The LG GW620 isn't the most high-profile Android smartphone on the block, but it is a fairly decent attempt at one. Running the older Android 1.5, cutting-edge may not be in this handset's vocabulary, but it's a definite contender for anyone searching for a less-expensive smartphone.
Physically, it features a side-sliding QWERTY keyboard, along with a 3-inch touchscreen. The result is one chubby device. Sure, it will fit in your pocket, but it won't be pretty. On the plus side, build quality appears impressive, and the black and blue color scheme works really well.
The HVGA-resolution screen managed good display quality (even under sunlight), but it's resistive nature just puts us in unfamiliar Android territory. As expected, the touch interface is far from being as responsive as on a capacitive panel. We also didn't like the touch-sensitive buttons, which lent themselves for accidental presses rather often. The five-row QWERTY keyboard, in contrast, was among the best we've used.
As a phone, the GW620 managed good calls. Voices came through fine, but there was a noticeable sharpness to the sound. Quality at the highest loudness was also pretty murky, so we suggest keeping it at a lower volume. Speakerphone performed similarly - usable but not the best. Battery life is rated at eight hours of talk time and it performed impressively, lasting a full three days of regular use.
LG must have had their reasons for using Android 1.5. Whatever it is, though, they should change their minds soon. There are plenty of updates that went in between this version and 2.1. Yes, I'd like to have those too if I'm going to shell out for a smartphone (although LG did put in apps to offset some features, such as installing Moxier for Exchange Support). My guess is this is the Android version that's fully compatible with their S-Class UI, which puts lots of visual niceties onto the phone but almost no discernible new functionality.
The phone comes with LG's SNS app, which takes care of syncing your address book with your social network profiles. Personally, I don't see the point in this app - there are better social-based downloads available in the Android Market. It also has all the Android essentials, such as a solid messaging suite, Google apps and such.
Web browsing is fast, with an option of using either the 3.6Mbps HSDPA or Wi-Fi connection. Browser loads pages accurately, but navigation is a little cumbersome. LG also jazzed up the media players a bit. We actually like it better than the usual Android default. Other features include a 5.0 megapixel camera (lots of editing options with good photo quality), stereo Bluetooth, aGPS, FM radio with RDS and microSD card expansion.
Overall, it's a decent entry-level Android phone, with a good camera and an excellent QWERTY keyboard. Priced at around $400 unlocked, it isn't too bad. They are up for a tough battle against HTC's $300+ Android devices, though.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
well as of right now the only thing that caught my eye was the hardware keyboard….
Chubby or not, the qwerty keyboard is something I really enjoy. Great usability! Also those three days for regular use sounds well. Don’t know though if LG will stand a chance in this battle with HTC..