It's a silly name as smartphones go (and one that conjures images of lady-focused razors), but regardless, LG's Intuition is now officially a member of Verizon's lineup. The 4G LTE device, shown off today at the manufacturer's launch event, is nigh unchanged from the South Korean model we reviewed this past July (known as the Optimus Vu).
With a 5-inch 1,024 x 768 True-XGA IPS capacitive display, dual-core S3
CPU clocked at 1.5GHz, 8-megapixel rear camera, NFC, 2080mAh battery
and that Rubberdium pen, the only thing separating this stateside
iteration from its SK Telecom cousin is the skinned Android Ice Cream
Sandwich OS onboard and $199 on contract price. So how does it fare in
this Big Red debut? Follow along as we attempt to find what's been lost,
if anything, in translation.
Usually when carriers nab smartphone exclusives tweaks are made to
the devices' overall build and OS. Not so here, as the Intuition is
virtually unchanged from the overseas model we'd previously spent
quality time with this summer. The phablet's back is still wrapped in
that matte black, textured finish with the edges rounded for a hint of
an ergonomic fit. It's relatively unwieldy for those possessed of
less-than-massive palms, so bear that in mind before you consider this
for purchase. LG, or rather Verizon, has done away with the T-DMB TV
tuner, but aside from that small design change, the rest of the hardware
keys and ports are the same. A two-button volume rocker resides on the
upper right edge, while up top you have a 3.5mm headphone jack, quick
launch button, sliding metal door for micro-USB and power button. Hidden
on the left just behind the Intuition's subtle curve is a covered flap
for the microSIM.
It has to be said that the Intuition is a
classy affair. The device exudes a sleek, professional quality that
manages to overcome the myriad branding on its front and back. Also
getting a slight makeover is the Rubberdium pen. Whereas when it debuted
with the Optimus Vu that capacitive pen was chunky and somewhat
cumbersome, here it's been slimmed down for a more natural in-hand fit.
That alteration isn't able to make up for the broken user experience --
you still have to use a finger for the Android navigation keys -- but it
does make interaction somewhat more bearable.
The Intution's 1,204 x 768 True-XGA IPS display might not have the
immense saturation of an AMOLED panel, but it definitely still impresses
even from afar. Colors are balanced, icons are crisp and viewing angles
are above average, though the screen seems prone to tremendous glare.
Yes, you're still saddled with that compressed 4:3 aspect ratio, but
that niggle aside, there's not much to find fault with here.
So
let's talk about the (only) star of the Intuition's show: skinned Ice
Cream Sandwich. Or, as LG's rep described it, it's a software
"integration" with that Google operating software. Potato, potatoe --
the OS bears no resemblance to vanilla ICS. Much like the Vu, icons can
be customized, screenshots can be captured to scribble notes upon and
share using Quick Memo and even the task manager allows for a more info
shortcut (accessed by long-pressing on the previewed app).
As for
the 1.5GHz dual-core S3 moving things along, well, it does an
acceptable job. Initially, we were impressed by the brisk performance as
the browser rendered pages quickly and transitions through the
homescreens and app drawer evinced no slowdown. A few strokes later and
that story changed, with noticeable hiccups and stutters cropping up.
That's what you get with an outdated processor. No surprises there.
If you've read along to this point, care little for Samsung's own famed
phablet effort and feel the need to upgrade your daily driver on
Verizon, the Intuition's available now for $199 on contract. But before
you dive in and buy, we'd caution you to use your own.
Only last week we saw Nikon launch its S800c Android powered point and shoot camera. Now, GSM Arena is reporting that Samsung also intends to launch a similar product that will be a part of the Galaxy family of devices. Adding to the buzz, the report states that the device could actually be launched at the ‘Mobile Unpacked’ event alongside the rumored Galaxy Note II.