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Starting with the VX6000, each of LG's VX-series handsets have become a popular staple in Verizon Wireless' line-up, offering a rare combination of robust multimedia and stylish design. The VX-series flagship devices have always been on the forefront of the latest mobile technology, being one of the first to include megapixel cameras, integrated MP3 players, and video streaming capabilities.

New to Verizon this summer, the LG VX8300 continues to offer advancements. Using the VX8300 music-on-demand capabilities, customers can download songs to the integrated MP3 player.

For imaging, the VX8300 features a 1.3-megapixel camera and video recorder. Coupled with EV-DO high-speed Internet access, the VX8300 lets users share photos at effortless speeds. And with the VX8300's advanced voice recognition, users can combine other features like Simultaneous GPS for new and interesting capabilities. Exclusive for Verizon Wireless, the VX8300 is the latest device in the VX-series, becoming the latest flagship device to offer a top-notch multimedia package with innovative technological advances.

Design

The first thing many consumers may notice is the similar rounded shell reminiscent of the VX8100. But unlike the toy-like blue color, the VX8300 offers a more conservative look, wrapped a more sophisticated gray color resembling the serious mobile device that it is.

While sleek and stylish, the 91 x 48 x 25 mm VX8300 weighs 111 g, hardly razor-thin. But fans of the VX8100 will welcome the VX8300's similar layout. The front panel embeds a 65K-color external screen, capable of displaying frequently accessed information at 96 x 96 px.

Above the screen, a lens and flash to the 1.3-megapixel camera allow users to snap high-resolution printable photos at 1280 x 960 px. Positioned on the lower half, dedicated music keys give convenient access to Rewind, Play/Pause, and Forward functions when listening to tracks.

The left and right edges have handy buttons for shortcuts to frequently accessed features. Along the left, Volume Keys adjust the ring and voice volumes during standby and calls, while a Voice Commands Key records and playbacks memos doubling as the activation to the speaker-independent voice recognition system. On the right, a Camera Key lies above a microSD expansion card slot, providing removable storage for memory-intense multimedia applications such as photos, videos, and music.

A headset jack located on the top gives users private listening and handsfree access. While twin speakers on both ends of the hinge blast stereo sound for an exceptional open-air listening experience.

Flipped open the VX8300 reveals a brilliant internal screen. Ideal for watching streaming videos, the 262K-color LCD is capable of displaying clips at a large 176 x 220 px resolution. The 5-Way Keypad doubles as shortcuts for the Mobile Web, Calendar, and Verizon Wireless' 'Get It Now' and 'Get PIX & FLIX' services, conveniently surrounded by Send, Clear, Power / End, Speaker, and Left and Right Keys for additional shortcuts.

Out of the box, the LG VX8300 comes with a standard 1100 mAh Li-Ion battery, Home Charger, Quick Reference Guide, and User Manual.

Camera

Camera phones were first introduced in 2000 as novelty items that took grainy photos of little value. Since then, increasing improvements in technology have allowed users to leave the standalone digital camera at home.

Compared to the market, the VX8300's 1.3-megapixel CMOS camera is fairly average. While much better than prior generation VGA cameras, the VX8300 is not state-of-the-art, trailing behind a few 2.0- and 3.2-megapixel devices currently leading the pack.

Capturing photos up to 1280 x 960 px in resolution, the VX8300 provides reasonable resolution for prints. Only about 60 photos can be stored at the highest quality, but users can choose lower resolutions such as 640 x 480 px, 320 x 240 px, 176 x 144 px, and 160 x 120 px to store up to 1,500 photos on the internal memory.

Using the 5-Way Keypad, consumers can quickly adjust the Brightness (-9 to +9) and Digital Zoom (4x). Combining options to customize photos, the VX8300 includes filter and color correction tools such as White Balance (Auto, Sunny, Cloudy, Tungsten, and Fluorescent), Color Effects (Normal, Sepia, Black and White, Negative, Solari, and Vivid), Self-Timer (3, 5, and 10 seconds), Night Mode, and Flash.

Users can also adjust the Shutter Sound as well as use the front display with the flip closed for self-portraits or group shots.

 

Also able to capture video, the VX8300 encodes clips in 3G2 format (MPEG-4 or H.263 video and AMR or AAC audio streams). Rather grainy and low quality, videos 176 x 144 px in size can be recorded up to 15 seconds in FLIX Message Mode, or an hour in General Mode.

