By 
The long wait is finally over. The LG VX9900 (aka LG enV), an upgrade to the popular VX9800, has finally arrived. Skatter Tech readers are in luck since Verizon Wireless was kind enough to send us a unit a few days before the launch. With a ton of new features, a new body, new interface, and a reasonable price tag, the phone has definitely met our expectations.
The phone looked quite big at first since we recently spent time reviewing the Motorola KRZR and LG VX8600, but according to the specs is actually much sleeker and shorter than the original “The V” phone. In terms of basic features, the LG enV (pronounced “envy”) features an impressive 2MP camera w/ flash, microSD expansion, stereo speakers, bluetooth, a full QWERTY keyboard, and standard V Cast Music/Video functions. This phone might just be Verizon’s “best phone of the year”.
LG VX9900 Specifications:
- Provider: Verizon Wireless (1.9GHz CMDA)
- Form Factor: Laptop-like w/ QWERTY keyboard
- Dimensions: 4.64H x 2.08W x 0.78D (inches)
- Weight / Battery: 4.6oz / 4hrs 30mins talktime
- Screens: External 128×160 & Internal 240×320
- Digital Camera: 2 megapixel camera and camcorder
- Storage: ~50MB internal + microSD (2GB max)
- Others: Bluetooth 1.2 + Stereo Speakerphone
- Price: $150 with a new 2-year contract
LG enV Body: 4/5 stars
Although the VX9900 is larger and very block-like compared to most flip phones, it’s still more compact than the VX9800. The phone can not be placed upright since all sides are rounded or even placed down on its back properly since the camera bulges out. The inside of the phone is designed quite well and everything is where it should be. The keyboard keys are backlit and spreadout. Overall the phone is a bit bulky for average users and isn’t the best looking phone, but size and looks can be thrown out considering the features it has packed inside.
Displays: 4.5/5 stars
The outside display (65K 128×160 px) is a way too small, but luckily the enlarged interface allows access to most required functions. The internal display (262K 240×320 px) is pretty bright and the colors are just stunning. It’s one of the best displays we’ve seen in a while.
Music Playback: 5/5 stars
The VX9900 support playback of unprotected MP3 and WMA files plus purchased V Cast Music. Music can be browsed by Artists, Albums, Genre, or Songs, similar to iPods. A neat addition is “Music Only Mode” which disables incoming/outgoing calls limiting the phone to just a Mp3 player to save battery life. Although the music player takes a few seconds to load, with the right setup music can be started in just 2 clicks.
Speakers: 4.5/5 stars
The enV has dual speakers for stereo surround, which makes music sound a whole lot better. Even when the volume is loud, the sound is still clear. The phone also utilizes the same speakers for calls, making it probably the best speaker phone we’ve used. The only downside is that, since the speakers are on the inside, they only sound good when the phone is open.
Digital Camera: 5/5 stars
The enV features a 2 megapixel camera which can snap shots up to 1600×1200 px. The images are bright, clear, and crisp, which is pretty good for a camera phone. (click to enlarge sample) The camcorder can record up to 1 hour clips at 320×240 px, but only 15 second clips can be mailed. Photos can be taken with the phone closed and held sideways like a traditional camera, but can also be taken using the larger internal display when open. Since the cam is on the back, the outside display turns on for self-portraits when flipped open. Other than that the phone also has a mechanical lens cover, flash, night shot, self-timer, and some extra effects.
Interface: 5/5 stars
We have to congratulate VZW for finally giving the interface a huge make over. The ugly red bars and menus are gone! The new “communicator” style has a new layour, soothing blue colors, and some animated items. However the important internal menus are still organized the same way as regular VZW phones. Some items in the main menu seem misplaced, but it isn’t a big issue. VZW has also included another style which is very similar to the classic theme, but with new icons/colors.
MicroSD: 4/5 stars
Music can be transfered to the phone using the “Sync” feature, however we were unable to do so since Verizon hasn’t released the USB cables or drivers yet. (check back for that) We instead directly copied the music onto the microSD card using an extra card reader/writer. Card access is easy, it is right under a flap on the right-side. Update: We got our Music Essentials Kit, but there are still some bugs. When syncing with Windows Media Player 11, the software keeps detecting the phone as a new device each time it’s plugged in. (auto-sync won’t work) We were also unable to get the Album Art to display on the phone, which worked perfectly with the KRZR. Card Reader/Writer Users: Format the card in your phone first. Folders for music, flix, and pics will be created. Finally just place the proper files into the correct folders.
