LG Optimus 7 Review
The problem with Windows Phone 7 devices is that with Microsoft being so strict about specs and hardware they’re all pretty similar machines. The LG Optimus 7 is certainly no exception with its familiar 1GHz processor, 5MP camera and standard WP7 user interface (UI). You’ll notice that none of those things are bad; WP7 devices are actually fantastic phones. The only problem is how on earth do you choose between a bunch of seemingly cloned handsets?
It might sound vain but aesthetic design certainly plays an important factor when dealing with such similar phones and the LG Optimus 7 is certainly a handsome handset. The front panel is matte-black with some nicely defined corners. The metal back plate also adds just class to the Optimus 7 to give it a demure yet modern appeal. Overall, its semi-curved shape is quite comfortable to hold and surprisingly enough draws very little attention to its actual size.
We also like the feel of the hardware Start, Search and Back buttons at the bottom of the phone. Most WP7 devices have opted for capacitive buttons here but we’re fans of the feel of a more traditional, clicky style.
The LG Optimus 7 sports a 3.8 inch display. That's a good .3 inches more than many of the other WP7 launch phones, but still not as large as the HTC HD7’s whopping 4.3 inch screen. This is a definite defining feature for the Optimus 7. Where devices on other operating systems (OSs) might sacrifice usability for a larger screen, the large thumb-able tiles of the WP7 UI allow for an easy, one-handed experience despite the larger display. That’s something that we can’t really say for the HD7, which is just a little too big for easy one-handed use. This is a definite tick in the plus column for the Optimus 7.
The 5MP camera is nice, but is pretty much what we’ve come to expect from modern smartphones. It’s also the bare minimum required by Microsoft for any Windows Phone 7 handset. Video recording is, of course, HD at 720p, but at a disappointing max of 24 frames per second. As a result anything filmed on the Optimus 7 looks pretty good on the phone’s display, but becomes noticeably jerky on larger screens.
Overall there’s nothing really wrong with the LG Optimus 7, but nothing truly unique. Sure, any WP7 device is exciting right now and worth taking a look at, but it’s hard to find a reason to grab this phone over its Windows Phone 7 powered brethren. If we could name a reason it would definitely be the screen. As a halfway between standard screens and the new, larger breed the 3.8 inch display is actually quite pleasant. It’s a great answer to having a larger screen without sacrificing one-handed usability. If you’re looking for something in the screen department but don’t want to be carrying around a pocket-buster then the LG Optimus 7 is definitely worth checking out.