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 had the envy for 3 months now and I am having trouble putting music on my phone. For some reason certain songs come up as restricted due to licensing. These are all songs that I had in MP3 format on my computer from CDs that I own. Is there anyway around this?
I’m getting one for my birthday… and i really want a light blue one… but they don’t have light blue!!!!!!!!!
I have had a lot of problems with my enV and I was wondering if anyone else has has the same problem. My problem seems to be that every few months my phone will stop charging all together. A few of my friends have this phone and have encountered this problem and i wonder if anyone else has to. Please let me know
I recently just found the usb cable for my phone and I was wondering if I need a memory card to hold my songs because it wont let me upload more than one or two songs.
yes you do u can get a 2gb for like $20 or less online
This is my second vx9900 I’ve had, and I’m absolutely ready to forget about buying an LG cell phone ever again. I first had the issue of where the phone would shut down at any given time– mid-texting, mid-conversation, any time. I found out that this is a known issue with a magnet being too close to the battery and sometimes confusing it and getting it to shut off. Hoo boy.
After that, I took the charger out of my phone and wires from the circuit board ended up coming loose and bending in the carriage. Even now this wasn’t too bad.
However, when I eventually could not send or receive calls, and when I couldn’t even hear my own voicemail messages, I was done. I went to replace my phone, and Verizon wanted to charge me $20 for “physical damage”! After convincing them that charging me money for this is as heinous as beating little puppies and kittens, they sent me a replacement vx9900.
I get the phone on Thursday July 10th, transfer everything I wanted onto it on the 12th, and I should have no issues, right? RIGHT? Once again, I’m proven that I can never have nice things for too long, because last night, the 13th, is when I discovered I STILL COULD NOT SEND OR RECEIVE CALLS. FURTHERMORE, I STILL COULD NOT CHECK MY VOICEMAIL MESSAGES. I missed out on managing my client’s next DJing gig because this phone was doing nothing but being a thorn in my side. Is Verizon going to credit me the $1200 in which we would’ve made that night? That’s going to be the same answer as, “Are you ever buying an LG phone again?” NO.
Glenn,
I’ve had my phone since May 05, ’07 and it’s NEVER given me a single problem. Of course, it’s a ver01 phone. I never upgraded because ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. Seems to me that I’ve been reading about problems with ver02. This is my first LG and I love it.
i am gettting the green env for my birthday on Aug. 23 i really hope i do not have any problems with it because i have been waiting since january to get a cell phone!!!
Wow, guys hearing so many pros and cons here, I have had my EnV 9900 for about a year now. Really no problems, charging, dropping calls or any of that. I just didn’t bother with the usb and just downloaded my songs onto my micro memory card, after changing them to the mp3 format using super (free program off the net) it was pretty easy even for someone like me.I do notice that the button sticks a little when I try to play pac man, but then I rarely try to play anyway since the buttons are pretty darn small to start with. The texting is great love the board! As 4 pix, yeah the camera is a little slow, but there are quite a few options to play with at the bottom of the screen and that makes it interesting. I notice now I can’t send very many songs to my friends in e-mails as they are protected, even though they came from my own downloaded songs that were on my computer. This seems to be something new and I also noticed that I can’t get free downloaded ring tones from Myertones anymore which I used to do. I guess Verizon is trying to lock everything up….What a shame, but besides that I do think they offer the best customer service if you speak to the right persons. Never had a problem there. Good luck to all of you and sorry so many problems. Maybe the earlier versions were superior to the ones they are putting out now. V
Victoria,
>Maybe the earlier versions were superior to the ones they are putting out now
That’s what it sounds like to me since I’ve also had my phone for well over a year. I think, when you’re dealing with electronics, trying to correct minor problems could potentially cause major ones. Or, if you get a replacement phone, it’s usually a refurbished one, which might be the problem.
Jodi
im about 2 lose all of the memory(pics/videos/contacts/#s) on my enV because it 1st had trouble starting up alot and then it shut off on me randomly and now it wont turn on at all…any suggestions on how 2 fix it???
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I’m having the same problem as you but only with Metro PCS users. The problem comes and goes and it’s aggrivating. Does anyone know what to do about it?
I have problems with the EnV shutting off when charging, picking up a call or even sending a text. A lot of times I don’t know how long it’s been off until I turn it on, only to find five messages have been left. Very annoying…After reading the other comments about problems with replacement phones, I’m thinking about taking my chances with this one as it is rather than risk problems with the screen or text messages with a replacement phone. I’ve only had this one for five months. The problem with shutting down started about six weeks ago. My assistant claims this is a feature (to save the battery when the phone is inactive). I claim it to be a flaw, especially when I am using the phone!
>My assistant claims this is a feature (to save the battery when the phone is inactive).
No, it’s not. It sounds like a glitch with the newer phones. Mine is over a year old and the only time it shuts off on it’s own is when the battery runs out. I always charge mine the minute it hits 1 bar.
hey! well i was on her beforee. and i said my phone wouldnt let me send text messages. so i took it to the store. and they said they would have it ready in a couple hours. and it took like 3 days! they said something was wrong with the software. so they just gave me a new phone. but come on! 3 days!
*228 is not a re-boot. it verifies any new towers that Verizon may have made.
you have to shut the phone down, then take the battery out to re-boot.
Well my 5th env phone. Same thing every time. It shuts on and off while using yahoo messenger. This time it was shutting off while using the phone. 5/5 phones all have done the same thing. I’ve turned in my env and now have an env2 lets hope I do not have similar problems. Quite annoying running to phone store every week.
my wonderful envy vx9900 phone fell into some water. I took the battery out and let her dry out. When I plugged her into charge she lit up as normal, and even worked. But the charge said it was complete after 10 seconds. When I unplugged her to see if she really worked she immediatly dies. I plugged her back in and get a blue screen that says vx9900 and an arrow pointing down. Does it just need a new battery? is there any hope that my phone will work again?
KJO, I wish you luck with your water soaked phone, I have dropped mine, in the toilet of course! I immediately have taken out the battery, that always seems to be critical. Then I have hooked up a hair dryer and left it at a safe distance from my phone before I ever try to re-install the battery and turn it on. It even worked for my bluetooth that actually fell in a rain puddle. I wish you luck, but if your turned your phone on and re-installed the battery before it was completely dry you might have a problem and will have to take it in, they KNOW when it’s been water damaged believe me. Good luck to you…
KJO – same problem here after a quik dip in the water… now it works perfectly on charger in fact I can call and text just fine but unplug it and it dies… I would luv to here the answer to this that has a $$ of less then $100 :)
HEY I 13 AND FOR MY BIRTHDAY I WANT TO BUY MYSLEF ONE BUT I’M NOT SURE IF I SHOULD GET IT. WHAT DO I DO.
Does anyone know where i can get this phone in melbourne?
I bought a refurb ENV (orange) from a guy on ebay. The phone was brand spanking new except for the battery. I lovethis phone! I don’t plan on adding any music to it as I already have an iPod. I got it for texting. I was using a Krzr fire before I got this. this phone blows the Krzr out of the water. It’s a little chunky but I like that because now I’m not contantly checking my pocket to see if it’s still there. My daughter has the ENV 2. She loves it.
And FYI, If you drop your phone in water or if it is exposed to moisture, Verizon will know because if you take the battery off there is an indicator on the phone that turns pink when the phone has been exposed to water, etc.
does anybody know about the system operatif of the env cuz i want to run the scummv for games
My enV is working fine..it receives calls and I can call out, but I cant here anything! The ringtone I can here, but when I call people or they call me I cannot hear them and I cant even hear my voicemail! Any thoughts?