Bluetooth: 5/5 stars
The Bluetooth (v1.2) on the enV now supports many new profiles, which include: headset (mono), hands free (ex. car), data modem, stereo speakers, image printing, contact cards, file transfer, and wireless keyboard. Supports saving up to 20 different device “pairings”.
Overall we would recommend this phone for people who take a lot of photos, heavy email users, music listeners, and “computer geeks”. If you usually only use your phone for making calls I’d suggest finding a smaller phone, which you will definitely appreciate more. If you do plan to get it, it will be available in stores and online starting Monday, November 27, 2006. If you are a current Verizon customer and are eligible for the every two year upgrade, the phone can be yours for as low as $50 + tax. However it will cost new customers signing up for a 2 year contract $150. New customers can get the phone for FREE after a Mail in Rebate online. (link below) For the features this phone has its an extremely good deal.
DEAL ALERT: FREE LG enV w/ New Plan (via Amazon)
Links: Verizon Wireless – LG VX9900
Related: LG VX9900 Data Sheet (.pdf)
Recent Reviews: Motorola KRZR Review
this is an awesome review – really helpful, thorough, concise. I have been doing a lot of research prior to buying my new phone and you just sealed the deal for me! thanks.
I got this phone on 11-25-06. I can’t believe all the features. The phone officially drops today 11-27-06, and all ready 4 and 5 stars only… awesome!!!!!!! Still looking forward to getting that 2GB micro card for music and movies… hopefully in the future some upgrade software will allow it support Word, Excel, and Powerpoint; buy if not, I am extremely happy with my enV!!!!!!
I am so looking forward to this phone! there is one drawback to my excitement. Does this phone allow for the option of using something from “your sounds” for a ringer? I have been using a chocolate and a samsung a930 and am pleased with what i can do ringer wise with both of those, but the 9800 did not support that will the envy?
How is the reception (RF) compared to others. I currently have an e815, but I live in a good coverage area.
I just got the enV last night and i am extremly happy. The only problem is the bluetooth it will not let me share ring tones with my friend who has a (cingular phone the Razr) the ring tones are not protected or anything they are the ones he creates in his computer. He shares them with my other friends but for some odd reason his phone did not want to transfer his ringtone to my phone. Does any one know how to fix this problem. I am thinking that it will only let me share ring tone with other Verizon phones but none of my friends have Verzion they have Cingualr or Tmobile. Also does anyone know if there will be updates on this phone to fix the minor bugs on the phone that I am not aware of yet?
Emmanuel,
From what I have heard, the ringtones are NOT transferable, no matter what carrier. MP3 files are, but not ring tones. They are stored in separate places on the phone.
i am thinking about picking up this phone tomorrow, is the head phone jack standard size or is it smaller??
I am in the process of deciding which phone to purchase. The enV or Chocolate.
But my question is, I have music downloaded on my computer but everything requires MP3 music files for cell phones. Is there a way that I can convert what I have to MP3 files?????? I am mainly wanting to use them as ringtones or is that possible???? I am new to the music portions of both the cells phones(mines a dinosaure) and the computer. Im sure you all are dumb founded by my question but had to ask anyway.
I’m very interested….any thoughts on how it compares as an email device to the sidekick 3 from T-Mobile?
Emmanuel, you can’t send ringtones from you phone because Verizon has disabled that feature bluetooth feature, known as the “OBEX” profile. In addition, your friend (or anyone else for that matter) cannot send you a ringtone. However, other bluetooth profiles are still included on the phone such as those that allow for hands-free devices. However, your friend can send ringtones to and from his phone (as well as pictures and video) because Cingular has not blocked the profile required to do so.
Q: Can I use music for ringtones?
A: I may be wrong, but I was unable to use MP3s as ringtones
Q: How is the RF reception?
A: I compared it to the Samsung a930, RAZR v3m, LG VX7000, and Blackberry. All phones in the same spot and same direction. The enV had the best signal.
Q: Will there be any firmware updates soon?
A: Usually within a month average. If you have any issues call and check with Verizon. If by chance there is an update, please let us know!
Q: What type of headphone jack?
A: It doesn’t have a standard iPod-like headphone jack. You will need to purchase an adapter to use with your current headphones or purchase special ones made specifically for this phone. (adapter is cheapest solution) Another ($$$) option is to purchase bluetooth headsets.
I am an avid Treo user, but am very impressed with the full-feature set of this phone. However, I must have the ability to sync with Outlook, primarily just contacts and calendar (not email). I need this to be done via USB, is this possible on the enV?
Thanks! Jason
Hey, this review was excellent, but one question… if I have the current model LG VX9800, and I have a Mini SD card, does this phone only take the “micro SD”? Or does mini SD work on it as well?
