LG Xenon GR500 Phone, Black (AT&T)

Thursday, July 9th, 2009 at 8:05 am

Manufacturer: LGIC
Customer Rating:
List Price: $249.99
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Product Description

A quick messaging phone boasting a full keyboard for text messaging beneath its vibrant colors, the LG Xenon for AT&T also offers a large touchscreen display with a customizable and intuitive user interface. The phone can quickly download video, music and more over AT&T's lightning quick HSPDA 3G network. Additionally, with AT&T's 3G network, you can listen to a conference call on a headset while sending and receiving e-mail attachments, picture messages or Web pages at the same time. This GPS-enabled phone can access the AT&T Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions as well as its Video Share serve, which enables you to send video of yourself to another compatible phone while making a voice call.

The LG Xenon in black with a 2.8-inch touchscreen with vibrating feedback...

The Xenon's large touchscreen with vibration feedback and enhanced user interface make menus, shortcuts, and contacts available right at your fingertips. And with its compact, slideout QWERTY keyboard, you can quickly send text messages and emails. Other features include a 2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth for handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, MicroSD memory expansion (up to 16 GB), organizer tools, access to mobile email and instant messaging, and up to 4 hours of talk time.

AT&T Service
This AT&T phone can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T's 3G mobile broadband data network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas. The AT&T 3G network uses the dual-band 850/1900 MHz 3G network (UMTS/HSDPA), which provides download speeds ranging from 700 Kbps to 1.7 Mbps, and upload speeds ranging from 500 Kbps to 1.2 Mbps. This makes it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia services, and it gives you the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services.

In areas where the 3G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, it's fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go. You'll also enjoy quad-band GSM connectivity, which allows you to make calls in more than 190 countries and access data applications in the more than 135 countries where AT&T offers international data roaming.

With 3G connectivity, you'll be able to access AT&T's Video Share service, which enables you to send a live, one-way video stream to another compatible phone during a standard voice call. The service also allows you to switch the direction of the video stream during the same phone call. (Customers must be in an area served by the company's 3G network and have a Video Share-enabled phone.) While using Video Share with family and friends is a fun way to communicate, it's also very useful for business. For example, a majority of users in the architecture, engineering and construction industries rated the ability to share live video through Video Share highly, according to research commissioned by AT&T. Video Share lets you see progress on a job site or review the day's work without having to drive from an office or other site to do so.

...and a smooth, slide-out full QWERTY keyboard for easy text messaging and writing longer emails.

You can take advantage of the AT&T Navigator GPS software and service, a full-featured premium navigation application that includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates and re-routing options, and 3D moving maps (additional charges applicable). AT&T Navigator offers several other features to make your commute more enjoyable and reliable, including mobile access to Yellowpages.com. Additionally, AT&T Navigator is the only mobile phone-based GPS service that provides integrated speech recognition for address entry and points of interest search.

With 3G connectivity, you'll be able to access AT&T's Cellular Video (CV) service and the Internet while on the go. Cellular Video features content from CNN, The Weather Channel, iFilm, Comedy Central and exclusive premium content from HBO and much more. And you get access to AT&T Mobile Music, which enables you to buy tracks while on the, access the Napster and eMusic subscription music services, stream music video, discover what's playing with Music ID song-recognition software, and find out what's hot with The Buzz music news portal.

The phone has a built-in web browser for MEdia Net downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T's MEdia Net service enables you to receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more.

It's also pre-loaded with AT&T's Mobile Banking application, which is compatible with accounts from banks including Wachovia, SunTrust, Synovus, and BancorpSouth. Mobile Banking from AT&T affords you the flexibility to stay on top of your banking needs while you're on the move, enabling you to check your account balance, securely transfer funds between your eligible accounts, view and pay bills, and review your transaction history. AT&T customers pay no additional fee to access mobile banking and, because the application resides on the handset, the service is optimized to reduce the number of new page views necessary to complete a transaction. Minimal data usage charges apply and vary based on individual use.

Phone Features
The LG Xenon has a 2.8-inch LCD touchscreen with a 240 x 400-pixel resolution and support for 262K colors. It provides haptic vibration feedback when you touch icons or the onscreen keyboard, and it also has an accelerometer for auto-rotation of the screen when you turn it from portrait to landscape view. Below the screen you'll find just three buttons--one for accessing the main menu and standard send/end keys. The Home screen menu from LG's Flash user interface (UI) provides quick access to your calendar, alarm clock and digital audio player, and it provides an intuitive tab-based layout for accessing phone, multimedia and other tools. The phone also offers a four-row full QWERTY keyboard that smoothly slides out from the left side of the phone (when viewed in tall portrait mode).

The phone comes with an 80 MB internal memory, which is expandable via optional MicroSD memory cards (up to 16 GB in size). The internal phonebook can store up to 500 contacts, with each entry providing space for up to five phone numbers, two email addresses, and a picture ID. The phone also includes nine speed dial options (eight entries plus one voicemail) and support for caller groups as well as designating a specific ringtone to a contact.

