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
Jillian if you have your bluetooth on then that may be the reason you cannot hear on your handset. That is the only thing I can think it would be.
I’m just catching onto a problem with my phone. Someone called me 4 times yesterday and it doesn’t show up on my ‘received calls’. He called me earlier today and it was there. He just called me again and his most recent call replaced the previous one in ‘received calls’. He’s also on Verizon so a different carrier isn’t the issue. I’m sure this happened with other calls (also Verizon) because my call list should be a lot longer than it is. Anyone else having this problem?
LOVE THIS PHONE!!! best phone ever
i havethat fone its actually quiet nic buht i just got iht and dont kno really much about iht like how to put picutures on myspace from it
ummm i really want the evV-orange but does verizon still sell them?? and if they do..how much r they??
No, They don’t have them anymore. Go to ebay, Find a reputable seller and buy one there. Just make sure they guarantee a clear ESN
I got my enV just yesterday and i love it. I dont know how to turn off the sound when it sends me a text it’ll say message from. its annoying. HELPP!
i had that happen and it happened right after i used a magnet over it. just call verizon and have them reset it.
whenever you drop a phone in water, put in a bag of rice overnight, just learned this from my teenagers,it definitely works- just picked the phone up from verizon store then dropped in a puddle the next day, no way I was going to go back, so after the dry rice soaked up all the moisture, worked like new-oh yeah it is new
jj in la – – that’s the normal function of the list, unfortunately. I expense my minutes for work and if someone calls me again before I have recorded the number of minutes, it’s a hassle. I don’t know why the most recent of the four calls yesterday didn’t show up the list, though. :-(
kkh – this is a relatively new problem. It didn’t do that for the 1st year that I had it. I bought it in May ’07. I get a new phone in January (I’m going for the 9100) so I don’t have to deal with it for much longer.
I have the env1 and its very nice except for when I recently purchased my memory card, it did not work. I tried everything, I guess I have to take it back to the store. My next phone will be by verizon wireless, but I’m getting the Voyager.
THE ENV ORANGE IS THE BEST PHONE ON THE FACE OF THIS PLANET ;] NUFF SAID.
think about it.. that eN9900 has been on the market for over 2 years .. wheres the new lg series phones. i gave my enV (reg vx9900) toi my son and went back to my lg vx8000.. gonna order an usb cable and i should be able to do all i want to.. and not be paying for services that i bought to get the phone with said acces. .. it should be a crime to sell someone a phone for about 300 that can do all these extras and then charge for the usage of the extras. crap you paid for them when you bought the phone… no sir,,, its me and my vx 8000 from now on… when it dies its insured they will have to replace it .. of course after i by it again for 50 bucks which i figure is about all that verizon etc buys them for in bulk anyways..
papa I agree with you. If they say the phone can do this and that then they shouldn’t charge you extra for the services. but unfortunatly that is how things are these days. If you are interested in totally free ring tones that work with the Env check out Myxer. Not only can you down load ringtones there you can use their software and make your own from your own music files. This is not a promo as I have nothing to do with ownership of the site. Just a member.
yer right about the enV 9900 ..bitbim will also allow a person inside the phone to setup new ringtones from music thats on hand. add new contacts or remove or copy existing contacts, ringtone’s, etc,, i love the user friendly bitpim… but like i said i got tired of trying to use the keyboard when i didnt get or send many no how.. after all i am 60 so i dont have girl friend etc to stay real close with.. i have seen there is a hack for my LG VX8000 and i plan to get the cable (usb) and run their program to get the ring tones i want.. one in particular (in case yer interested) is “water mans blues” by the waterboys a little not know group. but if one hears it and listens to the wordings.. it makes good sense.. ty and enjoy..
I recently purchased my enV (silver, it had green but I didn’t like it)
off of Amazon, and it’s great!
But, they advertise vCast and that’s something that appealed to me along with the internet- but of course, Verizon makes you pay 10 times more than the original price for extras. I had Sprint before and I’m willing to go back. I didn’t have to pay for the internet as an extra, it came with the data plan. I also had a FREE music player on my Fusic, and I could put anything I wanted on it (well, it had a limit with my megabytes).
Right now I’m in the process of getting USB cables for my memory card from my Fusic. I might just end my contract with Verizon and renew my contract with Sprint- it’s not over yet. The camera is difficult to position self-shots. I can’t keep my thumb from getting in the shot. The camera on my Fusic (it’s a flip phone by the way) you can take the picture with it open, but you can also see what you’re taking a picture of. I tried testing it, but the camera was not positioning to get me, and it was really fuzzy and horrible.
