By 
Last week Verizon Wireless announced the true successor to the popular LG enV (VX9900), the LG enV2 (VX9100). I was wrong to have previously concluded that the LG Voyager (VX10000) was the replacement. The Voyager seems to have been a “premium” version of the enV meant to take on iPhone sales, while the compact and affordable enV2 remains in the same class as the original. When the VX9900 originally was released it was quite a robust and powerful phone featuring the latest technologies, however the enV2 doesn’t seem to have any revolutionary features. The phone seems to be merely a simple upgrade to its predecessor with a new user interface, a compact body, a better build quality, and other minor improvements. There’s plenty of good and some bad, so lets get started.
LG VX9100 Specifications:
- Provider: Verizon Wireless (800MHz / 1.9GHz CDMA )
- Form Factor: Laptop-like w/ QWERTY keyboard
- Internal Display: 2.4-inch 320 x 240 pixels
- Media: MP3, WMA, AAC plus WMV, MP4, 3GP
- Imaging: 2.0 mega pixel camera and camcorder
- Other: Bluetooth, microSD (8GB max), stereo speakers
- Battery Life: 320 Mins Talk-Time or 520 Hrs standby
- Dimensions: 4″ H x 2.13″ W x .65″ D (inches)
- Price: $130 after $50 rebate plus a 2 year contract
LG enV2 Body: 4/5 stars
The enV (VX9900) was a more compact version of the LG V (VX9800) and now the enV2 is even smaller. The phone is quite small and can fit in just about any pocket. It’s a bit heavier than I had imagined (4.23 oz), but it’s still lighter than the enV. The enV2 is a whole lot shorter and thinner than the enV, however it is slightly wider. Both the front and back are pretty flat and all edges are smooth and rounded. It’s a pretty good looking phone and is easy to handle as well. On the front you’ll find a tiny display at the top and improved numeric keypad right below. The backside of the phone has the removable battery and the 2.0 megapixel camera. The right side of the phone has the 2.5mm headphone jack and microSD card reader/writer while the left side has the volume toggle keys and the camera button. As for the inside of the phone, the top portion features the 2.4-inch display with stereo speakers on the sides and the bottom portion has the QWERTY keyboard. And finally a micro-USB port can be found on the bottom under a socket cover for charging and data transfer. The only thing that I found disappointing was the extremely small screen on the front which has been rendered almost entirely useless. I feel that there would have been more to gain by making the keypad a bit smaller and by adding a larger screen.
The Screen(s): 4/5 stars
In terms of brightness and colors, both the internal and external displays are top notch. The internal screen is much bigger and brighter than the one on the enV. It looked quite good especially when I was able to view images I had taken in a full screen mode, which the enV didn’t allow. Watching videos on the internal display was quite decent as well. The external screen is now a rectangular strip which doesn’t offer enough room to perform most tasks. The external display on enV was more of a square and it’s menu system was quite fulfilling. Both screens were bright enough to be visible in direct sunlight.
User Interface: 4/5 stars
After messing with the internal interface of the phone I’ve got to say there’s a lot of improvements. Everything was quick and easy to learn and use. The interface will be quite familiar for previous enV owners. The phone also offers a layouts for messaging or multimedia, in case you plan on using one or the other more. I personally opted for the standard menu interface. Some of the stylish curves seems to have eaten up some screen estate which could have been used for displaying more information, however it wasn’t a problem. Overall the internal interface has been improved and works smoothly. The main fall back of the phone would have to be the external interface which I feel is a disaster. First off to get into the interface you’ll have to unlock the keyguard using the OK button. Next since there are no true soft keys, the up and down buttons launch the your contacts and message, respectively. The clear key which is usually centered on most phones has been placed at the top right which was quite awkward to use. The top left button is now the ‘Music’ button which should have just been one of the two customizable soft keys. The contacts list can only display two contacts at a time, however you’ll survive since it has a search function. The phone allows sending a text messages from the tiny front display, however the interface is confusing and slow. Even viewing ‘recent calls’ was quite tedious. If LG had offered a larger display and Verizon had built a better interface this would have had potential.
Media Playback: 4.5/5 stars
The interface for playing back music on the enV2 is pretty much the same as what it was on the enV. There doesn’t seem to be too many changes. I do however feel that it is about time that the player got a new look. Despite that caveat, the has and continues to player run without any problems. For those who have not used the interface on a previous phone, it allows searching or browsing by Songs, Albums, Artists, or Genres. It supports MP3, WMA, and AAC formats. It’s good news for both iTunes Plus and Amazon MP3 customers since all that content will be compatible. The V CAST Video also has been improved, streaming seems to function smoother than before and there wasn’t as much frame rate drops as there was on the enV. If you want to add your own video clips onto the phone, you can do so easily using 3rd party software and converting the content into WMV, MP4, or 3G2 formats.