Handsfree communication is easy thanks to the integrated speakerphone. This phone also provides Bluetooth wireless connectivity (version 2.0), and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and file transfer. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server (additional charges or subscription applicable). You can save up to 20 Bluetooth pairing and the phone supports two simultaneous pairings.

The Xenon also features GPS navigation, Bluetooth stereo music streaming, MicroSD expansion to 16 GB and a 2-megapixel camera/camcorder.

The digital audio player is compatible with MP3, AAC/AAC+, and WMA files, and it allows you to create and manage playlists directly on the phone. Other features include a customizable equalizer and visualization, the ability to multitask in other phone applications while still playing music, and easy transfer of files from your PC via USB (optional cable available separately). The phone also includes a flight mode, which allows you to continue playing music while turning off the cellular radio.

The 2-megapixel camera offers four resolution modes (1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480, and 320 x 240 pixels) and it has a 2x digital zoom. It also features white balance and brightness controls, multishot capabilities, night mode for enhanced imagery in low-light conditions, multiple quality options, and your choice of shutter tones (including silent). Additionally, this phone can capture video clips with audio in either 320 x 240 or 176 x 144-pixel resolutions. You can record clips up to 32 seconds for sending via MMS messaging or up to 60 minutes for saving to your PC.

Other features include:

SMS text and MMS picture/video messaging
Threaded messaging displays messages in time-order from a contact
Mobile Email--Yahoo!, AOL, AIM, Windows Live, AT&T Yahoo!, & BellSouth Accounts
Instant Messaging--AIM, Windows Live, Yahoo! Messenger
Organizer tools: alarm clock, calendar, notepad, calculator, tip calculator, world clock, tasks, stopwatch, unit converter
RSS Feed Support--quick access to updates on regularly changing web content
Speaker-Independent Voice Commands
USB mass storage capabilities and charging via computer (cable sold separately)
Java 2.0 support for application and game downloads
10 unique ringtones with vibrate and silent modes; compatible with MP3 real-music ringtones
Shortcuts menu--add up to 9 shortcuts to the standby screen
Voice memo recording (MMS and general modes)
Bluetooth version 2.0 with the following profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), BPP (basic printing profile for text, email), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures)

Vital Statistics
The LG Xenon weighs 3.81 ounces and measures 4.16 x 2.11 x 0.62 inches. Its 950 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 4 hours of talk time, and up to 264 hours (11 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as AT&T's HSDPA 3G network (850/1900 MHz).

Product Details

3G-powered smartphone in black with 2.8-inch touchscreen and slide-out QWERTY keyboard; customizable and intuitive user interface
Compatible with AT&T Navigator GPS, Video Share, AT&T Mobile Music, and streaming video from Cellular Video service
2-megapixel camera/camcorder; Bluetooth stereo music; MicroSD expansion (to 16 GB); digital audio/video player
Up to 4 hours of talk time, up to 264 hours (11 days) of standby time
What's in the Box: handset, battery, travel charger, user manual, quick start guide

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Customer Reviews

You Don't Even Get What You Pay For

Review Date: June 29, 2010

Reviewer: N. Gaultney, USA

Phone: LG Xenon GR500
Carrier: AT&T
Plan: Unlimited texting (NO data currently)
Time Owned: 3 months

My last contract with AT&T ended so I went to upgrade and bought this phone on my upgrade. In the past I've used motorola, palm, samsung, and most recently Sony Erickson phones. This is hands down the poorest designed phone of the lot I've used. Sadly, it wasn't even the cheapest.

-=Pros=-
1. Keyboard is actually nice. It is my second phone experience with a full QWERTY keyboard, and I really appreciate being able to use two hands to get out a message faster. I text a lot.
2. Touch screen is fairly responsive. It uses pressure (versus your body's electricity like the iPhone). This is great if you have a pen handy, but with your finger pads it can be a little inaccurate. Most of the buttons on the screen are big enough that it doesn't matter, but when scrolling through lists the combination of tiny items and a slow processor make quickly finding a contact a pain.
3. Exterior volume buttons. Some phones don't have these. Most do.
4. Large memory space for pictures.

