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
How do you send ringtones from my phone (the enV) to another?
i just got the en v yesterday, and i had a schhol dance and i used the camera there and it worked perfectly. But when i tried using it today it just shuts off and re starts. Also when i try and look at my pictures the same thing happens. i tried the *228 re-boot thing but it didnt work. please comment here for a solution. thank you :)
just wondering, is this phone locked to verizon.
and also, can i get it in australia.
PLEASE HELP!
[Comment ID #44656 Will Be Quoted Here]
Yes I’ve been having the same problem… with calls too. It just stops sending/receiving after a while, even when it says I have full reception.
ese cell esta bien bonito pronto tendre uno igual
To all enV Fans:
I just watned to let you all know that the review of the LG enV2 for Verizon Wireless has now been published on our homepage! Please take a look and feel free to ask any questions about the phone!
http://skattertech.com/2008/05/lg-vx9100-env2-verizon-wireless/
How many of you think you’ll be upgrading to that phone?
-Sahas Katta (Skatter Tech Admin)
So, I had this phone for about two months and it would constantly turn off for no reason. So, I’d miss important calls because I wouldn’t realize my phone had turned itself off (while it was on full battery). Turned the phone into to Verizon and got a new one. While I was there, another girl with the green enV (mine is silver) came in with the same problem. Another guy dropped off the orange because the screen had broken and another kid was picking up a silver one. All within a 15-20 minute time span.
Well, not even 24 hours after getting my new phone the screen broke on mine. I took it back to Verizon and have the enV 2 now. Hopefully this one will last a little longer.
I really like the phone, but it’s not worth all the hassle because its constantly breaking.
[Comment ID #45103 Will Be Quoted Here]
WOW. I hope that isn’t the case with the build quality of the enV these days. I got my enV about 1.5 years ago and it has been working perfectly. Not a problem since. I have dropped it and its gone through a lot of ordeal and it has been running just perfectly. Let’s hope that was just one instance.
I have probably had my EnV for close to a year now, and I do have a case on mine, but shoot I have dropped it more than once that is for sure! No problems. Knock on wood! But, truthfully I am surprised to hear about these problems. I hope you have better luck with this model you just got.
i like the phone, but i hate the text message limit. There should be an option to save them on a micro SD card. I hate having to delete them so often.
the bottom row of keys on my green enV don’t light up anyomore. has anyone else had this problem and if so how can it be fixed?
[Comment ID #45161 Will Be Quoted Here]
if you go to the settings page on the messages tab, you can set it to auto delete…the only thing it will not auto erase is pic messages…thats what i do..and if there is any texts you wanna keep, you can just lock them
I am on my second env phone. It too has been shutting off and turning back on. Right in the middle of texting. Or I don’t have to be doing anything at all it will just shut off. I just got the new phone today same thing keeps happening. Yeah the phone is cool. But it sucks when texting and the phone shuts off. Or the messages thru yahoo messenger don’t go thru all the time. Or some times the same message goes through twice. The phone also doesnt refresh contact list. Its annoying. I have to sign out of yahoo IM and sign back in just to see if my contact is truly on or he signed off. Sigh.. This phone is annoying. And the camera lol. The position to snap the picture is ridiculous. So forget trying to do it one handed. The only good thing about this phone is the battery lasts a long time.
Wow, you are certainly having some bad luck, I haven’t had any of the problems that you mentioned above. The camera, well, I wasn’t expecting much there anyway. It is slow and you really have to have some good light or everything will be pretty dark. But, mine has never shut off, I don’t even lose calls unless the people I am talking to have a different carrier. I think you need to take Another trip to the phone store. Good Luck!
hey is there anyway that i can increase the amount of text messages it can hold. it gets really annoying when i get to 40 and it keeps telling me to delete. Thanks
I have had the VX9900 for several months and have enjoyed it as a phone, reading my e-mail and the vznavigater is great. I have created my own ring tones … as well ans various pics to the card. But for the love of Pete, how do you see a movie or a clip. Would the I Pod media work? Thanks
[Comment ID #41900 Will Be Quoted Here]
use a program called bit pim it will swap or install any song you want on the ENV 9900 i use my own ringers, and sounds… and this way Verizon or at&T dont get a bite outta me for my ringtones….
get a larger memory card
I had a good ENV for over a year, then about a month ago, when i would go onto AIM, it would freeze.. okie.. i take it in, they ship me a new phone. a month later, same problem.. okie.. so i take it back.. get a new phone.. STILL the phone would freeze when entering the IM section… SO i take it back.. This is the 4th phone with in a month or two… Now, the buttons get stuck. its soo annoying when playing ZUMA. So i take it back. they give me a new one, with a little bit of a hassel, but i called the cost. service number the night i got the replacement phone and told them to log it in my account, since i was not aware when i will be able to take it back. so less then a week later, i return the phone to get a new one.. LONG AND BEHOLD.. THE BUTTONS STILL GET STUCK WHEN PLAYING ZUMA..
WHY? The lady in the store, said, i could get a new phone, with the new every 2 years, but that would push me back another 22 months.
anyone have this problem
Is there anyway to set a specific ringtone for just one person’s text messages? I know you can have different ringtones for when different people call, but can you do that with text messages?
A friend of mine has one and I was wondering if anyone else has had any issues with sending or recieving files over bluetooth with it?
I was thinking about getting this phone but i was just curious about the AIM service on it. i’ve used AIM on other verizon phones and it sucks. its just too slow and the process is annoying. i wanted to know if since this is a more advanced phone is the AIM service any better. and if it is better, is it more similar to the crappy aim on other phones or possibly the aim service on sidekicks.
I am having some issues with my pictures and camera. Just bought the VX9900 about 2 months ago. 1st issue- When I go to my pics they start to load and then it goes back to the VCast page. Saving options is to phone but I do have a MicroSD card. Anyone know how to fix this? And when I go to take a picture it takes a few minutes to decide to auto-focus and take the picture!! Any ideas? I appreciate any help with the above!! Thanks!
You wouldn’t believe what my phone went through and survived (for the most part). I couldn’t find it and looked for it everywhere. This morning my husband called and said he found it. It was on the driveway and had been run over at least once. Of course the screens were broken but, other than that, it calls and responds just like usual. There aren’t even many scratches on it. Anyone got a broken one I could have to change the screens out with? Also, does anyone know how I could get my calendar off the phone. I have a lot of appointments in there but can’t see them!