We’ve been seeing a lot of really good high-end handsets lately (like the Galaxy Note II and the HTC DROID DNA), but all the while, LG has been putting out some solid mid-range phones. Not too long ago, we reviewed the LG Optimus L9, a mid-range device at T-Mobile that wasn’t extraordinary in any way but still a quality handset all around, and today it’s the Verizon Spectrum 2 that’s taking center stage. The question is whether or not this smartphone is yet another good mid-range entry from LG, or if it falls short when held up against the dozens of other mid-range handsets ready to be taken home.
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‘Phone Reviews’ Stories
Verizon HTC Windows Phone 8X Review
HTC’s new Windows Phone 8X proves that the manufacturer is capable of building a solid Windows Phone 8 device. We’ve already taken a look at AT&T’s version of the 8X, as well as T-Mobile’s variant, but Verizon has the new device in its repertoire as well, and we’ve got it right here in front of us to see what this version offers. Since we already went over the basics as well as the more advanced stuff with the original full review, as well as dabbled around with T-Mobile’s version, I’ll just be briefly providing an overview of Verizon’s version for those who may be interested in grabbing the device from Big Red.
T-Mobile LG Nexus 4 Review
The difference between the Google Play Nexus 4 and the T-Mobile Nexus 4 is neither in the hardware nor in the software, but in the cost and agreement you’ll be making with T-Mobile – but that doesn’t mean we can’t give some more time to Google’s own smartphone hero for Android 4.2 Jelly Bean – for science! First be sure to take a peek at our original full Nexus 4 review as done by our own Vincent Nguyen, then have another dive in with the slight differences between it and the T-Mobile edition – must be something for the massive difference in price, right?
Verizon Nokia Lumia 822 Review
It’s time for Verizon to get its hands on the Windows Phone 8 universe with the lovely Nokia Lumia 822, another iteration of the original Lumia 820. This device is essentially the same as the original Lumia 820 with a 4.3-inch 480 x 800 pixel resolution AMOLED display with ClearBlack technology to make it extra vibrant – covered with a Corning Gorilla Glass 2 pane of reinforced glass and surrounded by some more of that fabulous near-soft plastic we’ve seen on each of the Lumias thus far. This device takes on the Lumia 920 with many of the same features but just ever-so-slightly less top-notch specifications – there may be a little less magic, but there’s certainly magic enough.
Samsung Galaxy Camera Review
Times are tough for point-and-shoot cameras. The rise of the smartphone and its ever-increasing megapixel count, as well as a demand for instant sharing, has seen dedicated camera sales droop. Yet, as any photography aficionado will tell you, there’s more to snapping shots than mere megapixels. Enter Samsung and the Galaxy Camera, promising the best of its mobile and photography teams in a single gadget. Is there room in the marketplace for a new hybrid: the heart of a true camera with the added sprinkle of some smartphone magic? Read on for our full review.
DROID DNA Review
HTC has gone all out with the DROID DNA, and it pays dividends: the new Verizon exclusive breaks records with its 1080p display, putting HTC back into the limelight with a legitimate flagship. A Full HD screen, 4G LTE, and a quadcore S4 Pro chipset tick the spec boxes more comprehensively than we’ve ever seen before, though big displays and fast processors do make us worry when the battery is non-removable. Has HTC redeemed itself with the best Android phone on the market, or are the DROID DNA’s ambitions simply ahead of their time? Read on for the full SlashGear review.
T-Mobile HTC Windows Phone 8X Review
The HTC Windows Phone 8X is without a doubt the finest Windows Phone machine HTC has ever produced, and certainly one of the most beautiful devices they’ve ever created regardless of operating system. Because we’ve already done a full HTC Windows Phone 8X review as the device exists on AT&T, the following look a the T-Mobile version will be shorter than your average SlashGear review – especially here since the differences between the devices are so incredibly few. Just as Samsung got wise with the Galaxy S III and having the same hardware and software build, for the most part, for carriers across the earth, so too has HTC kept the fighting “one design for all” spirit here with the 8X, a strong device from all angles.
Nokia Lumia 810 Review
With the Nokia Lumia 810 comes T-Mobile’s chance to jump aboard the Windows Phone 8 / Nokia train to victory with a slightly powered-down version of the hero Lumia line introduced earlier this year. We’ve got our review of the Nokia Lumia 920, a beast of a machine with its own set of top-tier features, now we see the lower end of the spectrum with the 810 and its slightly less daring smartphone body. As it turns out, much of the experience here is the same, with not a whole lot of apparent difference to be seen between this and any other high-powered Windows Phone 8 smartphone on the market thus far.
LG Optimus L9 Review (T-Mobile)
Most of us know that when it comes to smartphones, it’s a constant struggle to find the right balance between power, looks, and affordability, with affordability normally losing out in the end. The problem most of the time is that the affordable phones don’t always look the best and typically don’t have the best hardware under the hood. If you want a phone that looks sleek and performs great, you’re going to have to shell out the big bucks, right? LG is attempting to challenge that idea with the Optimus L9, a new handset at T-Mobile that comes with the very manageable price tag of $79.99. The question is: can this phone deliver the goods at a budget price, or do the savings mean that the phone ultimately disappoints in other areas?
AT&T Nokia Lumia 920 Review
With the Nokia Lumia 920 we’ve been promised a hero device for Windows Phone 8, and indeed it has been defended several time before its release by Nokia and Microsoft – in so many words. But is Nokia’s Nokia’s brand power enough to make us believe the hype? This is supposed to be a “fundamental shift” right along with the wave of Windows 8 touchscreen devices that are currently on their way to retail stores and homes right this minute – is it time for Nokia to shine?
Nexus 4 Review
Google is up to its fourth Nexus smartphone, and the LG Nexus 4 faces a very different mobile world from the heady days of the Nexus One. Back then, Google’s Nexus led the field in specifications, a deliberate kick to manufacturers to be more imaginative with their Android devices. The Nexus 4, however, faces ambitious and best-selling Android phones (not to mention the iPhone 5, and the launch of Windows Phone 8) that are already capable and compelling. Does the new Nexus have a place in the mobile market? Read on for our full review.
HTC Windows Phone 8X Review
Today is the big day for the folks at Microsoft and their brand new Windows Phone 8. What we have today is the brand new Windows Phone X8 by HTC, better known as the HTC 8X. With the combination of Windows Phone 8 supporting much better hardware, and HTC bringing their A-game the HTC 8X is a much better, faster, and more personal and improved Windows Phone experience. Read on for our full thoughts.
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