a very attractive alternative to the Galaxy Nexus or Droid RAZR without vacuuming out your wallet. I would have no reservations about recommending it for those who want to have a high-end display without needing a second mortgage.

LG did a good job with the Spectrum. The only real complaint I have is the terrible voice quality. Otherwise, it manages to perform well across the board. Some of the nitpicky things I didn't like included the app menu layout and the placement of the microUSB port, but the excellent screen, decent battery life, and solid data performance make up for these a bit. The HD display, LTE 4G, 8-megapixel camera, and speedy performance are worth the $199 price being charged by Verizon for the Spectrum, there's no doubt about that.

Rather than setting this at the usual price point of $299.99 that we’ve grown to see with Verizon’s top-shelf Android smartphones, it’s blessed with an even better $199.99 on-contract pricing, which is perhaps one of its most appreciated offerings. Even though LG has made some great strides on the Spectrum over its previous work with the Revolution, it simply pales in comparison to some of the other devices it’s competing against. Yeah, we adore the 4.5” True HD IPS display it’s packing along, but there’s simply nothing new or unique that the LG Spectrum can call its own. And now that the Galaxy Nexus is out and available packing the latest Android experience, it’s rather revolting to see this one launching with Gingerbread. Honestly, you’re better off spending another $100 on benchmarking devices like the Samsung Galaxy Nexus or Motorola DROID RAZR MAXX.

Needless to say, some will think long and hard between the two smartphones after looking over their on-contract prices. At $200, the LG Spectrum seems mightily tempting for a 4G LTE smartphone, but in all honesty, we’d recommend forking over the extra $100 to pick up the $300 Samsung Galaxy Nexus. First and foremost, the undeniable most important thing is that it’s running Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich right at this moment – do we need to say more about it? Well, it also boasts the better looking design of the two, as the Spectrum basically looks way too bland for a handset destined to be on the highest of pedestals. Overlooking all of the fancy things that the Galaxy Nexus offers over the Spectrum, we also know that it’s also going to be treated to all of the latest updates right away – and it clearly shows as the Spectrum is on tap to receive its ICS upgrade sometime in June. So there you have it folks, you’re better off sticking with the Galaxy Nexus if you want to impress your friends.

This is certainly one of the top five LG smartphones ever to be released, and definitely beats out the LG Revolution released last year with LTE as the best LG device on Verizon right this minute. It’s relatively sleek, light, and has a fabulous camera, all this aside from the fact that if you live in an LTE area, it’s very, very fast data-wise. The decision you must make now is whether you want to sacrifice Ice Cream Sandwich as found on the Galaxy Nexus in exchange for the nicer camera on this device – if that’s not a great tradeoff for you, stick with the former.

LTE speeds, dual-core processing power, and the phone's terrific HD display add up to an excellent smartphone. And there are the LG Spectrum's other charms--the great design, the HD apps, and LG's customizable gesture support. Plus, that 8-megapixel camera takes some nice outdoor shots, and the $199.99 price tag means it's well-subsidized for a superphone. However, competition for Verizon customers is fierce, with a strong lineup that includes the country's first and, currently, only Android Ice Cream Sandwich phone and a handset with double the usual battery life. It'll be a tough fight for the Spectrum to win hearts and minds against such foes, especially when it exhibits somewhat questionable call quality and a riskier app interface, but LG fans will be very pleased with this upgrade.

The LG Spectrum is a powerful, high-end Android phone that offers Verizon subscribers good value despite some troubling benchmark results.

The just-ok plastic build, outdated OS and that it won’t come to the UK in its current form stop us from getting too excited about the LG Spectrum as an overall package, but its 4.5in 720p IPS screen is something to behold. This is tech to watch out for in 2012, as it’s arguably even better than the Super AMOLED type seen in current 720p phones like the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.