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
This phone kicks ass. Everything you need in a phone is in this one. I’ve never had a better phone and probably won’t.
well im planning to get the Env 9900 during this month and i was wondering what are the main problems you guys are having with the phone and about how many songs can i put into the phone(using internal memory)
I had my calender lose all the information I had entered on it. How do I prevent this from happening again. And I also have not been able to transfer my videos from my sd card to my computer. I dont have a problem with my pictures just my videos.
Ah, the beauty and tech of the new LG enV Burnt Orange (more like copper)! Have had the phone for 72 hours and am finding more and more to love about it! The only thing I’d like, is to communicate with other Mac OS users and share notes on the uses and ins-n-outs of this fine bit of tech with the Mac OS system (ie – text, emails, wallpaper, music). BTW- Alot nicer in a different color than the first enV edition!
I have the vx9800 and just upgraded to the new vx9900 and waiting it to come in the mail. I was wondering if i have to buy a new charger for the vx9900 because there not the same. Is that true? do i need to buy a new charger? also i have an scandisk microSD for the vx9800 will i need to buy a new one for the vx9900?
Thanks
Hi. Actually, “The V” (a.k.a. the LG VX9800) uses the miniSD card (up to 1 GB is recognized by the phone), but for “The EnV” (LG VX9800 in either grey or orange color), it uses the microSD card (up to 2 GB). Yes, you’ll have to buy a new charger (wall, car, etc…) that will fit for the “EnV”, because the tips of each phone is NOT the same. I hope that you get the picture.
i think im gonna be able to get my enV tomorrow or the after
im excited iv’e been looking forward to it forever
so do u guys like your enV’s as much as everyone says?
It’s the BEST phone I’ve ever had! I have the silver with V01. No complaints whatsoever, so no need to upgrade to V02. Having said that, I don’t use the MP3 player so I can’t comment on it.
After owning 3 phones in the last year, (LG 8500,Moto Razr and Moto Krazr (Fire)) I expierenced problems with both Motorola Products but NEVER the LG one. On BOTH the Razr and Krazr i found the center “OK” button falling off due to only being stuck on with glue. And both phones not being very durable at all. I Recently snapped my Krazr in Half by sitting on it!. I’m in the Market for a new Phone and alot of people have the enV and I’ve been reading the Reviews and Doing my homework and I have not seen any bad stuff about this phone except for the begging dates of release. I’m probably going to end up buying this or the 9400. I Do alot of Txting and checking my Email on the Go and while I’m out. so I thought this phone would be compatible with me. Those of you who have the Orange, did you regret it after buying it? or do you love it? The woman on the phone told me that its as bright as a warning cone that the construction workers use on the streets. Anyway, sounds like a great phone. Can’t wait to use it myself
I’ve had the LG enV for about a month now, and I have to say that it’s probably the most satisfying experience I’ve ever had with any phone. Love the Key pad, love the BREW games, love the mp3 player, love the camera, I just love it.
I don’t, however, like the ringtone setup, maybe it’s just me, but the fact that you can’t even download free ringtones or use your sync’d mp3 as ringtone seems a bit too nickle and dime-ish.
This phone definetly helped me quell my iphone envy. Now if only I can figure out how to get m.youtube.com to work on it, since this V-Cast service is really a joke.
Jack, No the phone is not as “bright” as the construction cones. It’s closer to the color on the newer copper metalflake color on some of the GM vehicles. Not quite that bright as the cones! Love it. Still waiting for other Mac users to email to network concerning downloading etc..
@ Benny
Why don’t you just dl videos from youtube.com and convert it to .3p2 format so that EnV can play the video for you. There’s no need to pay Verizon for VCast. Only suckerz pay for VCAST…
Msh, thank You very much. I am going in on Wednesday to pick this bad boy up. Everyone I’ve talked to (I haven’t even SEEN an EnV in person) says the Orange is very very bright. My ex said she saw it almost 5 feet away and wanted to know what it was until she saw a closer look. I was told that You cannot buy a Data Cable for this on EBay? and you Have to buy the Music Sync set from VZW and BitPim won’t work? is this correct? or has it been fixed?
Jack, from what I understand, you will have an easier time using BitPim and downloading songs in a readable format onto the microSM card, then putting that back into your enV. Anyone else have this experience?
as far as I know, Its correct with what you said. Its alot harder to put MP3’s onto the env then it would be to just putting them on a card
So i just got this phone off of ebay and went to verzion today and they said that they cant activate the phone because the perosn who owned it before me didnt pay his bill so this phone is locked. is there anyway that verzion has to give me another one because this one wont work or did i just get a bad deal?
I don’t know. The person didn’t deactivate their number from it is all that happened and the reason they didn’t/couldn’t i’m guessing is because they didn’t pay the bill. You pretty much got screwed. You can try telling them you bought it on EBay, and you were wondering if you can get it deactivated with your number put on itt. But if they say no, its because he or she never deactivated their number from it before they sold it to you. Sorry Dude.
Hi i just bought the 9900 and i had it reflashed for cricket. Is there anyway to completly get rid of the verizon operating system and have a it reflashed completly so that i can access my mobile web and recieve/send pic and video messages. Because right now all i can do is make and recieve calls and send and recieve texts.
i was wondering if soon your going to come out with a even newer env phone? becasue i dont want to buy the phone and then find out they came out with an even better one
I just recently bought the enV and I’m loving it. However, when I type ‘*’ on the full keyboard, I get an extra m after it. It doesn’t add an m when I just type 8, so I don’t think it has anything to do with the key. Anyone have any ideas?
Can the LG Env VX 9900 be expanded to store more than 1,000 contacts?
[Comment ID #27519 Will Be Quoted Here]
Dave,
I have the Motorola E815 and LG enV. The enV gets good reception but nowhere near as good as the 815. There is one marginal area in town where Verizon reception is notoriously spotty. With both phones side-by-side the E815 was able to establish and hold a call whereas the enV could not even acquire a signal. I love the enV but like you first and foremost I need the phone to be a phone and by that measure the E815 is the better of the two.
yo dis phone is pimp man i got one and its like wow dawg buy it homie
I just ordered it online (8/15/07) after I got a new Verizon plan UNLIMITED TEXTING (which includes IM). I don’t know if it’s a summer promotion or an ongoing plan but for $59.99 you get 450 mins. and UNLIMITED texting which makes this phone a workhorse for texting and IM. I like candy bar voice and QWERTY for text and apparently, an overwhelming majority of the people love this phone despite the idiotic Vcast and when opened it hobbles if you put it on a table for speaker phone.. which I think can easily be resolved by putting something behind while it’s on a table. No big deal.
Btw, I got the phone for $49.99 directly off Verizon website. $149-$50 online instant deduction- $50 from my two year upgrade discount. Can’t wait to get it. The phone may be bigger than what I am used to but I text more now than talk and also the phones that I had were so small it was uncomfortable to talk on so perhaps the extra one ounce 3.6 to 4.6 vs. my previous one makes it feel like I am actually talking on something other than my hand. I am not bluetooth headset guy. Unless you are a sales guy who needs to talk all the time, I think head sets are vulgar. “Hey, look it me, I’m important :-)!”