LG Optimus 4X HD

amazon LG Optimus 4X HD reviews

Design

From sleek appearance to the plastic shell is grinding lumpy, LG Optimus 4X HD seems to be designed based on inspiration from the fashion phone LG Prada 3.0. However, compared to LG Prada 3.0, we see the Optimus 4X HD pleasingly superior.

With only 8.9 mm slim and weighing 133g. In addition, the location of the physical buttons are also designed reasonable, allowing users to easily manipulate. Designed power button at the top, the volume rocker on the left side and the micro USB port is placed at the bottom of the machine.

Similar to the HTC One X, Optimus 4X HD smartphone is equipped with 4.7-inch touch screen resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. In addition, the machine also uses technology True HD IPS display (like the iPhone 4S) for the ability to display detailed, vivid.

Below the back cover is a 2,150 mAh capacity battery, SIM card slot and microSD card. Optimus 4X HD comes with 16GB of internal memory, expandable up to 32GB possible through the slot. On the imaging system, the machine is equipped with a main camera on the back 8 MP with LED flash support and a secondary front camera 1.3 MP.

Display

One of the standout features of the LG Optimus 4X HD is its display. The phone is equipped with a 4.7-inch True HD-IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 312 PPI (pixels per inch). This was a significant feature in 2012, as it provided a sharp and vibrant display that was perfect for multimedia consumption, gaming, and browsing.

The True HD-IPS technology used in the display ensures accurate color reproduction and wide viewing angles, which makes the screen look good from almost any angle. The colors are natural, and the brightness levels are sufficient for comfortable outdoor usage, even in direct sunlight. The contrast ratio is also commendable, with deep blacks and bright whites that enhance the overall visual experience.

The large display, combined with the HD resolution, makes the Optimus 4X HD ideal for watching videos and playing games. The screen size was well-received, especially as it struck a good balance between providing ample screen real estate while still being manageable with one hand. However, some users with smaller hands might find the device a bit too large for comfortable single-handed use.

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Function

Rather than keep what is available in Ice Cream Sandwich, LG seems to have imitated Samsung in “Gingerbread” of the operating system of the Optimus 4X HD. App switcher button (to open the application is running) LG has been replaced Menu button and button to switch applications to be accessed by holding down the Home button once.

In addition, the Optimus 4X HD also features QuickMemo as in Samsung Galaxy Note. However, the only drawback is that users have to use your fingers to note because the machine is not equipped with touch pen.

The video playback feature of the machine is enhanced with thumbnail display mode when performing zoom, helping users to quickly move to the next clip. In addition, the machine also allows users to browse other videos while viewing the current clip.

Performance

Optimus 4X HD works quite smoothly with chip Tegra 3 quad-core processor clock speed of 1.5 GHz. However, the machine has not satisfied the requirements on the battery capacity.

Time use only lasted from about half a day until the day (depending on use).

However, LG has also announced it will soon release a software update to the new

Talk feature, the machine does not have any problems with call quality. Speaker volume large enough so that users do not miss the message tone, as well as other notifications.

Software and User Interface

The LG Optimus 4X HD initially shipped with Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich, with LG’s custom Optimus UI layered on top. The Optimus UI was LG’s proprietary skin, designed to differentiate its devices from other Android smartphones by offering additional features and a unique visual style.

One of the key features of the Optimus UI is its customization options. Users can change the appearance of the home screen, including the ability to modify icons, widgets, and wallpapers. The interface also includes various themes, which allow users to change the overall look and feel of the UI with just a few taps.

The software also includes several LG-exclusive apps and features, such as QuickMemo, which allows users to take notes or draw on the screen with their fingers. This feature was particularly useful for jotting down quick notes or annotating screenshots. Another notable feature is SmartShare, which enables users to share media files with other DLNA-compatible devices over a Wi-Fi network.

However, the Optimus UI received mixed reviews from users and critics alike. While some appreciated the additional features and customization options, others felt that the UI was too cluttered and added unnecessary bloat to the Android experience. The UI also had a noticeable impact on the phone’s performance, with some users reporting occasional slowdowns and lag.

