LG is running with the big boys now – the LG Optimus 4X HD is a premium smartphone that matches the features, speed, and design of other popular smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S3. In fact, it may even be a better choice in some ways.
Here’s the lowdown on what you need to know about the 4X to make a decision on whether or not this phone is good enough for you.
1. It’s Designed with Clean and Classy Contours:
The chrome edging surrounding the bright 4.7-inch screen and solid build with a removable battery works well for the new Optimus model. It has slightly recessed power and volume buttons so you don’t accidentally adjust them, and the display is high-definition – almost as high-def as the iPhone 4S. It isn’t so sharp it’s painful to see, either. The phone doesn’t feel too bulky in your palm like many other leading smartphones (the Galaxy S3 being one example), even though the screen is large.
2. It’s Speedy but Doesn’t Compromise on Battery Life:
Because the processor speed matches up to other smartphones with a quad-core processor, the LG Optimus 4X HD is responsive, quick, and satisfying without a lot of waiting around like some “bottom of the barrel” smartphones that compromise on processor speed in order to be slim. This doesn’t mean it drains battery too fast, either. The battery is actually more powerful than the Samsung Galaxy S3, and will easily last a full day of average use.
3. The Feature Set is More than Acceptable:
Although the LG Optimus 4X HD’s camera is just average, it has an 8 MP resolution in the back camera and a 1.3 MP resolution in the front. This means that photos will be large, though not necessarily clear, and shutter lag is as much as a problem as it is with most smartphones. Still, the video autofocus and ability to easily zoom by making a pinching gesture on the touchscreen make up for the still camera slowness.
4. The Cons Aren’t too Bad:
There are a few minor cons with this phone. It can cost a lot compared to some of the cheap Galaxy alternatives, but the price is similar to the Galaxy itself and the features are similar enough that the LG Optimus 4X HD can get away with it. Contract deals also tend to be less expensive for the Optimus, and it’s actually a good deal in many cases. The operating system on the phone is Ice Cream Sandwich Android, rather than the latest version (Jelly Bean), but most apps are compatible with Ice Cream Sandwich still and that won’t be a problem for a while. The widget icons might feel a bit cheap or cartoon-like, but if that doesn’t bother you, there aren’t any major display cons.
5. Good Future Updates are Promised:
LG has hinted at an upgrade to Jelly Bean that’s coming in the future, though there aren’t any definitive plans yet. It may take some time, so don’t buy Jelly Bean apps yet. There are also updates planned like the Eco-Mode, which will allow you to manually shut down sections of the core in order to save power consumption and control performance.
Overall, the style, speed, and features of the LG Optimus 4X HD make it a very solid pick in the world of smartphones. It can run just about every new app you want, and it will do it with even better speed than most other smartphones could. The LG Optimux 4X HD might not offer quite as much as the Samsung Galaxy S3, but it is much cheaper on many contract deals and will fit better in your hand.