MicroSD + Syncing: 5/5 stars
The LG enV2 doesn’t have too much room for storing content on it’s internal memory, however it has a microSD expansion which solves the problem. The phone now supports up to 8GB microSD cards, which should be plenty for the majority. Syncing music onto the phone is also a cinch. You can either use a micro-USB cable and sync content using a program such as Windows Media Player 11 or use a microSD card reader to copy content into the automatically created folders on the card. Even those with limited computer knowledge should be able to figure it out easily!
Speakers & Headphones: 5/5 stars
LG has once again improved the speakers on the enV2, making it better than those on the enV. I’m glad they improved on this, I was worried after I heard the speakers on the expensive LG Voyager. The speakers are clear at even full volume and manage without beginning to crackle. The sound great both for listening to music and when used as a speaker phone. If you plan to use headphones you’ll need to purchase a 2.5mm to 3.5mm converter to use with standard headphones. Listening with headphones will satisfy the average consumer, however don’t expect top notch music playback out of this phone.
Digital Camera: 4.5/5 stars
The main improvement in the digital camera on the enV2 would probably have to be the speed it takes pictures at. The enV constantly lagged and it often took forever for the camera to focus, snap, and save the image. The enV2 acts almost instantaneously. There are few disappointments with the enV2 such as the loss of the build in flash, which made a big difference for closeups taken in under-lit situations. The camera is also still a 2.0 mega pixel which was the same as what was on the enV, so no improvement there. And finally the lens cover has also been removed leaving the camera exposed. The video mode functions smoothly as well, there were no problems there. The front screen can be used to take photos and can also be used for self portraits when flipped open, however due to the small screen size, only a small strip of the full image will be visible. Overall the enV2’s camera functions as it should with some speed improvements, however the camera hasn’t been upgraded and there are no new features.
GPS VZ Navigator: 5/5 stars
I have to mention this feature, since it is one of my favorite part of Verizon Wireless phones. The VZ Naviagor, now on version 4, now includes tons of new features including traffic alerts. The interface is quick and easy to use and the phone can detect your exact location in a matter of seconds. It’s actually much more accurate than the locater on the Apple iPhone. The application will be an addition to your monthly bill unless you have a premium plan. The maps offer live turn-by-turn directions with voice overs which actually state the street names. Address can be saved into the phone. The local search can help find businesses or restaurants instantly. The program also displays the phone number of the address and can dial the number for you. And finally it can lookup movie showtimes near your location and assist in booking tickets. The new version also locates the cheapest gas in near your location.
Messaging (IM, Email, & Text): 5/5 stars
This is a great phone for those who message a lot. It’s got a built in chat client which supports AIM, MSN, and Yahoo!. The software now allows viewing your full contact lists, which was previously limited. The new Mobile Email client supports Yahoo Mail, Windows Live Hotmail, AOL/AIM Mail, and Verizon. If you use another provider, you can just enter the POP3 or IMAP servers and it should work perfectly. The Email Client also can be setup to notify you each time an email arrives in any of your inboxes. The text messaging component is vastly the same, but there are some improvements. The inbox and outbox is no longer limited to 50 messages. (In addition the phone can now hold 1000 contacts.)
Conclusion:
This is a great phone for those who love to message others wirelessly since it has a QWERTY keyboard. The phone is also a great improvement to the enV with a whole new look and a compact design. I wasn’t too fascinated by the maroon color, but I found the black version to look a whole lot better. It does lack some features such as a flash, a lens cover, and auto-focus all for the camera. It also doesn’t yet have a HTML browser. The main complaint I have would have to be the tiny external display, but if you set that aside the rest of the phone is quite impressive. The phone is also quite affordable and will be of interest to many Verizon Wireless customers looking for a new phone. The phone is now available on Verizon’s website and in Verizon Wireless stores for $130 after a $50 rebate and 2 year contract.
Limited Time Deal: LG enV2 for $50 with a 2 Year Contract
Links: Verizon Wireless | Data Sheet (.pdf)
Related: LG VX9900 Review | LG VX10000 Review
After leaving my phone for a software upgrade it started shutting off the very same night. So software is not the problem. Now Verizon gave me a new battery to see if that helps. If it keeps doing this I’m going to have to get rid of it. Its pointless to have a phone that you have to constantly check if its even on. I am in the process of buying a house and have missed numerous important calls that I didn’t know i was receiving.
I am not a person who “throws my phone around and it doesn’t work” I wouldn’t suggest getting involved with buying this phone until they work out the issues.
