LG enV3 VX9200 Phone, Blue (Verizon Wireless)

Thursday, July 9th, 2009 at 8:00 pm

Manufacturer: LGIC
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List Price: $399.99
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Product Description

Perfect for power texters, the sleekly redesigned LG enV3 for Verizon Wireless looks like a nicely compact candybar-style phone with standard alpha-numeric keypad and 1.5-inch display on its face. However, it has a hinged side that opens up to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard and additional 2.6-inch screen--perfect for all your on-the-go text messaging and email needs. It also offers a Text Instant Reply feature, enabling you to automatically start a reply message when you read a message. Other improvements over the previous enV2 model include a 3-megapixel camera/camcorder, MicroSD memory expansion to 16 GB (from the previous 8 GB maximum), and a longer battery life with up to 5.45 hours of talk time.

It's compatible with Verizon's V Cast Music Service, which enables you to purchase songs through your phone and download them via Verizon's fast EV-DO data network. You'll also stay on course thanks to the VZ Navigator GPS turn-by-turn direction service. Other features include a multi-format digital audio player, Bluetooth for both handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, HTML web browsing capabilities, access to personal email and instant messaging, Visual Voicemail, and a bilingual interface.

Nicely compact, the LG enV3 offers widely spaced external keys designed for easy dialing.

Verizon Wireless Service
With support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, you'll enjoy fast access to the Internet and Verizon Wireless multimedia services (additional charges applicable), with average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2 Mbps. (Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered.) The V Cast Music service enables you to download songs instantly to your phone, or purchase music through your PC and transfer the files to your phone. If purchased from your phone, you'll receive two copies of the song: a Windows Media Audio Pro Plus format at 64Kbps stereo is sent to your phone, and a Windows Media Audio 9 format at 160Kbps stereo is sent to your account in the V CAST Music online store for downloading to your PC. V Cast Music offers nearly 2 million songs, with more being added all the time.

In addition to the V Cast Music service, this phone is also compatible with the Verizon Wireless V CAST Music with Rhapsody, which enables you to access this exclusive digital music service for RealNetworks and for MTV Networks. V CAST Music with Rhapsody delivers unlimited monthly access to music on up to three Rhapsody-compatible mobile phones and players and online on multiple PCs and Web browsers. In addition, customers who purchase music over-the-air are able to download the master copy of the songs or albums to their PCs free of digital rights management (DRM) software that restricts how and where music can be played.

The V Cast Video service enables you to stream or download video clips to your phone from a variety of news, entertainment, sports, and weather channels, including CNN, ABC News, E!, CBS Sports, The Weather Channel, and VH1.

With this GPS-enabled phone, you'll be able to access the Verizon Wireless VZ Navigator service (additional charges applicable) for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, heads-up alerts, local search of nearly 14 million points of interest in the US (such as landmarks, restaurants and ATMs), and detailed color maps. And the Chaperone service lets you easily locate your loved ones from your Verizon Wireless phone or PC in real time. After defining a zone, such as an area designating a school or summer camp, you'll be sent an alert via text message when the Chaperone handset enters or leaves the zone.

Getting on the Internet is easy using the Verizon Wireless Mobile Web 2.0 package, which allows you to read and send e-mails, exchange instant messages and view your favorite web content on your phone. The Verizon Wireless Media Center wireless download service is also fully compatible with this phone. This pay-per-download service features application downloads, games and productivity tools. You can also personalize your handset with ringtone downloads using the Media Center service.

Flipping open the env3 reveals an easy-to-use QWERTY keyboard that makes texting and emailing a snap.

With Visual Voice Mail, you can delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions. Visual Voice Mail is the ideal tool for the busy mobile professional who may need to prioritize which messages he or she listens to first. Features include on-screen access to voice mail message status, save up to 40 messages for 40 days (or archive permanently), create up to 10 different caller ID-based greetings, and reply via call back, text or even voice mail.

With Mobile Broadband Connect (subscription required), you can use your smartphone as a modem for your notebook when you connect the two using a USB cable--or open a Bluetooth connection--enabling you to access the Internet or your company intranet. The tethered modem capability is ideal when you're traveling and need to use your notebook to check email, access corporate networks, or download large files like presentations and reports. And with Mobile Broadband Connect, you won't have to buy an extra PC Card or other devices.

Phone Features
Easily pocketable, the LG enV3 has a candybar-style face with a 1.5-inch LCD screen complemented by large, widely spaced keys for easy dialing, a dedicated contacts button, 5-way navigation, and send/end buttons. Flipping open the enV3 reveals the full QWERTY keyboard and a large 2.6-inch LCD (10 percent larger than the previous model) with a 320 x 240-pixel resolution and 262K colors. Dialing function buttons are also duplicated on the internal touchpad.