Thanks! Antonio P.
Antonio… only the microSD will work… Fry’s Electronics sales 1GB for around 40.00. VZW sales 2GB microSD cards for about 100.00. No way the mini will fit the 9900. The microSD card is almost the size of thumb nail… I saw one yesterday at VZW store. You actually need to use an adapter to use in a card reader. That thing is tiny… I plan on waiting awhile and hope they will drop to under 80 bucks.
Admin Edit: Sandisk 1GB MicroSD $38 (Amazon)
Thanks for taking the time to answer questions. I want to get this phone but have a few questions. Can I use this phone to give my mac EVDO access? What do I need to make sure my plan has to keep that data access from consuming minutes? Does AIM use txts as opposed to being unlimited? I use gmail; how does the phone work with email? Thanks again.
I can’t wait to purchase this phone tomorrow!
Hi. I own the LG VX9800. What are the differences betweeen the LG VX-9800 and the LG VX-9900? It seems to me that there are quite a few more advantages on the “enV” than “The V”; so… I might get the enV next year or so (because I think my contract is up by early ’07), if it has some advantages over “The V.” However, “The V” is still a good phone for people who text a lot or whatever. Just a thought to see what you guys and gals think, like comparison and contrast.
Will this also work for BitPim in a future release? That’s what I use to transfer stuff between my computer and my phone over a bluetooth item (dongale?).
Here is a link to what looks like an official Verizon Wireless document. The last page lists some differences between the V and the enV.
http://stadium.weblogsinc.com/engadget/videos/PDF/VX9900.pdf
Hi. Thanks for your reply. However, do you have any tips and tricks for the LG VX9800 (The V), if you own one? For example, on some websites, such as http://www.mobiledia.com/, http://www.phonearena.com/, and some others… they talk about using the 000-0000 setting to access some features, like changing the MOD/music setting, and stuff. Will that harm “The V”? I also found out that I could find my location via GPS (not buying a GPS item) while doing this setting. If that is possible, how does one do it without harming one’s “The V”? Does this above statement apply for “The enV”, as well?
Again, thanks for the reply and everything. :)
I tried this phone and it’s great overall, but the email functions are completely inadequate. On the Sidekick III, if someone sends you an email, it ends up in your Inbox almost instantly. With the enV, the email functionality isn’t integrated with the rest of the UI very well (relies too much on being a “Get It Now” service) and the most often it can check messages is once and hour. If you went to manually check for new emails (which is inconvenient for people who ride the subway… it’s better that the device is always checking emails so that you’re able to view the latest ones when you go underground and are out of service), the “syncing” takes a while compared to the Sidekick. For that reason, I would NOT recommend this as a Sidekick (or Blackberry…) replacement. As far as I know, the Internet is also limited compared to the Sidekick’s and IMing people also not as seamless as it is with the Sidekick.
I currently have the Verizon PocketPC (xv6700) and am sooo disappointed in its performance. The battery life is absolute garbage and it doesn’t seem to consistently send and receive e-mails.
I’m thinking about trying the enV instead, but it sounds like it’s lacking in the business/communications areas (e-mail service and software usage) I’d really like to be able to view Word, Excel, PDF files. Does anyone have recommendations on a RELIABLE replacement?? I hear the Blackberry 7130e isn’t a good choice either.
Thanks!
Kristin
does the mp3 player work w/ mac computers? i have a 2 yr. old mac powerbook w/ windows media player.
Q: Does IM client charge as TXT messages?
A: Yes, each message sent/received counts as 1 txt.
Q: Will it support BitPim in the future?
A: Not sure, check with HowardFourms for Info.
Q: Will the “secret” menus damage my phone?
A: Doing those “hacks” will probably not damage it permanently, but can mess up internal settings. To fix it you will probably need to ask Verizon to re-flash your phone with the original software. I suggest you don’t mess with it unless you know what you are doing.
Q: Should I get this instead of a Blackberry?
A: Probably not. The email client on this is very primitive. It has been designed as an extra feature and not really built for heavy usage. Also Verizon will charge about $25 for every 10MB of data sent/received. This is not exactly the best deal. Blackberry is much better for heavy email users.
Q: Will this work with Macs?
A: You will need Windows Media Player 10 or above, which Macs do not have. However you can still copy music and other files directly to the MicroSD using a card reader/writer.
Great reviews. I intend to buy one this week. Question? I have MP3s on my computer. Can I transfer them to the phone or do I need to purchase a service. What do I need to transfer them?