-=Cons=-
1. The space for text message storing is TINY. You have tons of space for subpar pictures, but can only store around 150-200 text messages (that is combined from your inbox and outbox). I have to delete all of my messages nearly every day. On past phones I kept messages for months enabling me to look up old messages for quick information refreshers. Friends with the iPhone never have to delete one message.
2. Conversation view for text messages is slow. You have the option to view messages as conversations allowing you to remember what you said last. However, after more than about 10 messages back and forth conversation view becomes very sluggish.
3. Ringtone options are slim. I make my own ringtones to save money, and for this phone to be able to use a file as a ringtone it has to be under 200KB. Past phones (and many available today) allow you to use whole songs as ringtones, but with the Xenon you have to horribly compress and use very short clips of music. I'm not sure how it works with ringtones purchased from AT&T, but I would never pay for those anyway.
4. It is very easy to accidentally hit email/internet/etc. buttons that try to use the internet. Luckily, my internet is completely disabled, but if you aren't paying for a data plan and don't have internet disabled you could very easily get a nasty surprise on your bill due to some pocket surfing.
5. Menu's are internet-centric. AT&T wants you get a data plan and they make it clear by making the most easily accessed menu items the ones requiring a data plan.
6. Home screen widgets are useless.
7. Annoying task menu shows up after you have any application open. It is hard to describe but basically this menu allows you to multitask. However, even with only one app open it still pops up before you can gain access to the home screen after sending a text, or exiting another application. It becomes extremely frustrating not being able to get to the home screen with one touch of a button. Instead you have to hit the end key several times.
8. Sound quality is terrible. Compared to every other phone I've used I don't even understand how the sound quality could be so bad. Unless you are in a rather quiet environment you'll have difficulty understanding the other party. I learned this is a common problem with this phone after talking to other friends with the Xenon. I also previously had the sony walkman phones which had excellent sound quality and probably spoiled me!
9. Screen easily broken. I broke the screen on this within one month of purchasing this. It is user replaceable if you have a little patience and don't mind voiding the warranty, but it was the most difficult screen replacement I've ever had to do. I tend to miss the old clam shells with their screen protection.

-=Summary=-
With so many other cheap phones out there, I'd recommend staying away from this and all other LG phones. Many of my problems stem from poor hardware and menu design which will carry over to other phones (and this is confirmed after I've tried other friend's LG phones). It goes for nifty but leaves a lot of essential components by the wayside while over-loading it with fun gadgets. The ability to superimpose a crown over a person's face in one of your pictures should have been taken care of after they handled the basic call quality problems.

Even with this phone still working I'm currently shopping for another phone (with the hope that I can find someone to buy the Xenon on ebay!)

Complete piece of garbage

Review Date: June 14, 2010

Reviewer: Ryan G. Auten, Mundelein, IL USA

I had this phone for 5 weeks before the touch screen cracked (under the surface). It was in my pocket at the time and I don't recall banging it on anything. Took it back to the AT&T store where I was told I would need to buy a new one at full price since I didn't have a warranty. Shouldn't any company guarantee the quality of their products without the consumer having to protect themselves against a company's shoddy merchandise? Needless to say, they've lost me as a customer.

Consumer Reports listed the LG Xenon as the highest rated AT&T phone. I had better luck with my Motorola Razor. The Xenon was a complete piece of crap. Buyer beware!!

For the love of God, don't touch it hard or drop it.

Review Date: June 9, 2010

Reviewer: Ellen K. Putman, Chapel Hill, NC United States

I bought this phone to replace a Motorola Razr. So, clearly, I was coming from a horrible circumstance but was hopeful for this phone because my previous LG phone had been wonderful. I bough a protective cover when I bought the phone, and used it. One day, a phone call vibrated the phone off of a living room table (roughly a 3 foot drop) onto a hardwood floor. Despite the case (which I bought from an AT&T store for over $30), the phone screen cracked all the way down, and the screen has been dying a slow death since.

Before its demise, the phone was easy to use (hence 2 instead of 1 star). What irks me is that I've since read well over 50 other complaints regarding the screen on this phone (which, incidentally, is really hard to replace yourself), many of which involve not even dropping the device but simply using the touchscreen with the result of having it crack. I'm assuming these users aren't all Bruce Banner, either.

Do yourself a favor - don't buy this phone. Wait until LG gets its act together with regard to touchscreen technology, and in the meantime go with another product.

too fragile to use

Review Date: February 18, 2010

Reviewer: dwgwater, Illinois

This phone lasted less than two months before the screen cracked. It will crack if you drop it or put in in your pants pocket according to the AT&T tech support person who looked at the phone and said the warranty was void. Then all of the nice features are inaccessible and you have 22 months to go on your contract. That's a nice feature, isn't it. If you like the phone, keep it securely wrapped and boxed at all times and it will last much longer. Not recommended if you want to have a portable communications device to send texts or make calls. Highly recommended for people who've never dropped their cell phone and who don't wear pants.

Should be Xe-None

Review Date: February 16, 2010

Reviewer: CW, TX

I purchased this phone for my daughter as an upgrade for her old flip phone last sumemr. She only needed a basic phone with texting capability but liked the idea of the full QWERTY keyboard for texting, especially for college.

The 1st phone failed in less than 10 days, would lock up and screen wouldn't rotate when keyboard was opened. Amazon.com exchanged that one, so no problems with Amazon.com. Now after 6 months, phone number 2 has the same problem. LG wants me to send the phone to them for service. We all know that even though the phone has a 1 year warranty, they'll find some excuse for me to pay to fix it. Plus, it will take them a week or more just to get to that point.

I talked to an AT&T agent who said the Xenon has a recall notice. Nobody else seems to know anything about that, including LG customer service.

Also, the call reception is less than stellar. Don't know if this is a problem with the phone itself or the service.

My wife picked the Xenon for her upgrade a few months later. She does far less texting than the college girl, so far so good on that front. Her call reception on both ends is also less than optimum.

Right now I'm trying to figure out the least expensive way to get my daughter a replacement phone that will woork when she needs it.