LG may not boast a glitzy line of Android phones like HTC or Samsung but prides itself for innovation and performance. Unfortunately, as this review goes to show, the LG Optimus 4X HD is a little late on the scene. Nevertheless, it is still a fine phone.
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Pros |
Cons |
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● Great performance |
● Display could be better |
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● Expandable memory |
● Poor speaker |
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● Relatively good battery life |
● No LED notifications |
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● Sleek design |
● Expensive |
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● Lots of customisation options |
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Tech Specs
The Optimus 4X HD features an amazing 4.7” 720x1280 True HD-IPS LCD (~312ppi) capacitive touchscreen. It may not exactly be as clear and crisp as the iPhone 4S’ retina display (330ppi) but it is certainly bigger and quite stunning. The Optimus 4X does not feature any physical buttons but uses three soft keys, similar to HTC. The volume control button is on the left, the standby/power button and headphone jack are on top, and the charging port is at the bottom.
Like other high-end Android devices on the market, the Optimus 4X boasts a quad core 1.5 GHz processor and 1GB RAM. In addition to the 16GB internal memory, the device also features an expandable memory slot. In addition, potential buyers will be pleased to note that the LG Optimus 4X comes loaded with a 2,150 mAh battery, which allows for a significant performance enhancement. This also helps counter the negative image people have of LG’s battery performance in general, which was quite serious in its last few flagship devices. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy S3 features a 2,100 mAh battery.
It also comes with the standard suite of sensors, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (version 4.0).
Camera
The device features an 8MP primary camera and 1.3 MP secondary camera. The LED flash is comparable to that of the HTC One X and Galaxy S3. It also features a number of standard features such as auto focus, Continuous Shot (i.e. burst mode) and Time Catch Shot. Unfortunately, there are a few issues. For instance, there is no dedicated snapshot button and changing basic settings can be a bit tedious. Also, more annoyingly there is no way you can turn-off the camera shutter-sound. Taking a picture quietly does not automatically make a person a pervert, so I don’t know why LG went ahead with this feature. Perhaps, the next LG phone will also feature an in-built censor just to make sure you don’t type anything nasty.
Interface
LG Optimus 4X comes loaded with Android 4.0 and I’m quite sure it’ll be amongst the first in line for the 4.1 update. Either way, LG has done quite a good job with customisation while not deviating too far from the original functions and design of Android 4.0. Therefore, users will get the best of android notifications, multitasking, and app management services. LG’s customisation options are quite impressive, featuring seven different home screens and many options with regards to layout, widgets and apps.
I also want to make a small note on NFC. I still think NFC is practically useless in Sri Lanka and is of little value. However, while many of you may not be able to make payments or take advantage of other advanced NFC features, it is possible to utilize NFC tags to make your day easier, and LG includes a few with the Optimus 4X. For example, swiping the phone against a tag in your car could automatically switch on Bluetooth (for a headset) and perhaps even send a customised text message. The tags can be pre-programmed with an in-built app.
Verdict
The LG Optimus 4X is an amazing device and I was fortunate enough to play with it for a few minutes but unfortunately, it feels like LG has missed the bus on this one. The reality is that the LG Optimus 4X is only now joining the elite range of Android phones like the HTC One X and Samsung Galaxy S3. If there is a great deal on this particular phone, it is certainly a good option. However, those who have around Rs. 90,000 for a new phone, should seriously consider the One X and S3 first.
(Review by Navam Niles)
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