The phone has a small internal memory and offers memory expansion up to 16 GB using optional MicroSD memory cards. The enV3's built-in address book can store up to 1000 contacts, and each entry can store 5 numbers, 2 email addresses, and a picture ID. The phone comes with multiple unique polyphonic ringtones, and it has vibrate and silent modes when you need to keep things quiet. The phone lets you match pictures with callers to identify them, and the enV3's voice recognition software supports voice commands from any user, not just a pre-programmed user's voice.

Handsfree communication is easy thanks to the integrated speakerphone. This phone provides the latest version of Bluetooth connectivity--version 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), which makes pairing with a headset as well as other Bluetooth devices a snap. And with the embedded A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of Bluetooth stereo headphones or other compatible devices. 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).

The 3-megapixel camera can snap still photos in five resolutions (2048 x 1536 (default), 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 pixels), and it also features brightness and white balance settings, multiple shutter sounds and color effects, and a self-timer. It also includes a multi-shot mode with a Smile Shot feature that automatically takes a picture when a smile is detected and a Panorama feature that automatically takes 3 pictures in sequence as you move from left to right. The phone can also capture video clips for as long as you have available memory.

The enV3 has all the bases covered when it comes to messaging, too, with support for sending and receiving text, picture, and video messages as well as mobile instant messaging (IM). There's also a complete e-mail client on the device for POP- and IMAP-based accounts. And of course, the QWERTY keyboard makes it a snap to type your messages.

Other features include:

Music player compatible with MP3, WMA, and AAC/AAC+ formats; create and manage playlists on the phone and sync from your PC
Bilingual Interface: English/Espanol
Airplane Mode
Personal Organizer: Calendar with Scheduler, Note Pad
Tools: Alarm Clock, World Clock, Calculator with Converter, StopWatch
Voice Commands
Speakerphone
Embedded Ring Tones, Vibrating Alert & Silent
2.5mm Headset Jack
In Case of Emergency Contacts
TTY/TDD Support
Hearing Aid Compatibility = M4
Bluetooth version 2.1 with the following profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), BIP (for sending images to another device), BPP (basic printing profile for text, email), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), HID (support for mice or joysticks), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures), PBA (transfer contacts), SPP (serial port profile)

Vital Statistics
The LG enV3 weighs 3.77 ounces and measures 4.11 x 2.13 x 0.65 inches. Its lithium-polymer battery is rated at up to 5.45 hours of talk time, and up to 460 hours (19+ days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/1900 CDMA/EV-DO frequencies.

Product Details

Sleek, redesigned clamshell phone in blue opens to reveal QWERTY keyboard and large 2.6-inch screen
Access V Cast Music (with Rhapsody) and Video servicse via fast EV-DO data network; GPS-enabled for turn-by-turn directions; Visual Voice Mail
3-megapixel camera/camcorder; Bluetooth stereo music; MicroSD expansion to 16 GB; access to personal email and instant messaging
Up to 4.45 hours of talk time, up to 460 hours (19+ days) of standby time
What's in the Box: handset, battery, charger, quick reference guide, user manual

Video Reviews

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Customer Reviews

Only good for call, battery life charge daily

Review Date: August 29, 2010

Reviewer: William Birch, Chicago

I went to LG to get away from Samsung. Only a minor improvement. It is a nice phone for making call good reception. Verizon has much better cowage in Chicago that AT&T .

But there is were it ends. If you want to use the speaker phone you have to open it up the same is true of using and of the camera features, About 3 photos drains half the battery. And going on line for a single page will take about one bar of power. According to the Verizon rep I talked to expect to charge the phone every night.

And all those online futures they talk about expect to pay $2-10 a month above your data plan if you want to use any of them.

USB Storage solution

Review Date: August 10, 2010

Reviewer: TJ14,

Ok, this phone is one of the best texting phones. Refer to other reviews for pros and cons. A lot of people are rating the phone low because of file transfer problems. You CAN transfer via USB if you have a memory card. You don't need a data plan to send email or anything, to transfer photos. I will provide a solution to transfer stuff via USB. This phone is not the most convenient for file transfer, but if you have a memory card it sure isn't very hard. So it IS NOT a major negative point.

Firstly set your phone picture and file save locations on Memory card. For that go to 'Settings and tools-> 9. Memory-> Save Options. Choose your memory card as default for everything for most convenience.