Well there’s my rant, Verizon! Gosh.
you know its a tireing thing to come here and see coments about phones that are 2 to 3 years old.. like the verizon aka?:LG enV
some one said they just got their silver enV and was thinking about canceling their contract with verizon.. welp that has a prise tag on it.. yep $175.00 to cancel and they probably hooked ya for a 2 year contract at that. i know i have been down that street before… why verizon wants to do people the way they do is beyond sound reasoning. crap after all. we do not have to give them our business.. next what did we all do before all of these cell phones came on the market.. we were free from being called while busy doing something else. we were free from an additional phone in our homes.. oh we might take that one out but as soon as yer children move out have grand kids .. you might miss an important call.. so we get the land line back,, and an answering machine… but look at the time we waste on a cell phone.. now we have a land line that cost nothing to use beyond the service fees. which most also use as a dial up for internet. and if we were wise enough.. we would put callwave on the cpu and know whos calling and hear part of the msg and pick up the phone and knock ourselves off line..
i’ll admit i am one of them people who has all the nuts and bolts ,bells and whistles, but i plan to down shift to bare necessities.. phine rings answers open and talk. wanna call someone ,, and they have to have verizon also so i wont burn precious minutes..naw i think all the post from 2006 and 2007 should be trashed.. and what ever comes in then would at least be up to date.
but we have all turned into plasma screend, or lcd screend cell phone dependant electronic must havers.. now get this straight i am not talking to anyone in particular ..just about me .. and i have come to a discision.. cut back, cut back, cut back…. i may even give up my home phone..but some gov folks demand an home phone # if you want to have any dealings with them..
oh well now its time to play with my new laptop which i believe was a reworked laptop because one number under it says 2700 and the other number says 2945..a 64 bit machine that will run 32 or 64 bit proggies in a flash.. see there even i at 60 want more technology in and around me.. but what about the rumor that cell phones used daily can be harmfull to our brains.. because we are exposing ourselves to low dosage rediation every time we chatter to one of our buddies.pros and cons to ev thing. and no i dont want to go back to pay phones.. everyone coughing into the mouth piece ,, those with aids hivs, faggots, and serveral people make a common pay phone a thing of the past and now we are all in debt to a cell phone company..what a mess we have gotten ourselves into.,. ok i also had an enV silver .. it was neat use bit pim and you can send any song via usb right into yer phone.. or store psongs etc .. had a navigatotm web, ev thing one could imagine,, and each month there was an new bill for a phone ,, for $105.. thats a lots of movies .. enjoy,,
IF IT GETS ANNOYINGG TO YOU THEN WHYY DO YOU KEEP LOOKING AT THE COMMENTS??
i have the lg env vx9900, i dropped it in the toilet and now it doesnt turn on or anything. when i plug it in the charger it says VX9900 and then an arrow under it pointing down and it doesnt work if i press any buttons. How do i get it to work??
I dropping mine in the toilet last summer but fished it out as soon as it hit the water. I immediately took out the battery, opened up the phone and used a very soft cotton cloth to mop up the wet parts, then I left it on a table in the sun (it was a very hot day) and, after 6 hours, put it back together. I had to charge it but it finally worked again. It doesn’t sound like you did any of that so, I’m sorry to say, it might be too late to salvage it.
Does anyone know if this phone would work in Poland? Or would it work if i put my polish sim card?
how do I pair my env to my motorola h700 bluetooth
I’ve had three of these phones. I am not a fan. The keyboard is too long for my short fingers to reach all the keys. Plus the call sound quality is HORRIBLE, people always complain that they cannot hear me. Just ordered a new phone, my boyfriend refuses to talk to me on it because the sound is so awful
ok…
so i got the env 2 for christmas this year…
and up till last month the sound worked fine…. but now, i cant hear any ringtones and my speakre phone doesnt work
HELP ME!!!
for those with the vx 9900 lg enV if you call and you can hear the person you are calling but they cant hear you the ringtone is working and you call several diff people and still have the same problem.shut down your phone and take out the battery and hold the pound key for 5 seconds and then put battery in and turn on this should reset the volume and you can call people and they can finally hear you!
LGVX9900 Did trick to get people to be able to hear me but NOT WORKING…I can hear them but they cannot hear me????New phone WT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love this phone but i have recently come across a mega problem!!! every time I text The phone freezes ! It is very frusterating. I also have issue with it because it does not always vibrate when I recive a text.Did anyone else have these problems ??????? and if so how do I fix it ! :P