LG Decoy Review

Camera:

The Decoy features a 2MP camera, similar to the one used on the enV2.  Pictures taken outside were remarkably good, with excellent color reproduction, sharp edges, accurate white balance, and are almost identical to the ones taken by the enV2.  Indoor pictures are more problematic, with images looking softer and showing more grain.  Low light images are nearly impossible to take, due to the lack of a flash, but it does offer a Night Mode that slows down the shutter speed. However, in doing so, most pictures will come out blurry.



Camera Options:

Videos can be recorded at maximum of 320x240 resolution, and with the length up to 1 hour when a memory card is installed.  Watching a recorded video on the phone is best, due to the smaller screen size.  Once they are transferred to a PC, you can see how low quality they are, but are still good enough for posting them on YouTube.


Multimedia:

The Music Player is outdated and is identical to the one used on most Verizon devices.  Despite the limited software, it is relatively easy to use and categorizes music into Genres, Artists, Albums, Songs, and Playlists.  Once a song is selected and begins playback, it will display the track information on the screen.  Music quality is mediocre, lacking in bass, and does not seem to get as loud as from other phones.  You can use the included mono Bluetooth headset to listen to music, or use a higher quality stereo Bluetooth device or wired earbuds connected to the 2.5mm headset jack.




Software:

As with all Verizon non-smartphones, the Decoy uses Qualcomm’s BREW format for applications.  One of the most useful is VZ Navigator, which is used for GPS guided directions.  It comes with the new Version 4 preinstalled, which allows for new 3D maps, traffic congestion and accident re-routing, as well as the ability to find local gas stations, restaurants, movie theaters and show times, and local events.  We were able to use VZ Navigator around South FL without problem.  The updated 3D maps are easy to follow and are more professional looking than previous versions.  We believe that this application is well worth the $10 per month price. 

No games are preloaded on the Decoy, but can be purchased and download over the air directly from Verizon.