Now for picture, music and file transfer, connect your phone to the computer via usb. Usually the phone will AUTOMATICALLY switch to music sync mode. DE-SELECT that mode by pressing cancel on your phone. You NEED to do this as your phone must be physically attached via usb but NO sync mode should be active. Now activate the USB mass storage mode by going to 'Settings and tools'>2.Tools>9.USB Mass Storage. Your memory card in the phone will now show up as a drive. You can easily access your phone pictures "IF they are saved on the card". You can also access music folders and paste/move stuff instead of having to sync it using software. I know getting to the USB Mass storage mode could have been made simpler. But that is how it is.

This phone is a GOOD multimedia and GREAT texting phone. Interface is sure not the best, but that said it can handle file transfer VIA usb if you try. Know your facts before rating a good product bad. Enjoy this great phone!

One year later

Review Date: July 24, 2010

Reviewer: Dean Dobbert, Dover, DE USA

I've had this phone for about a year now, and I just got through reading the other reviews, so I'll just focus on the high points. I had the same problem with the phone turning off by itself as many others. At first I got a replacement phone from Verizon, but it did the same thing. Finally I found the solution on the web. It suggested that if you can push on the battery compartment cover and that makes the phone turn off, then you can fix the problem by cutting out a piece of cardboard (I used the container Duracell batteries come in) and placing it inside the battery compartment. I did that several months ago and the problem was solved.

Second problem I see here is the pocket dialing issue. Using the OK button on the front of the phone, you can reach the front display menu, scroll to "keyguard" and enable "press twice" for unlock options. I've only had it call out once since then.

Now maybe someone else can help me with two other issues. One, it would be nice to be able to page down when reading text messages or looking at web pages, but all I can do is go down one line at a time. Does anyone know if there is a way to page down?

Second, when typing txt messages on the inside keyboard, it would be nice if there was a way to make it automatically capitalize the first letter of a new sentence, the way most LG phones do when using "T9" or "Word" format on the front screen. Does anyone know of a way to set this up?

Other than that, the phone is a winner. The sound quality is excellent, I enjoy the stereo speakers when I'm just sitting outside on a short break, and if you go to Radio Shack and get the 2.5mm to 3.5mm adapter for headphones, the music quality is excellent. My friends comment on the quality of the photos, and the marginal video quality has never been a priority for me anyway. I bought an inexpensive SD/microSD card reader for my computer a long time ago and just transfer songs to the phone for free.

I've had great success with LG phones in the past and this is no exception.

Slightly better than garbage.

Review Date: July 14, 2010

Reviewer: Kyle H, North Carolina

I got this phone last December for Christmas, so I've had over 6 months of experience with the phone to speak from here.

Pros:
- Keyboard makes for efficient texting.
- Stylish? Personal opinion.

Cons: Where to start??
- Shuts off randomly on its own. Definitely biggest drawback of this phone. I have missed several important calls before because of this.
- Feedback from own voice during calls. Sometimes during calls, after I speak, there will be an echo effect. I will hear what I had said back to me when the other person is speaking. Very annoying.
- Pocket dials frequently. This phone has a lock feature in order to prevent it from doing this, however it does not work. It comes unlocked on its own several times a day while sitting in my pocket and sometimes calls my contacts.
- Text recipients fail to receive texts as if I had never sent them. It doesn't seem like this could be a phone issue but more a service issue. My argument is that this did not happen once with my old phone using the same service provider.
- Voice quality is worse than my 5 year old Motorola flip phone. Minor complaint really but it was one of the first things I noticed about this phone was that the recipient's voice was not as clear as it was on my old phone.

Obviously the cons outweigh any pros with this phone. I have myself to blame however for choosing this phone as I did not do any research on it. Don't make the same mistake as me, the reviews of this phone speak for themselves. Go with a different phone, preferably not LG!

Only good for texting

Review Date: July 4, 2010

Reviewer: Movie fanatic, central WI

I so wanted to love this phone. I have struggled with it now (actually on second replaced phone) for 8 months. I read reviews and don't usually write ones unless I'm extremely happy or extremely frustrated. My first env3 shut off all the time. My partners was worse. Maybe every 10 minutes. He hates his worse than I do, except for texting. Voice quality is poor, blue tooth does not shut off when it should, extreme latency during voice calls, feed back from own voice, and only rings occasionally when receiving calls. Worthless for checking net. All apps and data charges extremely expensive. I loved Alltel for reception and customer support. This whole Verizon thing is sell, sell, sell, and no support. We were sold a data plan and realized afterwards that we were in a 3G hole on the red map, in a very populated area. Dropped plan and now pay horrendous charges when in an area that has 3G. $3.99 per 1mg. Try staying under that when you do anything. Alltel was $1.99 unlimited access for 24 hours. I just wish I knew what phone to switch to that has great voice quality and reception, access to web, and easy to text, and fits in your pocket without pocket dialing constantly. I will not keep this phone to the end of its contract.