LG VX5400 Review
By Damon Brown
March 5th, 2008
Summary
LG describes the VX5400 as a “simple solution to a complex world,” and it is difficult to be more accurate than that. From its lightweight clamshell design to its small screen and smaller keypad, the LG VX5400 is a basic, old-school phone. Priced at a reasonable $49.99 (with 2-year Verizon contract), the LG VX5400 appeals to those that simply want a phone that does what a phone should do: Work well.
Full Review
Features and Design
The LG VX5400 is light, weighing only a couple ounces, and its entire open clamshell frame will fit comfortably in the average hand. The shell is a shiny space-age, almost tinny silver, with a thick black border surrounding the vertical screen that is just over one inch by two inches. The bottom half has a flat, immobile directional pad, with each direction opening a menu such as contacts or calendar. Next to the pad are two basic menu keys, clear, speakerphone, send and end. A number pad is below, flat with raised bumps to separate keys.
On the left side of the phone are volume buttons and a power jack. On the right side is the voice command button and the camera key. Close the clamshell and a small color monitor will show the time, date, battery power and other details. Above the monitor is the camera lens for the VGA camera.
As mentioned earlier, LG keeps things really basic here. The Internet function and speed are fine, but it uses the abbreviated “phone” Internet view. Traditional websites like Yahoo! appear a little mashed up, which will be a shock to those used to PC-accurate representations on their cell phones. There is no microSD slot, but, aside from the camera, there won’t be any need for additional multimedia storage.
Price
As expected, the Verizon LG VX5400 is cheap: $99.99 at full price, and $49.99 with a two-year Verizon commitment. The phone falls under Verizon’s standard phone plans.
When pricing the VX 5400, keep in mind that most advertised multimedia functions, such as the aforementioned GPS option, are a la carte.
Image Courtesy of LG Electronics
Setup and Use
The phone uses an internal antenna, and calls (both traditional and via speakerphone) are loud and clear. And the shocker: the VGA camera is excellent. Press the camera button and an instant, high-resolution visual viewfinder pops up on the screen. Manipulate the flat pad to digitally zoom the lens in and out. The results are crisp, bright and detailed, and it cannot be overstated how surprisingly supple the pictures turn out. The only two minor quips would be the inability to take pictures with the clamshell closed and the lack of a flash, but, as stated, pictures do not seem to suffer.
The VX5400 is Bluetooth enabled, so all your favorite devices should work on the phone. Verizon offers Get It Now, basically an internal Internet hub with downloadable games, pictures and such, but music itself is limited to ringtones. Most notable is the VZ Navigator, an optional service that provides a mini-GPS system. Unfortunately, like the other digital accoutrements, the VZ Navigator service will cost you extra. The straightforward functions eliminate the need for additional equipment like headphones, a microSD card and such, but music or video aficionados used to porting their multimedia onto their cells will find the phone very limited.
Conclusion
When compared to other phones, the VX5400 is a terribly simple device. However, LG’s latest excels in price, in user friendliness and in design, and it is a great purchase for someone who likes a tiny bit of multimedia with their phone – nothing more, nothing less.
Pros:
• Great price
• Excellent camera
• Simple phone
Cons:
• No frills
• Light on multimedia
Specs
Technology CDMA
Frequency 1.9 GHz CDMA PCS, 800 MHz CDMA/AMPS (Tri-Mode)
Data Transmission 1xRTT Voice & Data Capable†
Dimensions 3.54" (H) x 1.87" (W) x 0.89" (D)
Weight 3.21 oz.
Display Internal LCD: 262K Color TFT, 160 x 128 Pixels, 1.77”
External LCD: 65K Color STN, 96 x 64 Pixels, 1.04”
Standard Battery 1,000 mAh Li-Ion
Usage Time Up to 4 Hours & 40 Minutes*
Standby Time Up to 16 Days & 16 Hours*
Bluetooth Capable
VGA Camera
One-Touch Speakerphone
Speaker-Independent Voice Command
Compact Design with Large Keypad
BLUETOOTH®
o Version: 1.1
o Supported Profiles: headset, hands-free,* object push for vCard and vCalendar**
o Save up to 20 Bluetooth Pairings
o Send Contacts & Calendar Events via Bluetooth
*For Bluetooth vehicle/accessory compatibility, go to www.verizonwireless.com/bluetoothchart.
**Phone does not support all Bluetooth OBEX profiles.
CAMERA
o VGA Camera
o Resolution: 640x480 (default), 320x240, 160x120 Pixels
o Zoom: Up to 2x
o Self-Timer: 3, 5 or 10 Sec.
o Customizable Brightness, White Balance, Shutter Sound, Color Effects, Night Mode
o Image Editor – zoom, rotate, crop
o Self-Portrait Capability with Flip Closed
VOICE/AUDIO
o One-Touch Speakerphone
o Speaker-Independent Voice Commands: Call, Send Msg To, Go To, Check, Lookup, My Account
o Music Ringer Support (clips from hit songs)†
o Voice Recording – 1 min. or 1 hr.* (standby) or 5 min. (during a call)
o 18 Unique Ringtones + Vibrate & Silent Modes
o TTY/TDD Support
o Hearing Aid Compatible (M4/T4-Rating)
*Depends on available memory.
MOBILE MEDIA
o Text Messaging†
o Picture Messaging†
o Call & Messaging Restrictions – restrict incoming or outgoing calls/messages to allow all, contacts only,* or block all (except emergency calls)†
o Get It Now® Capable†
o Mobile Web 2.0†
o Web-Based E-mail, Instant Messaging, and Chat†
o My Account – balance, minutes, usage info†
*This setting is only available for call restrictions, not messaging.
TOOLS & DATA
o Tools: Calculator, Calendar, Alarm Clock, Stopwatch, World Clock, Notepad, Ez Tip Calc
o VZ NavigatorSM Capable – voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions†
o Speed Dial (95 entries + 4 pre-programmed for voicemail, #BAL, #MIN, #PMT)
o Phone Book with 1,000 Contacts – each stores 5 numbers, 2 e-mail addresses, and a picture ID*
o Emergency Contacts – enter 3 contacts and personal info
*Dependent on photos stored in your album (My Pictures).
GENERAL
o Compact, Stylish Design with Internal Antenna
o Mirror-Like External LCD
o Large, Easy-to-Use Keypad
o Standalone Mode (RF Off)
Technology CDMA
Frequency 1.9 GHz CDMA PCS, 800 MHz CDMA/AMPS (Tri-Mode)
Data Transmission 1xRTT Voice & Data Capable†
Dimensions 3.54" (H) x 1.87" (W) x 0.89" (D)
Weight 3.21 oz.
Display Internal LCD: 262K Color TFT, 160 x 128 Pixels, 1.77”
External LCD: 65K Color STN, 96 x 64 Pixels, 1.04”
Standard Battery 1,000 mAh Li-Ion
Usage Time Up to 4 Hours & 40 Minutes*
Standby Time Up to 16 Days & 16 Hours*
*Certain features may use more power and cause actual standby and usage time to vary.
o Standard Li-Ion Battery*
o AC Travel Charger*
o Headset
o Bluetooth Headset
o Extended Li-Ion Battery (1,500 mAh)
o Portable Battery Charger (with cable adapter)
o Vehicle Power Charger
o Carrying Case
o Swivel Holster
*Included with phone.
†Verizon Wireless service required. Product features subject to change. Features based on carrier program availability.