LG is expected to release a new mobile phone that was previously nicknamed the LG Tegra 2 and LG Revolution 2; its current nomenclature is the LG Spectrum, the heir to the Revolution released in May 2011. Whilst this mobile phone isn’t due out during the Consumer Electronics Show 2012 that starts next week, it is expected to be released prior to the Mobile World Congress in February.

LG is so close to a release that it has already made available the user’s guide, which surprised us, but it was helpful in completing our review.

Overview

LG jumped on the 4G LTE bandwagon with this smartphone, and users might get LTE speeds just about the time they’re considering changing handsets. The LTE network is growing, but it’s growing slowly and not without aches and pains – and complaints. The technology is there, however, for those fortunate enough to live in an area where the network has had the kinks worked out of it.

The next thing we noticed about this device is that it is not GSM-compatible. It’s a CDMA device and, therefore, cannot be unlocked or used on a GSM network, which definitely reduces user versatility.

The Spectrum sports a decent-sized screen without pretending to not be a mini-tablet, and for those who are interested, its screen size beats the expected iPhone 5 screen.

Shutter bugs will be very pleased with the LG Spectrum. It has camera and video capabilities that rival the pack leaders.

Slightly heavier than most smartphones, it still fits well in the hand, and the solid feel gives comfort and confidence.

Specifications

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Dimensions: 135.4 x 68.8 x 10.4 mm / 141.5 g
Display: 4.5 inches / HD-IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen / 720 x 1280 pixels at 326 ppi.
Operating System: Android 2.3 Gingerbread
Speed: 1.5 GHz Scorpion; Dual-core. QC Snapdragon chip.
Memory: 1 GB RAM / 4 GB onboard, expandable: 16 GB included, microSD slot increases external memory to up to 32 GB.
Battery: 1830 mAh; life duration, unknown.
Camera: Rear: 8 MP / 3264 x 2448 pixels / autofocus / LED flash / Video: 1080p at 30 fps, LED video light / Front: 1.3 MP.
Connectivity: 2G: CDMA 800, 1900 / 3G: CDMA2000 1xEV-DO / 4G: LTE 700 / Data: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot

Features: Dual cameras. Bluetooth. NFC technology onboard. Video features include geo-tagging, face detection and image stablisation. SMS with threaded view. TV-out. MP4 / H.264 / H.263 / WMV / DviX video player; MP3 / WMA / WAV / FLAC / eAAC+ / AC3 / DTS audio player. True HD movie editor. Document viewer and editor.

Additional comments: Excellent screen resolution on normal viewing ratio. OS upgrade to ICS, unknown at this time. CDMA restriction reflects in the connectivity options. Excellent audio and video file options – an entertainment package worth its salt.

Overall opinion: Without the battery life specifications, it’s hard to say, but if those live up to the rest of the specifications, that 4.5-inch screen with that resolution is a big attraction. Pending additional information, we’ll give it a reserved-8 with bonus points for that entertainment package: 8.6 of 10 notches.

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