LG outs the Optimus Vu, a 5in Galaxy Note killer
The LG Optimus Vu has been unveiled in a video released online (see below). The 5in handset is a direct competitor to the 5.3in Samsung Galaxy Note, meaning those who can't decide between a tablet and a smartphone will soon have yet another choice on their hands. But can the LG outsmart its Korean competitor?
On specs, the Optimus Vu outguns the Note, sporting a 1.5GHz Qualcomm processor paired with 1GB RAM (versus Sammy's 1.4GHz). The Vu is backed by an 8MP camera to match the Note's, but stumbles at the OS hurdle with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread). But here's an interesting thing: the LG Optimus Vu has an aspect ratio of 4:3, the slightly squared format of the image above, and the same ratio used by older TVs.
It's not the first time LG's gone with an unlikely shape (remember the LG Chocolate BL40?), but we can see benefits to the Optimus Vu's chunky form. Almost all modern TV shows (and films) are still framed to accommodate viewers with 4:3 sets, it's arguably a better ratio for a smaller screen and – let's face it – LG deserves a pat on the back for trying something a bit different in this age of homogenous smartphone design.
Whether the Optimus Vu can put a dent in Samsung's Note sales remains to be seen, but we'll be hoping to see the new hardware at this year's Mobile World Congress (check out what else we're expecting to see at MWC 2012 here). It's got a tough crowd, mind – it'll be going to be up against the Samsung Galaxy Note S and our screen size poll, only 26 per cent of you voted for a 5in-plus screen. We wish it luck.
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Comments
spideyou2
1 year ago
LOOKS LIKE A GREAT PHONE WHERE CAN I GET ONE
joebetwa
1 year ago
I would say that most of the people in the survey hadn't seen the Note before voting. I have had mine for few weeks now and absolutely love it. Very fast and has a great screen. The size of the the screen make entering text a joy even for those of us blessed with duplo brick fingers. Yes it is big but isn't bulky due to the thinness. And build quality is excellent. Even my fanboi friends have had to admit that it has made them reconsider the automatic Apple upgrade merry go round. Good luck to the LG, have a go at the form factor. You never know you might like it more than you think.