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
I’ve had my enV for about 3 weeks and I never charge it while I sleep – only while I’m right next to the phone and now, when I plug it in to charge I have to jiggle the charger for it to start charging/keep charging. I bought my phone non-upgrade(retail price) from Best Buy and I really like it despite this problem. What should I do?
@ Krista
I don’t know the return policy, but Best Buy might still let you exchange it for another unit since it is defective. The warranty might run out after 30 days so you should head over there ASAP and see what options they can offer. The next option would be to contact LG’s warranty for a replacement.
[Comment ID #34026 Will Be Quoted Here]
Sounds like either the charger or the port is defective or damaged. Take it in and have them look at it for you. I know when I got mine from the Verizon store, I had 30 to try it and take it back if I did not like it. I’m sure they will work with you if it is broken, especially if it is only 3 weeks old. Good luck!
I totally agree with everyone head over there and tell them it just doesn’t charge right etc, 3 weeks is just too short a time for an expensive piece of electronics to go bad on you. I had that problem with a generic car charger from E-bay, am still waiting for my replacement. But your’s is not generic, so something is wrong, like everyone else I wish you luck…
Can anyone please tell me how to upload videos from the enV to the computer? I have the cables and everything, i just dont know what software to use. Its my friends phone, and he said the cables just came with the phone… sans any program to upload stuff.
Any ideas?
Hi. Yes. You should be able to download a software program called Bitpim. It would let you transfer files between each other, either by cable or by bluetooth donagle (?) adapter. When I mean by bluetooth (BT), I mean it as having a BT-enabled phone and an available accessory to transfer files between each other. If BT is not an option, then you could buy a cable either from eBay or at your local store.
Hope this helps (To Mike).
[Comment ID #24407 Will Be Quoted Here]
get bitpim… you can then use it via usb cable for the 9900 and send as many MP3;s that you want with the music essentions package and maybe with out it.. just sync it and BTW Bitpim does operat with lg vx9900 enV easily.. very user friendly… i am trying to get games now with no luck…
My enV freezes, too, with the blue screen. First time I had to remove the battery for several minutes, and it rebooted. Second time it took several hours before it worked. Any suggestions?
Well, I finally got my Orange EnV after thinking about it for 4 months. I got it on November 1st. I’m enjoying it alot. It took some time getting use to the QWERTY because it was the first phone I had used and owned myself that had one. but after that, it was a breeze. The only thing I’m not fond of is that if its in your pocket without keyguard, it will make random calls because the front buttons are so touch sensitive. and its froze once when I was reciving a txt and shut off but turned back on (And that was the 2nd day I ever owned it too). I’m impressed, because i can txt alot faster, but i wish it was more like a PDA for the price I payed for it. but I am happy. :) and all my friends are jealous. heh.
Hello!
I am going to purchase the enV this holiday season. I was just wondering if it was possible to download my iPod songs & videos onto my new enV. And if it is, how it would be done. Thanks !!
[Comment ID #28553 Will Be Quoted Here]
just download a progam calld “Bitpim” it is free and will make any mp3 a ringtone… simple and safe and it works and is a user friendly program
[Comment ID #8929 Will Be Quoted Here]
get a proggy called “Bitpim” it opens yer ph up so you can add ringers etc to it
RB: Having problems with the phone shutting off for no aparant reason…
I am having that same problem, and it has been going on for two months now. I have called to report this issue every occasion to make sure it is on file that I have reported the problem. I recently spoke to a customer service rep. who is sending me a new phone and should get here today. I am afraid that the next one will do the same thing, i think it is a flaw in the technology. My husband had the same phone and it turned off on him often as well. if i knew then what i know now…lol, i’d choose another phone =(
Liv,
I’ve had the 9900 since May and it has never, EVER shut down on me. As a matter of fact, it’s the best phone I’ve ever owned! Maybe you and your husband just got a bad batch. Hopefully the new phone doesn’t have that flaw…and I’m sure it’s the phone, not the techonology.
I preface this by saying that the inevitable answer is probably simple, I’m just an idiot. So I’ve had my orange enV for a few weeks. I figured it was time to get more memory so I bought a Scandisk 2GB microSD 3-in-1 card. I was trying to move music from my computer onto my phone, but it’s saying that it’s write-protected. I’ve done all the things I can think of to undo that with no success. Suggestions?
[Comment ID #28990 Will Be Quoted Here]
yes the enV is a good phone .. it changed my ringers on its own but i have been loading it out with apps, so i figure one of them chaned the ringers which by the way are not Verizons choices, but my on… a program called “Bitpim” will work wonders with yer 9900 le enV.love the phone.. i am sorry though that the sales man told me it was the new kid on the block and i bought it 2 months back and its over a year old … oh well next xhange over and i will investagate ffirst
To whom it may concern, My en V has never ever shut itself off, so I think there is an individual phone problem with the people’s that have. Brian I think you have your card or your adapter locked, I have done this and have to get my son to figure it out it’s simple but I have worked too many hours this week thus I am brain dead so, and the kid’s not home, but it’s simple I remember that much..Maybe someone else out there has all their cells intact and can give you a hand. By the way Myxertones is up and running again for those who want to take the easy way to get new ringtones..good luck everyone..As far as the en V being the old model, well I wouldn’t have gotten mine for practically nothing if it was the new model, so I am still happy with my purchase…Tech. changes as fast as it’s made anymore…
[Comment ID #29477 Will Be Quoted Here]
try bitpim to enter the movie on the card
[Comment ID #37202 Will Be Quoted Here]
The SD card that you are placing your microSD card into should have a little switch on the side. Make sure the switch is NOT in the lock position. If on, it will not let you add or modify content onto the card.
Thanks Sahas I knew someone out there would help Brian out with the problem and jog my memory too! Everyone is great to help out..
hey just found out that is title of ur song is too long .. the music player on the env might not recognize it.. so try make it short…
Hey everyone,
I have just published the review of the brand new LG VX10000 (aka. LG Voyager) so check it out!
Link: LG Voyager (VX10000) Review
I have a question for someone willing to answer it,
If I am about to get an enV, will both, my pictures and contacts, be placed from my old phone to my new one?
@Ethan27
The Verizon Wireless store should be able to transfer all your contacts onto your new phone. It usually takes about 30 minutes or so. I am not 100% sure if they can do the photos as well. If your old phone has a microSD slot, you could copy the files onto that then put it into your new phone!
[Comment ID #34003 Will Be Quoted Here]
I have the same prblem. but now i have to hold my charger down. so i wouldnt wait until this happens to yours.