The VX8300 lacks the technology to records decent video clips, too blurry and low in resolution for much use, and a common problem among all camera phones. However for capturing still photos, the VX8300 is an excellent device. With significantly improved image quality and reduced shutter lag over the VX8100, the VX8300 offers a convenient camera to snap impromptu shots.

Basic Features

The LG VX8300 operates on CDMA 800 / 1900 frequencies, making it compatible to just Verizon Wireless' digital networks nationwide. So customers who live in rural areas where digital coverage may be lacking may want to consider devices with analog frequencies.

As with many other phones, the VX8300 uses a Verizon-branded menu structure. However, rather than the standard no-frills fundamental navigation structure, the VX8300 is one of the first phones to features a Flash-based user interface.

Developed in partnership with Adobe, the VX8300 gives users the ability to not only change the menu colors (Red, Purple, Dark Blue, Light Blue, Green), but also adjust the entire home screen and menu layout with themes (Silver Spin and Pulse). The Flash-UI is slow and may annoy customers, but with prior phones commonly lacking usability features, the VX8300's new interface gives the much needed customizability customers have been requesting.

Miscellaneous features include Standalone Mode (RF Off) for operation in airplanes, TTY/TDD support and hearing aid compatible (M3-Rating) for the hearing impaired, and English and Spanish language support.

LG rated the VX8300's 1100 mAh Li-Ion battery at an impressive 3.83 and 384 hours (16 days) of talk and standby times respectively, considerably prolonging the battery life over the VX8100. However, these times are under optimal conditions. Handset manufacturers and carriers often list talk and standby time ratings with disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Actual times will vary.

Screen

Consumers probably expect the VX8300 to come with an excellent screen since it's one of Verizon Wireless' video streaming devices, and fortunately it does. Dual color displays bring the VX8300 to life.

Built from OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology, the external screen does not require a backlight to function. Drawing far less power than traditional LCD technology, the downside of OLED screens is washed out color in direct sunlight.

Displaying 65K-colors, the 96 x 96 px screen conveniently shows frequented information such as battery charge level, signal strength, date, and time for up to 6 lines of text. The external screen also doubles as a viewfinder when closed in Camera Mode, but unfortunately is incapable of displaying text.

On the other hand, the internal screen is built from TFT (Thin Film Transistor) technology, providing unmatched clarity, brightness, and speed at the expense of power consumption. Necessary for the imaging required to watch streaming videos, the 262K-color 176 x 220 px screen is bright and clear for video applications and camera functionality, also displaying 10 lines of text for comfortable text message viewing.

Both color screens are exceptional, offering an ideal combination of power consumption and image quality. Since consumers frequently glance at static information on the external screen, an OLED display seemed intuitive, prolonging battery life in exchange for fast refresh rates. Meanwhile, the internal screen compromises power for brightness and clarity to provide one of the best LCDs on the market to fully enjoy VCAST streaming videos.

Audio

As one of the main features, the fully-functional MP3 player is wonderfully integrated into the design of the VX8300. Offering music controls directly on the front panel, Rewind, Play/Pause, and Forward Keys allow music listeners to conveniently skip through tracks.

Capable of storing songs on TransFlash memory cards, the VX8300 can take full advantage of Verizon Wireless' VCAST Music Store. Combining the immediacy of over-the-air, full-music downloads with the ability to move a digital music collection between a Windows XP PC and the phone, the new service lets customers browse, preview, download, and play music directly on the VX8300 or online. VCAST Music also allows customers to take digital music already downloaded to their PC and sync it with the VX8300 via USB cable.

Supporting handsfree stereo audio, the VX8300 includes a headset jack to allow users to listen privately without disturbing others. But to share the music, dual speakers located on the ends of the hinge provide an excellent open-air listening experience.

Messaging

Featuring messaging standards commonplace among all devices today, the VX8300 can send text through SMS (Short Messaging Service), position layouts with EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), and attach photos, voice clips, or recorded videos through MMS (Multimedia Message Service).

Using T9 predictive text, consumers can type easier as the VX8300 predicts words by using combinations of the English language.

Offered by Verizon Wireless, Mobile IM supports the most popular instant messaging platforms to allow customers to access AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), MSN Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger platforms in real-time. Preinstalled on the VX8300, users can keep in touch with friends and family on the road. Data charges may apply.

Entertainment

Including PIM (Personal Information Management) applications commonly found on cell phones, the VX8300 comes with an Alarm Clock, Calculator, Calendar with Scheduler, EZ Tip Calc, Notepad, Voice Memo, and World Clock.