I have had this phone since the end of may this yr. I have only dropped it a few times and maybe a month ago the front ok button, as well as the *, 0, and # buttons stopped working. About three weeks ago, the 7,8,9 buttons and the send buttons started to “work sometimes and then not work” but now all of those buttons listed don’t work. and i like to txt on the front when i’m tired so that pissed me off. I’m going to take my enV2 that has these problems into the local verizon store soon and “refurbish” my phone. Hopefully i can barter a trade with the verizon ppl and ask them if I could switch my half-broken enV2 for the Venus. Besides, if the problems w/ the enV2 are pretty common, there’s no point to keep replacing it with the same phone so you can keep making trips to the verizon store. BTW, the Venus has more internal memory than the disappointing enV2. Anyways, just thought I would voice my opinion to everyone who wants this phone. If I were them, I would think the decision thru a little while b4 purchasing the enV2.
OMG that same thing happened to me too ! The send & 7,8,9 only worked sometimes and not they barely ever work ! my aunt ordered me a new one. and does anyone know how to sync music onto the Env2 from itunes ? plz help if you do [;
I too have had this phone since May of this year and just this week it stopped ringing or making any sounds completely. Its been a pleasant 7 months and I will probably replace it and get the same thing again. I love mine.
i really want this phone i asked my mom could i get it for christmas and i think theire getting it for me how come so many people are having problems with the 7,8,9 my second choice would be the lg venus in pink
this phone is horrible. please do not get it. i have had it since may of 2008. i will be going on my 5th phone soon. out of all of the phones i have had, i dropped it once. problems include: ok button not working, texting screen freezing (happened twice) and LCD screen started to split for absolutely no reason. My relationship with this phone is a love hate one.
Having the same problems as the others…my 7, 8, 9 and SEND buttons stop working randomly…recently my OK button has stopped working as well. I love this phone but now it’s just a pain in my butt.
Hey Sahas Katta, your problem is throwing the phone. Why in the world would u throw a cell-phone? Common sense here! You mighta been able ta keep it a little longer if ya didnt throw the thing! -Hope it helps(doubtful-lol.)
ya i have had 5 of thses with in a year oh having this phone they have all sufferd system problems a few i couldnt press space or use the out side screen with out it freezing up the others outside screens would be pure white and the inside would be black and i couldnt see a thing this is not worth the money it costs i regret getting it
This phone is awful. I Got in August and it already has tons of problems. Mind you i’m not rough on my phone at all (i.e. dropping it, getting water on it, leaving it in harsh environments.
First the outside buttons stopped working. 7, 8, 9 were the first to go, then 1, 2, 3, then the send, OK and end buttons.
The battery life is nothing stellar at all. Have to charge the thing every night just from basic talk time use.
The phone randomly freezes, restarts itself, or turns off completely!
The vibrate is very weak!
and things i have entered in the note pad and calendar section, randomly turn up missing.
This is by far the worst phone I have ever owned! (worse than the Razr v3 or whatever the hell that piece of shit was)
i have had this phone since nov. and it has worked perfectly for me. i have dropped it but it still works fine. if you carry it in your back pocket(i dont) of course it turns off randomly.
this phone looks cool. BUYING IT TOMORROW IM EXICITED I THINK IT MIGHT BE FUN AND MAYBE BAD WELL SEE
Ive had my EnV2 since August 19th. At first i thought the phone was godly!! But i had just gotten done with what i called the “Ghetto Brick” Now i relize problems with it and its really pissen me off. The screen is very small on the front. I cannot read the text. The messages are so short but i suppose all are. My biggest problem…Is that my phone FREEZES AND RESTARTS or JUST TURNS OFF!!! Its a shame because this phone is so nice and i really like it. Also somtimes i recieve messages late and its quite annoying. I cant wait until i can get a new phone lol.
I read through most of these comments, and i personally still like this phone.
I have had it for about a year now, and I have not had on single problem.
I use this phone constantly, and I may fill up the 300 text inbox more then once a day. (im a big texter).
As for the buttons on the outside that stoped working, That has not happened to me. They all work perfectly, like the day I first bought it.
My enV2 has not shut down on me once. I have had this phone since may, like many of you.
I personally think the reason of this phone breaking to so many people is because of how THEY treat it. Like for instance, don’t put it in your back pocket if you don’t want it to shut off, or the buttons to stop working.
If you keep it in a case, many of these problems will not occur.
If you like cases, I’d say to go with the black enV2, that way it looks better with any color case than the maroon one. –just my opinion though.
So if you are reading these reviews, and debating whether or not you are going to get this phone think about how your going to treat it.
If your going to sit on it when its in your back pocket, don’t get it.
If you are going to treat it like a princess, get it. –lol.
I personally LOVE this phone.
I take care of it… unlike some of you, who say they throw it.
TAKE CARE OF IT IF YOU’D LIKE IT TO WORK.
simple as that.
Im a huge fan of the keyboard phones. =] I had the original EnV for over a year. I went thru 3 only because of being on a street-bike & dropping it on the pavement at 150+ mph.
