LG Optimus Vu II F200 Full Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

General Overview of LG Optimus Vu II F200

The LG Optimus Vu II F200, launched in Q4 of 2012, was a device that sought to bridge the gap between smartphones and tablets with its distinct size and striking design. Hailing from the days when phablets (phone-tablet hybrids) were drawing significant attention, the Optimus Vu II offered features that were oriented towards maximizing productivity and media consumption. While it is now discontinued, the device continues to be remembered for its unique dimensions and functional capabilities during its time.

Network Capabilities

The Optimus Vu II F200 featured robust network compatibility, supporting CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE technologies. It was equipped to handle 2G bands like CDMA 800/1900 and 3G bands such as CDMA2000 1xEV-DO. Additionally, with support for 4G LTE bands, specifically LTE 800, this device provided users with faster internet speeds and a better overall mobile data experience. The varied speed capabilities, including HSPA, LTE, and EV-DO Rev. A up to 3.1 Mbps, ensured that users could leverage different network capabilities based on availability, providing flexibility for browsing and media streaming.

Design and Build

With dimensions of 132.2 x 85.6 x 9.4 mm and a weight of 159 g, the Optimus Vu II had a distinctive form factor that made it stand out from the conventional smartphone designs at the time. The device featured a micro-SIM slot and maintained an ergonomic design, which despite its size made it relatively easy to handle. The 5.0-inch screen coupled with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 68.4% highlighted its emphasis on being a display-centric device catering to users who desired an expansive viewing experience with a comfortable grip.

Display Quality

At the heart of the Optimus Vu II's appeal was its 5.0-inch HD-IPS LCD display. Boasting a resolution of 768 x 1024 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio and a pixel density of ~256 ppi, the display was optimized for reading and viewing documents, web browsing, and watching videos. The HD-IPS LCD technology provided vibrant colors, sharp image quality, and sufficient brightness levels, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor conditions.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Qualcomm MSM8960 Snapdragon S4 Plus chipset, along with a dual-core 1.5 GHz Krait CPU and Adreno 225 GPU, the device was equipped to handle daily tasks with relative efficiency. It initially came with Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich, upgradable to Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, offering users access to improved features, a more user-friendly interface, and enhanced application compatibility. The 2GB of RAM facilitated decent multitasking capabilities, allowing for seamless switching between apps.

Storage Options

The Optimus Vu II F200 came with a dedicated microSDHC card slot, a valuable feature for users seeking additional storage. The presence of this slot meant that users were not limited to the internal storage but could expand it as needed for applications, media files, and documents, ensuring the device remained viable for varied user requirements.

Camera and Photography

The main camera of the device was an 8 MP sensor with autofocus and an LED flash, capable of capturing photos with notable detail for its time. The camera also supported video recording at 1080p@30fps, catering to users looking to capture video content. Additionally, the device featured a 1.3 MP front-facing camera, which while basic by today's standards, provided adequate functionality for video calls and self-portraits.

Audio and Connectivity

The Optimus Vu II came equipped with a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of audio peripherals. In terms of connectivity, the phone included support for Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot capabilities. It also featured Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP, GPS with A-GPS support, and NFC technology, which was a forward-thinking addition at the time for wireless communication. The infrared port enabled remote-control emulation for compatible devices, and while it lacked a radio, it did incorporate microUSB 2.0 with MHL TV-out, allowing users to connect it to compatible TVs for media playback.

Battery Performance

The device was powered by a removable Li-Ion 2150 mAh battery. Although compact by contemporary standards, the battery managed to offer a decent standby time of up to 400 hours and a talk time of up to 8 hours and 20 minutes, catering to the needs of moderate users. The removable aspect of the battery provided convenience for replacing or carrying spare batteries, enhancing the device's usability in mobile applications.

Additional Features

Incorporated within the hardware were various sensors including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass—tools that enhanced the device's interactive capabilities and user experience. The phone was available in colors such as black, white, and pink, adding a splash of variety to suit different personal tastes. Its price, around 180 EUR at release, positioned it as an affordable and versatile option in the market.

Conclusion: Legacy of the LG Optimus Vu II F200

The LG Optimus Vu II F200 emerged as a pioneering phablet that explored new dimensions in mobile viewing experiences. It provided a peek into the growing demand for larger-screen devices and laid the groundwork for future innovations in the smartphone industry. While it might no longer be available on the market, its influence and contributions to mobile design and technology remain noteworthy.