Users can also issue voice commands through the VX8300's Advanced Voice Recognition (AVR) technology. After initial training, the VX8300 recognizes commands with just the sound of the voice.

Saying "Call (Name or Number)" or "Send Message To (Name or Number)" lets users communicate without lifting a finger, while other features include "Go To (Program)" to display the command menu and a list of options, "Check (Item) to see frequently accessed items such as Phone Status, Voicemail, and Missed Calls, "Lookup (Name)" to search through contacts, and "My Account" to access Verizon Wireless account information.

Fairly intuitive to use, the VX8300 offers a more robust voice recognition system than typically found to lets users access more functions.

Through the VX8300's Simultaneous GPS (Global Positioning System) function, road warriors will never need to ask for directions again. Integrated with Verizon Wireless' new VZ Navigator service, the VX8300 offers real-time instructions to locate and direct users to their destinations. Providing Location Based Services (LBS) options including maps and turn-by-turn navigation with written and audible voice directions, the VX8300 locates any address in the U.S., pointing lost customers towards nearly landmarks, gas stations, banks, ATMs, and more - over fourteen million points nationwide.

Accessible after a subscription fee, extensive travelers can get VZ Navigator for $9.99 for unlimited monthly access, or the occasional tourist can use it for $2.99 per day.

Downloadable Java-based applications can also be installed through BREW (Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless), a common platform for mobile devices. With abundant software for business users and gamers alike, consumers can find mobile versions of popular PC applications and video games reminiscent of 90s console games. Most cost a fee, some or free.

Internet

Expanding its network to more than 171 major metropolitan markets and 68 primary airports, Verizon Wireless' broadband network is one of the largest in the country. As an EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) capable device, the VX8300 can access 3G broadband network at theoretical speeds of up to 2.4 Mbps. But more realistic rates are around 300 to 500 kbps.

Through EV-DO, consumers are able to access a variety of multimedia services. VCAST Video, a subscription-based video streaming and download service, shows clips up to 5 minutes long, downloadable through from the VX8300.

Able to watch mobile television anywhere EV-DO coverage is available, customers can get live and prerecorded shows from popular channels such as ABC News, CNBC, MSNBC, the Weather Channel, the News Corp.'s Twentieth Century Fox studio, and Viacom Inc.'s VH1 and Comedy Central. Additionally, Video-On-Demand is available through Verizon Wireless' Get It Now service. Allowing customers to subscribe to and select preferences for their favorite content, text alerts are sent when new videos becomes available.

Offering customers the ability to download music over the air directly to their wireless phones, VCAST Music gives users immediate access to songs from well-known artists at major music labels Warner Music Group, EMI Music, Universal, and Sony/BMG, as well as indie provider The Orchard. Letting consumers play music on their wireless phones, more than one million songs are available for purchase in the Verizon Wireless VCAST Music Store.

Customers buying songs from the VCAST Music Store on the VX8300 get two copies of every song - one for the phone and one for the Windows XP PC. Purchases from the PC cost $0.99 and can be transferred via USB cable to the phone, while purchases from the VX8300 cost $1.99 for both copies. VCAST Music customers will also be able to buy entire albums via Windows XP PCs. Prices vary by album.

Storage

The VX8300 comes with 28.0 MB of internal memory, dynamically shared among stored multimedia. However for large files such as music files or video clips, the free space may not be enough.

Fortunately the VX8300 integrates a microSD / TransFlash expansion card slot. Capable of accepting memory cards up to 2 GB in size, plenty of storage is available to fully utilize the audio and imaging capabilities.

Connectivity

With Bluetooth 1.1 wireless technology, the VX8300 is able to connect with up to 20 Bluetooth-compatible devices simultaneously within a 10 meter (30 feet) radius. Also compatible with a several popular Bluetooth profiles, users can connect the VX8300 utilize a wide range of wireless functions:

- Headset Profile (HSP) supports popular Bluetooth headsets for wireless communication, and probably the most commonly used profile

- Handsfree Profile (HFP) is commonly used with handsfree car kits, more popular as more laws are being passed to ban the direct use of mobile phones while driving

- Serial Port Profile (SPP) emulates a serial port, providing simple integration for existing applications such as sending faxes

- Dial-Up Networking (DUN) Profile, perhaps the most popular, lets users connect their laptops to go online over Bluetooth, most commonly accessed from a laptop by dialing up on a cell phone, wirelessly

- Object Push Profile (OPP) gives consumers a convenient way to send files, however it is limited to virtual business cards. OBEX (Object Exchange) is crippled preventing users from transferring multimedia from a PC, however consumers can use email as an alterative to load multimedia on the VX8300.

- Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP) is a new profile that lets music listeners enjoy music wirelessly through A2DP-compatible Bluetooth headphones. Able to walk around and enjoy stereo sound without the constraints of wires, the VX8300 is one of the newest devices to offer this exciting technology.

The VX8300's Bluetooth offers more profiles than former Verizon Wireless devices; however, crippling file transfers prevent users from transferring multimedia from a PC.

Conclusion

The VX8300 is tough to pick apart. Having strengths in imaging, audio, connectivity, and usability, LG improved what little problems the VX8100 had. Intuitive and stylish design, the Flash-based user interface, dedicated music keys on the front panel, dual stereo speakers, and vivid dual color LCDs make using the VX8300 quite enjoyable.

Features commonly found as highlights on other devices show up on the VX8300. GPS navigation guides travelers to their destination, while EV-DO lets customers connect online at high-speed data rates.

The integration of Verizon Wireless' services is wonderful as well. VCAST Music and Video stores provide convenient access to video and music clips, while the expansion card slot ensures the VX8300 always has more than enough room. And the VX8300's A2DP Bluetooth technology is versatile, providing excellent audio quality with the option to pause the music for incoming calls.

If one were to pick at the VX8300, it would probably be its slow menu and mediocre 1.3-megapixel camera. Not that it's bad by any means, it's just not exceptional. But overall, the VX8300 is a technological marvel for consumers who are looking for a well-rounded do-it-all device.

Released for Verizon Wireless, the LG VX8300 offers music-on-demand capability to download songs playable on the integrated MP3 player. Built with dual speakers, the VX8300 offers stereo sound in an open air environment, or private listening through Bluetooth enabled stereo headsets. For imaging, the VX8300 also features a 1.3-megapixel camera/video recorder. Its EV-DO and mobile Web capability go hand in hand to make the phone a high-speed portal to the Internet. The VX8300's advanced voice recognition combines with other features like Simultaneous GPS to provide end users with new and interesting capabilities

Reviewed by Honest Myth on 26-12-2006 Rating:

This was my first attempt at a flip phone, and I must say that it is outstanding compared to those my friends have owned over the years. As an individual who was cautious about finally upgrading beyond my old 2-color Kyocera "brick," which has been 100% reliable and virtually indestructible for the past 4 years, I bit the bullet and upgraded to a VX8300 because the specs were just too cool. Yet, I have already returned one and will be returning a second - read on to find out why.

The look and feel of the phone is actually pretty sleek, although they should have opted for an internal antenna at this point in the game. The SAR rating is decent, though (probably due to the fact the antenna protrudes), so I'm not complaining with the knowledge that I'm not getting as much radiation pumped into my body as I would with a Motorola phone. The buttons are all very easy to work with and the phone feels and looks very well-built.

The sound quality during calls is superb, and I have gotten great reception, so among its plethora of features the VX8300 still works well as a phone (shocking!).

Reviewed by Sbernhard on 7-9-2007 Rating:

I had this phone for a week before sending it back for something else. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to test 2 phones because I got this phone for myself and my boyfriend. From the start, both phones never got over 2 bars of reception. I owned the LG6100 before this phone and in areas where I had full reception with the old phone, such as my house and front yard, I had no reception and/or my calls were constantly dropped. When entering an area with no reception for a length of time (movies), the phone shuts off entirely, which was a surprise to me 3 hours after the movie when I tried to figure out why someone hadn't called me back.

Reviewed by Bob Horn on 28-11-2007 Rating:

LG VX300 is a Great phone but Verizon, in their great wisdom and greed, has decided to block the end user from loading their own music, that we own, to the phones we bought.

Here we go again. The phone company and their monopoly at my expense.

Why should I pay again for a song that I already own.

What a racket!!! They rig the LG so I can't do what I want with my music on my phone!

It's my phone! I should be able to put what every I want on it without paying the Verizon money grubbing, greedy Troll!!!

Give me a break!!!

Reviewed by Corey on 10-1-2008 Rating:

This phone is decent...it serves it's purpose of calling people...sometimes. It's NOT durable though. I'm not rough on it at all and I'm on my third one in a little over a year. I would not recommend this phone to anybody, however they have come out with an updated version so hopefully that one is not as bad.

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