LG eventually released an update to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean for the Optimus 4X HD, which brought several improvements, including Project Butter, which significantly enhanced the UI’s smoothness and responsiveness. The update also introduced Google Now, an intelligent personal assistant feature that was well-received by users.

Camera

The LG Optimus 4X HD is equipped with an 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash. The camera is capable of capturing images at a resolution of 3264 x 2448 pixels and can record 1080p Full HD videos at 30 frames per second.

In terms of image quality, the Optimus 4X HD performs reasonably well, especially for a smartphone camera from 2012. In good lighting conditions, the camera captures detailed images with accurate colors and good dynamic range. The autofocus is fairly quick, although it can occasionally struggle in low-light situations.

The camera app includes several features and shooting modes, such as panorama, burst shot, and HDR (High Dynamic Range). The HDR mode is particularly useful for capturing scenes with a high contrast between light and dark areas, as it helps to balance the exposure and produce a more evenly lit image.

Low-light performance, however, is a mixed bag. While the LED flash can help illuminate subjects in near-darkness, the camera tends to struggle with noise and reduced detail in low-light conditions. This is a common issue with smartphone cameras, especially those from the early 2010s, as sensor technology was not as advanced as it is today.

The front-facing camera is a 1.3-megapixel shooter, which is primarily designed for video calls and selfies. The image quality is average at best, with lower resolution and detail compared to the rear camera. However, it serves its purpose for casual use, such as video chatting over apps like Skype.

Battery Life

The LG Optimus 4X HD is powered by a 2,150 mAh removable battery, which was a standard capacity for smartphones of its era. The battery life of the Optimus 4X HD is decent, although not exceptional. With moderate usage, including tasks like web browsing, social media, and occasional gaming, the phone can last through a full day on a single charge.

However, heavy users who frequently engage in gaming, video streaming, or using GPS navigation may find themselves needing to recharge the phone before the day is over. The Tegra 3 chipset, while powerful, is known to be somewhat power-hungry, especially when running graphically intensive applications.

The battery is removable, which allows users to carry a spare battery if they anticipate needing extra power during the day. This was a feature that was becoming less common in high-end smartphones, as many manufacturers were moving towards non-removable batteries to achieve slimmer designs.

The phone also includes a power-saving mode, which can help extend battery life by reducing the performance of the processor, lowering the screen brightness, and disabling background data usage. This feature is useful for squeezing out a few extra hours of usage when the battery is running low.

Connectivity and Call Quality

The LG Optimus 4X HD offers a comprehensive set of connectivity options, including 3G HSPA, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC (Near Field Communication), and GPS. The device also includes a microUSB port for charging and data transfer, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The call quality on the Optimus 4X HD is generally good, with clear audio and a strong signal reception. The phone includes noise-canceling technology, which helps to reduce background noise during calls, ensuring that the conversation remains clear even in noisy environments. The speakerphone quality is also decent, although not exceptional. It’s loud enough for hands-free calls in a quiet room but may struggle in noisier settings. Overall, the Optimus 4X HD performs well in terms of basic phone functionality, meeting the expectations of its time.

Storage

The LG Optimus 4X HD comes with 16 GB of internal storage, which was standard for high-end smartphones in 2012. Out of the box, about 12 GB is available to the user, with the rest being occupied by the system software and pre-installed apps. For those who need more storage, the phone also includes a microSD card slot, which supports cards up to 64 GB. This is a significant advantage, as it allows users to easily expand their storage for apps, music, videos, and other files.

The inclusion of expandable storage is a notable feature, especially considering that some of the Optimus 4X HD’s competitors, like the HTC One X, lacked this option. This flexibility makes the device more versatile for users who prefer to store large amounts of media on their phones.

Multimedia Experience

The LG Optimus 4X HD is well-equipped for multimedia consumption, thanks to its large HD display and capable hardware. The 4.7-inch screen with 720p resolution provides a good platform for watching videos, playing games, and browsing photos. The display’s accurate color reproduction and wide viewing angles enhance the overall viewing experience, making it enjoyable to watch movies and TV shows on the go.

