LG Viper 4G LTE Review
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Performance:
Extremely audible to the ear thanks to the strong output through its earpiece, the only gripe we have with calling quality is the crackle it produces. Luckily, our callers have it easier as they’re presented with neutral voices on their end. Switching to the speakerphone, its volume is average, however, it’s marred by the same crackly voices.
Signal strength with the handset seems to be on par with other Sprint smartphones on us, as it’s able to get 3 of 5 bars in our test area – though, its signal strength is normally at the -100 dBm mark.
Naturally, we would’ve loved to use the LG Viper 4G LTE as it was intended – meaning, under a live LTE network. Instead, we had to rely on 3G speeds, which we find producing an average battery life. In fact, we’re able to get by a single day of normal usage from a full charge.
Conclusion:
Talk about a smartphone that’s named after one of the most poisonous snakes out there, that’s because the LG Viper 4G LTE is missing a vital component that makes up a good chunk of its entirety – a live and robust LTE network! No doubt, we dig its $100 on-contract price point, especially when it’s modest with its hardware specs nowadays, however, it simply lacks the prestige and allure that should accompany a device built to show off a carrier’s new high speed data network. Of course, some will appreciate the eco-friendly initiatives found with it, but in the greater scheme of things, the LG Viper 4G LTE lacks the bite to turn over its prey. Unless money is a concern, you’re better off picking up that other LTE smartphone – the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.
Software version of the reviewed unit:
Android Version: 2.3.7
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.11-perf
Build Number: ZVC.GWK74
LG Viper 4G LTE Review:
Extremely audible to the ear thanks to the strong output through its earpiece, the only gripe we have with calling quality is the crackle it produces. Luckily, our callers have it easier as they’re presented with neutral voices on their end. Switching to the speakerphone, its volume is average, however, it’s marred by the same crackly voices.
Signal strength with the handset seems to be on par with other Sprint smartphones on us, as it’s able to get 3 of 5 bars in our test area – though, its signal strength is normally at the -100 dBm mark.
Naturally, we would’ve loved to use the LG Viper 4G LTE as it was intended – meaning, under a live LTE network. Instead, we had to rely on 3G speeds, which we find producing an average battery life. In fact, we’re able to get by a single day of normal usage from a full charge.
Conclusion:
Talk about a smartphone that’s named after one of the most poisonous snakes out there, that’s because the LG Viper 4G LTE is missing a vital component that makes up a good chunk of its entirety – a live and robust LTE network! No doubt, we dig its $100 on-contract price point, especially when it’s modest with its hardware specs nowadays, however, it simply lacks the prestige and allure that should accompany a device built to show off a carrier’s new high speed data network. Of course, some will appreciate the eco-friendly initiatives found with it, but in the greater scheme of things, the LG Viper 4G LTE lacks the bite to turn over its prey. Unless money is a concern, you’re better off picking up that other LTE smartphone – the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.
Software version of the reviewed unit:
Android Version: 2.3.7
Kernel Version: 2.6.35.11-perf
Build Number: ZVC.GWK74
LG Viper 4G LTE Review:
Pros
- 4G LTE enabled
- Bright IPS display
- Eco-friendly initiatives
Cons
- Boring design
- Choppy web browsing
- Jerky 1080p video recording
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7 Comments
1. Commentator posted on 23 Apr 2012, 09:15 1 0
Seems fair. Will there be a Sprint Galaxy Nexus review, or should we refer to the Verizon one?
2. John.V posted on 23 Apr 2012, 09:35 1 0
It's nearly the same as before, so I wouldn't expect any drastic differences. We should be checking it out soon, so keep an eye out.
3. ablakefitzgerald posted on 23 Apr 2012, 22:39 0 0
It is also the first CDMA phone in Sprint's lineup to support simultaneous voice and data over 3G.
5. Commentator posted on 24 Apr 2012, 00:22 0 0
Do you know if this is going to be regular for future Sprint phones (especially the Evo 4G LTE)?
6. threeline posted on 24 Apr 2012, 00:23 0 0
When I brought my Galaxy on Sunday afternoon, the Sprint rep told me that they hadn't sold at all up to that point of the day. Why would LG launch this with 2.3 and not ICS? I would be this thing will never see ICS.







