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 have the enV and ever since i had it it tells me out loud “loss of service” and i saw the response to the same problem and i did it so hopefully it will work. a girl in my class did something and it hasnt went off until today once. really random haha i dunno, help?
I had my silver EnV less than a year. I’m going to sell it on ebay soon. If you want to buy it, contact me and I’ll give you rest of the information. It’s in good condition still.
AIM me at EATFISHY
how do i use the bitpim for ringtones?? can someone pls write down step by step to get the ringtone??
@ UGHH
The help file inside bitpim will give you steps by steps instruction you need for ringtone.
I am having trouble downloading ringtones. If I can add any mp3 as a ringtone, why do they make it so difficult? I dont want to pay Verizon for a song I already have… Isnt there any easier way to find them online and upload to the phone directly? I cant even get photos to work right…
I love my env but i can’t figer out the screen saver it dosen’t work. it the option just there for looks or what
i still can’t get music on my phone does anyone know how i do it i put my card in the card reader and try to sync it with wmp 11 and it keeps telling me that it is write protected how do i do it if anyone can help me that would be great thanks
use bitpim and simply transfer the song/s as mp3’s.. shoot you can import the entire song and make it a ringer, but the ringer once set will only play about a minute before it cuts off.. its simple.. now i need the info to get into the fields or background programs located in the phones memory..ie:0,0000. i just can not remember how to do it again..
i think i have to press 0. when i first open the get iut now.. but i forgot.. so someone please remind me….
I have to-mobile right now and my contract ends in may 2008. I want either the env or the voyager and im not sure what one? its not for a few months yet. I have been hearing a little bit that the voyager isn’t that good? is that true. if you could help me decide on the env or the voyager or if anyone thinks or know if there will be any new phone with the qwerty keyboard like the env coming out by may. please resond.
I have the lg env and i think it is great for texting but a little slow on taking pics. I reccamend this phone for teens who love texting so email me about your following questions my email is ashleydencoll@aim.com thanks and have fun with your new env!
While listening to music on the phone(env9900), with headphones. music continues to play from the phones speakers. Is there a way to turn off the phone’s speakers while listening with headphones.
use a program named “Bitpim” iots free and will open up the lg9900 env without any problems transfer whatever you want to to the cpu or cpu to phone and yes all mps’ can be made into ringers for the env,,, just remember to sync the files..
Papa54, I think this is what you are referring to: To enable non-verizon approved mp3 files on the vx9800, open the menu (open phone and push “ok”), then push “0” enter “000000” as the service code, and at the bottom of the menu you can open up “music settings” and change it to mp3. I found this on another site but I will not get my vx9900 until Christmas, so I have not tried it yet. Please give it a go and let us know if it works!!!!! Merry Christmas!!!!!!
Has anyone figured out how to turn off the lock button in the front touch screen of the Voyager? That thing makes using the phone so difficult. You have to use it before every function. I’d like the ability to turn it on and off at will
ok, so I bought the env and when the tech person swapped my numbers and stuff she told me that I didn’t need to buy the music essentials kit and that when i got my card not to format it and I would be able to dump my songs on the card via a reader. I did that…the phone only showed/played 5 out of the 41 I put on there… so I erased what the player had and now I have nothing to play. The memory is showing all my songs I put on the card…how do I get them to play now on my phone?
you can record music in sounds and send it in a pix message and then save it as a ringtonr
I just got the orange env it is a great phone i wasn’t sure between the env or the voyager but i am extremely happy with my decision everyone should get the env instead of that crappy voyager ok bye
Hi Hallie i just got the orange env too i love it also i also had a problem deciding between voyager or env i’m happy with my choice too bye
i work for verizon wireless and the easiest way to get a sound so that it will be your ringer is to save yourself as a contact then send yourself a picture message. within that message instead of sending a picture send a sound and once you recieve the message simply just save it as your ringtone
there is a new green env now, right? if im going to change mine from orange, about how much is it gonna cost me to upgrade? or do i have to buy new one?
Albert the green enV is just like your Orange so there really is no need to change, if you want a different color go to e-bay and buy a case for it, I have several because I use a clip to carry mine around. The Voyager is the new phone out now. I like my Orange enV just fine, and the reviews are better so I am sticking with the enV for now.
The review is all ok, but it is a phone. How good is the freaking antena!!!
Reception is non existant in this review of a mobile phone. Uhhh derh.
What about Battery Life
Speakerphone.
Hell phone. What is the review for a MP3 player or a phone?
I’m using a VX6100 for 4 years – and happy as a puppy. Recently the original battery died and the two replacement batteries I’ve got for $10 each on the web don’t do much better –> phone is dead :-(
Been looking at the enV but I’m a heavy speakerphone user and if I picked up the hints correctly then the enV’s speakerphone mandates keeping the phone open. Is that so? Does not seem like the right solution to use especially while driving…
Any insights anyone?
I sent a picture to my e-mail address then hit ‘reply’ to send a different picture to my phone. Hours later, I still haven’t gotten it. Any ideas why? What’s the best way to send a picture to your phone? Thanks!