LG Spectrum VS920 The Comprehensive Review

Introduction

The LG Spectrum VS920, released in January 2012, is one of the smartphones that contributed to the evolution of mobile technology. Offering a blend of advanced features, this device was positioned to meet the demands of the burgeoning smartphone market of its time. This detailed overview will examine the LG Spectrum's specifications and features, providing a comprehensive look at what made it noteworthy.

Network and Connectivity

The LG Spectrum VS920 was built with support for multiple network technologies: CDMA, EVDO, and LTE, ensuring broad coverage and faster internet speed options. It operated on 2G bands (CDMA 800/1900), 3G bands (CDMA2000 1xEV-DO), and even supported 4G LTE in band 13. This multi-band capability allowed for better connectivity and was a significant feature during its release, offering speeds up to EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps on LTE networks.

Launch and Availability

The device was first announced in January 2012 and hit the market soon after. Initially, it generated buzz as a high-end smartphone offering from LG, but like many devices from its time, it has since been discontinued. Nonetheless, during its life cycle, it provided an attractive option for users seeking robust performance with modern amenities.

Design and Build

The LG Spectrum featured dimensions of 135.4 x 68.8 x 10.4 mm and weighed in at 141.5 grams, striking a balance between a large display size and portability. Utilizing a Mini-SIM format, the phone presented a sleek black design with a durable form factor. Its build quality was sufficient to withstand everyday use, standing as a testament to LG's commitment to merging functionality with style.

Display

The LG Spectrum was equipped with a 4.5-inch HD-IPS LCD, boasting a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels at approximately 326 ppi density. This made for a vibrant and clear viewing experience. The display was protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, adding resistance against scratches and minor impacts, which was a highly valued feature for users at the time.

Performance and Platform

Under the hood, the LG Spectrum housed a Qualcomm MSM8660 Snapdragon S3 chipset paired with a dual-core 1.5 GHz Scorpion CPU and an Adreno 220 GPU. Running on Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), the device delivered smooth performance for day-to-day applications and moderate multitasking. While modern apps may not run efficiently due to the older OS and hardware limitations, at the time, it provided a respectable user experience.

Memory and Storage

With internal storage of 4GB and 1GB of RAM, the LG Spectrum afforded users basic data storage needs. Additionally, it featured a microSDHC slot, allowing for expansion up to an additional 16 GB, which was included. This flexibility was crucial, given the storage-intensive nature of apps and media.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera was an 8 MP shooter with autofocus and an LED flash, capable of recording videos at 1080p@30fps. Despite the simplicity compared to today’s standards, the camera performed admirably for its time, offering reasonably high-resolution images. The device also included a 1.3 MP front-facing camera, which, while limited, was functional for video calls.

Sound and Audio Features

The LG Spectrum VS920 came with a built-in loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring users could listen to audio through external earphones or headphones. These features were standard for ensuring a good media playback experience and compatibility with audio accessories.

Connectivity Options

The phone supported Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, and Hotspot capabilities, allowing flexible networking options. It also came with Bluetooth 3.0, A2DP, and EDR for wireless communication. For positioning services, GPS and A-GPS were available, and the inclusion of NFC offered an additional modern touch for its time. The device lacked a radio feature but compensated with a microUSB 2.0 port that supported MHL TV-out, enhancing its multimedia sharing capabilities.

Sensors and Battery

The phone was equipped with various sensors like an accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, contributing to a comprehensive user experience. The removable Li-Ion 1830 mAh battery provided up to 348 hours of standby time and up to 8 hours and 20 minutes of talk time, supporting a full day’s usage on a single charge.

Miscellaneous Features

The LG Spectrum was available in the classic black color, which complemented its sleek design. Its SAR values were noted at 0.86 W/kg for the head and 1.11 W/kg for the body, within acceptable safety limits. Upon release, the device was priced at approximately 130 EUR, a competitive price point for the features it provided.

Conclusion

Though the LG Spectrum VS920 is no longer available on the market, its release marked an important step in the evolution of smartphones. With a strong combination of design, performance, and connectivity options, it appealed to users in search of a reliable and feature-rich mobile device. As technology continues to advance, the LG Spectrum remains a reminder of the progress made within the industry, having played its part in shaping the mobile experience as we know it today.