LG Optimus 3D Max P720 Full Specs Price Pros & Cons

Overview

The LG Optimus 3D Max P720 was an innovative smartphone launched in 2012, building upon its predecessor with a range of new features. It stood out due to its stereoscopic 3D technology, which allowed users to experience 3D content directly on their phones without the need for 3D glasses.

Design and Build

The device featured a sleek design with dimensions of 126.8 x 67.4 x 9.6 mm, making it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. Weighing 148 grams, it struck a balance between being lightweight and robust. The build quality of the LG Optimus 3D Max was solid, featuring a Corning Gorilla Glass 2 display that offered durability against scratches and drops. The phone came in a classic black color that added to its professional look.

Display

The LG Optimus 3D Max P720 was equipped with a 4.3-inch 3D LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. The display density of approximately 217 ppi provided clear and vibrant images, suitable for everyday use. Its unique selling point was the ability to display 3D content without glasses, offering a novel multimedia experience that was rare in smartphones during its time. The display's contrast ratio (1002:1 nominal) and sunlight readability made it competitive in various lighting conditions.

Performance

Under the hood, the phone was powered by a TI OMAP 4430 chipset with a dual-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A9 processor and a PowerVR SGX540 GPU. This hardware configuration ensured smooth operation for most tasks and applications available during its era. With 1GB RAM, it provided sufficient multitasking capabilities though it was modest by today's standards. The phone shipped with Android 2.3 Gingerbread but was upgradable to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, bringing new features and improvements in user experience.

Storage and Memory

The phone offered 8GB of internal storage, with approximately 5.3GB available for user data. For users needing more space for apps, photos, and media, the phone included a microSDHC card slot, allowing expansion of storage capacity, which was a significant advantage at a time when cloud storage was not as prevalent.

Camera

The device featured a dual 5 MP rear camera setup with autofocus and LED flash, capable of capturing high-quality 2D and 3D videos. It could record video at 1080p@30fps in 2D and 720p@30fps in 3D, making it one of the pioneers in mobile 3D video capture. The camera’s photo and video quality was satisfactory, although low-light performance was not its strong suit. A VGA front camera was included for video calls and basic selfies. This camera setup provided a versatile photography experience, especially suited for enthusiasts of new technology.

Battery Life

The phone was powered by a removable 1520 mAh Li-Ion battery, which, by old smartphone standards, provided adequate battery life. It offered a standby time of up to 450 hours and a talk time of up to 8 hours. While the battery endurance rating of 34 hours was reasonable, users engaging in extensive 3D multimedia consumption would naturally experience reduced battery life.

Connectivity

Connectivity options included GSM / HSPA technology, supporting 2G and 3G bands, with HSPA speeds of up to 21.1/5.76 Mbps. It featured Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with DLNA and hotspot capabilities, Bluetooth 3.0, and microUSB 2.0 with MHL TV-out support for versatile data transfer and streaming options. Positioning technologies included GPS and A-GPS, and it also came with NFC capabilities, catering to a range of wireless communication needs. The inclusion of stereo FM radio with RDS was a pleasant addition for users who enjoyed listening to live radio.

Audio Features

The LG Optimus 3D Max included a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, aligning with the audio standards of the time. Audio quality was respectable, with minimal noise and decent crosstalk levels. This made it a good device for media consumption, whether listening through headphones or via its built-in speaker.

Sensors and Additional Features

It packed several sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass. These sensors enhanced the device's usability and allowed for features such as auto-rotate, immersive gaming experiences, and precise location tracking. The phone aimed to cater to tech-savvy users, and its feature set reflected this ambition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the LG Optimus 3D Max P720 was an ambitious device that offered a unique 3D viewing experience without glasses, combined with solid performance metrics for its time. Despite its innovative features, it eventually became a niche product as the market moved towards optimizing for 2D experiences. However, it left a lasting impact by showcasing the potential for 3D technology within mobile devices. While it is discontinued today, it remains a noteworthy example of LG's innovative endeavors in the smartphone industry.