LG Optimus Vu P895 Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build

The LG Optimus Vu P895 is a distinctive device in terms of design with dimensions of 139.6 x 90.4 x 8.5 mm, making it both unique and somewhat challenging for one-handed usage. Weighing 168 g, it maintains a balance between being lightweight and solid in hand. The device features a flat rectangular shape which deviates from the common trends of rounded corners seen in many other smartphones of its time. It sports a micro-SIM and a minimalistic design, with an understated elegance in either black or white color options.

Display

The device is equipped with a 5.0-inch HD-IPS LCD display. Despite the relatively modest screen-to-body ratio of 61.3%, the large display size and 768 x 1024 pixel resolution provide a satisfactory viewing experience. The 4:3 aspect ratio is quite unusual for smartphones, aligning more closely with tablets, making it suitable for reading and viewing documents. The display quality, with approximately 256 ppi density, ensures decent clarity and vibrancy for images and videos.

Performance

Under the hood, the LG Optimus Vu is powered by the Nvidia Tegra 3 chipset, featuring a quad-core 1.5 GHz CPU and ULP GeForce GPU. This hardware setup was robust at its launch, offering smooth performance for daily tasks and media consumption. The 1GB RAM at the time allowed for adequate multitasking capabilities, although it might feel limiting by today's standards. The lack of a microSD card slot for expandable storage is a notable limitation, but the device compensates with 32GB of internal storage.

Camera

The main camera is an 8 MP shooter with autofocus capability and an LED flash, allowing for quality photography given good lighting conditions. It supports video recording at 1080p@30fps, which was a substantial feature back in 2012. The front-facing camera, a 1.3 MP lens, is designed primarily for video calls and basic selfies.

Battery Life

Equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion 2100 mAh battery, the LG Optimus Vu offers decent battery life, managing up to 510 hours standby on 2G networks or 486 hours on 3G. For talk time, users can expect up to 16.5 hours on 2G or 15 hours on 3G. Such performance would allow typical users to get through a full day of moderate use without recharging.

Software and User Experience

Running on Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich, the phone delivers a straightforward user experience expected from Android devices of its time. While lacking the advanced features and customization options present in later Android versions, it still offers a stable system for apps available at that point in its lifecycle. The device also includes sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, aiding in various applications and user interactions.

Connectivity

The LG Optimus Vu supports GSM/HSPA technology, allowing connection to 2G and 3G networks. For wireless connectivity, it comes with WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and hotspot features. Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP supports wireless audio streaming, while GPS functionality includes A-GPS for enhanced location accuracy. The inclusion of NFC continues to add value, allowing for contactless transactions and data exchange. The phone also features a stereo FM radio with RDS and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer.

Audio

The device includes a loudspeaker and a standard 3.5 mm audio jack, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of headphones and audio equipment. Stereo sound quality is typical for devices of this era, performing well for calls and media playback.

Market Release and Price

The LG Optimus Vu was announced in August 2012 and released in November 2012. At the time of its release, it was priced around 210 EUR, positioning it as a mid-range option with some standout features, notably its unique display and capable processor. Despite being discontinued, it marked an intriguing attempt by LG to blend smartphone and tablet features into a single device.

Conclusion

The LG Optimus Vu P895 stands out for its distinct design and impressive display technology. While some choices such as the 4:3 aspect ratio and the lack of expandable storage might limit its appeal to certain users, it nevertheless offered a unique user experience that blended the features of both smartphones and tablets. Despite being discontinued, its release represented an innovative step for LG, pushing the boundaries of conventional smartphone design and functionality during its time.