Hands on: LG Spectrum smartphone for Verizon
updated 09:00 pm EST, Wed January 11, 2012
Dual-core 1.5GHz CPU paired with 720p display
Among the high-end smartphones introduced at CES, LG added its Spectrum handset to the crowd of upcoming Android devices. Electronista took a closer look at the company's new Android flagship, which features 4G LTE connectivity, a 1.5GHz dual-core processor and a 720p HD display.
The Spectrum utilizes a 4.5-inch IPS panel, which offers wide viewing angles and crisp details but lacks the brilliant colors of AMOLED technology. The display seems to be decent, though some potential buyers may be willing to sacrifice pixel crispness for the color presentation on a device such as the Galaxy Nexus.
The back panel is built with a material that resembles woven carbon fiber, similar in appearance to the woven Kevlar on the Droid Razr. Corning's Gorilla Glass protects the facade and adds to the seemingly robust construction. We were impressed by the build quality, though the device is not the thinnest handset on the market.
The dual-core processor was fast and easily handled the OS, however the aging Gingerbread build is arguably the device's least impressive feature. If LG wants to compete against devices such as the Galaxy Nexus, the company needs to quickly bring the Spectrum up to speed with an Ice Cream Sandwich update.
The Spectrum will arrive at Verizon stores on the 19th for $200 with a new two-year contract.