Then I upgraded to the EnV2. First one went good for 2 weeks. The OK, Send, End, 7, & 9 buttons all stopped working. They refused to ever work again. So I called Verizon Tech Support. The next day they sent out me a replacement phone. That one was worse then ever. It wouldnt even turn on.
Called Tech Support again. Received another replacement. That one was a piece of junk. It deleted all of my contacts constantly.
I finally got a little upset, stressed my problems with Tech Support. I found out that since I was still under their “30 day worry free” etc thing that I should have never got a stupid replacement, instead I should have been directed to my towns Verizon Store to receive a brand new from stock EnV2. Which is what Im using now. Its been working perfect. No problems (keep your fingers crossed)
Otherwise. Its a perfect phone. =]]
i want this phone really bad but i have herd good and bad comments about it…so im not sure..my birthday is in may and im very excited to get my first phone but the thing is i dont know if i should get it…what should i do?
I would like to know why does my ok button on my env2 cell phone keep freezing. It is very annoying when I am using it.
Well,
i am on my 2nd env2.
both of my phones randomly shut off and restarted, they both would freeze up, and the OK button quit working. after getting my 2nd phone, they said “its because you dont have a memory card and you have a lot of pictures on there and texts”. so i purchased the memory card and got my 2nd phone. well,since day 1, this phone has been freezing up and shutting off. NOW the phone wont even display the internal or external screens. they are blank..either black or white..and if im lucky, the screen will come up SOMETIMES and i go to check my texts that i havent been able to read and then when i hit the buttons, my screen quadruples!! i dont throw my phone around, i dont sit on it, i dont drop it in water, nothing. the phone is a good phone when it works right, but right now, its an absolute piece of crap and im waiting for verizon to send me my new one in the mail because the store didnt have anymore because SO MANY PEOPLE WERE HAVING PROBLEMS.
not cool.
but i still like the phone.
I just upgraded (from the enV) to the enV2 this week. I loved my enV even though it was a little glitchy – nothing serious though. I got the enV2 so I could use it at home and take the enV on trips. I have the maroon and love it! So far, it’s just had a minor problem with a contact name, so I changed it. If this phone craps out on me over time, I’ll just go back to the enV full-time…but I really like it so far!
I haven’t had this phone for four months yet, and it freezes randomly while returning a text. Will not allow me to restart it, i have to take out the battery and start it up. It has froze more then five times at once. It happened last month as well. Should I even bother to get it replaced or have Verizon give me a phone worth having? I love the phone considering all i do is text people, but its not worth that trouble.
gettin pretty mad at this phone. Ive had it since the beginning of june and the 789 keys don’t work, like everyone else on this page. Come on, LG. make one that lasts AND is cool….
I’ve had this phone for almost 2 months now, and the other day, I started having problems with it “power cycling” as Verizon calls it…in other words it shuts itself on and comes right back on in the middle of typing out a text. I don’t know why it only does it when I’m using text. It seems to me that it has something to do with using the qwerty board while in text mode! This is the only problem I have had with it, but it is bad enough that I am seriously debating getting a different phone all together! I am currently awaiting a replacement in the mail from Verizon, and I am crossing my fingers that the new one works as good as it should since I fell in love with the features on this phone and would really like to keep it! If I have the same problem with the new one, I will be replacing it…not sure with what, but the new one must have a qwerty!!! :)
I think this is a very good phone. minus the outside keys problem. I’m having the same problem as a lot of people with the ok button. now my ok button is working now. but the 4, 5, 6, and the 7, 8, 9 buttons aren’t working! :( it’s a shame because I like using the outside in school because it’s easier. is it true that if I go to verizon they will give me a new one?
I bought this phone on the 2 year contract plan in oct 2008. i loved this phone until this morning. i woke up late for work and realised my phone (which i use for my alarm clock) was shut off. I took it off the charger and powered it up only to have it shut down once it got through the start up screen. I took off the battery and replaced it and it still shuts off. Even when it is plugged into the wall it does this. Im goin to verizon tonight to see whats wrong with this stupid thing but if they say to replace it.. ill not settle for a refurbished phone when this one STILL has a 1 year manufactury warranty!!!!! SOOOO pissed.. ugh:( I buy a phone thinking it is to last me a while.. especially when I have a new born and its winter out.. cmon
I just want to add to the list of comments regarding the “7-8-9” button epidemic. I got my first enV2 in July 2008 and by the next month I was noticing some of the buttons not working until it progressively got worse and worse & ended in the 7, 8 , 9, and SEND buttons consistently not working. I brought it to the Verizon store in December and exchanged it for a new one, but now at the end of January 2009 the same problem is happening again slowly but surely. It’s very inconvenient when I’m driving and my SEND button isn’t working for example. Even though they DO exchange it if it’s under warranty, it’s still a pain in the ass to reprogram all my settings/ringtones every time.