Simple Technology Choices - Cell Phones - Verizon LG LX5200 Review

The LG LX5200 from Verizon

Ease of Use: Overall Rating:

Reviewed by Jamie Lendino 7/15/06

The LG VX5200 is a mixed bag in terms of design, but it’s a reasonable choice if you’re looking for an inexpensive Verizon phone. It doesn’t look like much, with a somewhat dated clam shell design and protruding external antenna. Flip it open and you’ll find a color screen with fairly low resolution and poor contrast. With its solid feeling hinge, the phone feels better made than T-Mobile’s more expensive Samsung T609.

The keypad could use some work. Keys are generally a bit stiff, and we found ourselves pressing the wrong one a number of times before we got used to it. The lack of Bluetooth can be a problem if you’re looking for a phone that allows a wireless hands-free headset. Of course, you can use a wired model, though none is provided in the box. Sound quality was generally good, especially considering the phone’s low price. We tested it back to back with the RAZR V3c and discovered that it sounded almost as clear, and easily good enough to be your primary phone.

A VGA camera is never much to write home about, but considering that the VX5200 is an inexpensive model, it’s good that you get one at all. That wasn’t the case in this price bracket two years ago. However, you won’t get much use out of the VX5200’s photos. They’re blurry and over exposed, and it’s generally impossible to make out details in photo subjects.

The VX5200’s menu system is another story. It’s clearly laid out, and it’s very easy to add contacts and change ringer settings. It’s virtually the same menu system as the RAZR V3c. The dedicated volume buttons on the side of the VX5200 make it easy to place the phone in Silent mode. We like the five main menu tabs, which you navigate by pressing Right or Left, with numbered options on each page. The VX5200’s screen is lower resolution than the V3c, so the text and icons aren’t as pretty, but all of the same options are there. Given the paltry price difference between the two at the time of this review, we’d give the nod to the RAZR V3c.

Pros: simple to use, good sound quality, well-designed menus, color external screen
Cons: stiff keypad, external antenna, lacks Bluetooth, poor camera

Details:

LG VX5200
Carrier: Verizon
Price: $49.99 w/2 year plan
Dimensions: 3.5 x 1.9 x 0.9 inches
Weight: 4.2 ounces
Camera: VGA
Bluetooth: No
Card slot: No
Battery Life: 3 hours 20 minutes

Ease of Use: 4 stars
Rating: 3 stars