LG recently announced LG Thrill 4G, which is a USA version of its LG Optimus 3D. The phone offers 3D capabilities and is the second phone after HTC EVO 3D to offer 3D. Notably you don’t need to use 3D glasses to view the 3D images or videos on the device. There are hardly any variations between LG Optimus 3D and LG Thrill 4G. In terms of design, the only difference is the AT&T logo printed at the back of the phone.
What is it:
LG Thrill 4G is the US version of its LG Optimus 3D with few tweaks and additional features. In terms of design the only difference between the two phones is the AT&T logo printed at the back of the phone. It is another dual-core phone from LG and is based on Froyo (Android 2.2). It has the powerful 1GHz dual-core processor with dual-channel RAM, which makes it one of the most advanced phone in terms of the hardware.
Key features:
LG Thrill 4G has a 4.3 inch WVGA touchscreen and two 5-megapixel cameras at the back of the device. It can shoot three-dimensional videos in HD at 720p and 30fps. 3D images are saved in two formats-MPO and JPS. Since JPS images are easier to view and edit the Thrill by default saves the images as JPS and give you the option to convert to MPO. It comes with a 8 GB micro SD card for storage and features a dual-channel RAM to improve performance. It runs on a 540 mAh battery and has a micro HDMI-out to help you watch your 3D images and videos on bigger screen.
What’s innovative:
Many of us still regard 3D as a gimmick by companies to sell their products at a higher price and, yes LG Thrill 4G plays on this gimmick to sell its phone in the US markets. It consists of two 5-megapixel cameras hunkered inside a phone, promising to give 3D effects to your images and videos. There is a dedicated 3D button on the right side of the phone to take you to the 3D portal. This includes the 3D Games & Apps, 3D Camera, 3D Gallery, YouTube 3D, 3D photos and 3D video. Also this would be LG’s first device based on its “Tri-Dual” architecture.
Price and availability:
LG Thrill 4G is currently available in USA with AT&T branding with an astonishingly low price of $100 with a two-year commitment with AT&T. This makes it one of the cheapest dual core phones in the market.
The upside:
This doesn’t mean the camera is always disappointing. In case of less bright conditions such as cloudy conditions, the images are sharp and crisp. Macro shots are fantastic and images in low light scenarios are average. It is winner in terms of hardware based on 1GHz dual-core TI OMAP 4430 CPU and 512MB of dual-channel RAM. The system never lags or delays while multitasking or while playing games, thanks to its powerful processor and dual-channel RAM.
In terms of design and build quality it is impressive again. The soft coat plastic at the rear prevents it from slipping from your hand. The front top and button bezels are like a brushed aluminum and give a premium look and feel to the phone. The call and audio quality is good as in LG Optimus 3D.
The down side:
LG Thrill 4G will be shipping with Froyo (Android 2.2) installed, instead of the latest Gingerbread Android OS. The biggest downside of the phone is its camera itself, which makes it a 3D phone. It cannot take 3D shots with the flash on and the 2D camera is not good enough as compared to other dual phone cameras in the market. The automatic exposure is unable to make adjustments in diresct sunlight, resulting in washed-out photos. LG is infamous for lower quality sensors in its mobile devices and LG Thrill 4G is no exception. It also lacks the ISO adjustments and panoramic shot options.
The video performance is also unimpressive. Both the cameras on the rear are 5-megapixels and record in 720p rather than 1080. The battery life is low, which you cannot enjoy it for longer periods of time.
The bottomline:
LG Thrill 4G offers you all the features you would want in a high-end Android phone. It is a high-performance phone offered at a reasonable cost. Currently, it is the least expensive dual-core phones in the market with an overall outstanding performance.