The phone supports a wide range of multimedia formats, including popular video formats like MP4, DivX, and Xvid, as well as audio formats like MP3, AAC, and FLAC. This versatility ensures that users can enjoy their media collection without worrying about compatibility issues.

The built-in music player app is user-friendly and includes several useful features, such as an equalizer, playlist management, and album art display. The sound quality through the headphone jack is good, with a decent level of bass and clear treble. However, the quality of the built-in loudspeaker is average, as it lacks the depth and richness that some users might expect from a high-end device. For the best audio experience, using a pair of quality headphones or external speakers is recommended.

Software Features and Customization

As mentioned earlier, the LG Optimus 4X HD runs on Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich, with LG’s custom Optimus UI on top. This user interface offers several unique features that distinguish it from stock Android, making the device more personalized and functional for users.

One of the key features is the customizable lock screen, which allows users to access their favorite apps directly from the lock screen by dragging shortcuts into the unlock ring. This feature is convenient for quickly launching frequently used apps like the camera, messaging, or the phone dialer.

Another notable feature is the inclusion of LG’s QuickMemo app. QuickMemo allows users to take notes or doodle on the screen at any time, even during a phone call. This is particularly useful for jotting down quick information without needing to open a separate notes app. The notes can be saved, shared, or overlaid on the screen for reference while using other apps.

The Optimus UI also includes various themes and customization options, allowing users to change the look and feel of the device to suit their preferences. The home screen, icons, and widgets can all be customized, and users can choose from a range of pre-installed themes or download additional ones from the LG SmartWorld store.

However, it’s important to note that the Optimus UI also adds a fair amount of bloatware to the device, with several pre-installed apps that cannot be easily removed. This can be frustrating for users who prefer a cleaner, more streamlined experience. Additionally, the custom UI can be a bit heavy, leading to occasional slowdowns and reduced performance, particularly as the device ages and newer apps become more demanding.

Software Updates

At the time of its release, the LG Optimus 4X HD ran on Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich, with an update to Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean released later. The Jelly Bean update brought several improvements to the device, including Project Butter, which significantly enhanced the UI’s smoothness and responsiveness. This update also introduced Google Now, an intelligent personal assistant that provided users with useful information and predictive suggestions based on their habits and preferences.

Unfortunately, the Optimus 4X HD did not receive any major updates beyond Android 4.1.2. This lack of long-term software support was a common issue with many Android devices at the time, as manufacturers often focused on releasing new models rather than providing continued support for older ones. As a result, users who were hoping for updates to newer versions of Android, such as KitKat or Lollipop, were left disappointed.

The limited software support is one of the downsides of the Optimus 4X HD, particularly for users who value having access to the latest features and security updates. While the device was still functional with Android 4.1.2, the lack of updates meant that users were stuck with an older version of Android, missing out on improvements and new features introduced in later releases.

Competitors

The LG Optimus 4X HD faced stiff competition from several other flagship smartphones released around the same time. Some of the key competitors include:

1. Samsung Galaxy S3: The Galaxy S3 was one of the most popular smartphones of 2012, thanks to its powerful hardware, innovative features, and extensive software support. The device featured a similar 4.8-inch HD display, a quad-core Exynos processor, and a highly customizable user interface. The Galaxy S3 also benefited from Samsung’s strong brand presence and marketing efforts, making it a top choice for many consumers.
2. HTC One X: The HTC One X was another major competitor, known for its premium build quality and stunning display. The device featured a 4.7-inch Super LCD2 display with a 720p resolution, along with a quad-core Tegra 3 processor similar to the one found in the Optimus 4X HD. The One X also had a unibody polycarbonate design, which gave it a more premium feel compared to the plastic construction of the Optimus 4X HD.
3. Sony Xperia S: The Sony Xperia S was part of Sony’s new Xperia lineup, offering a 4.3-inch HD display, a dual-core processor, and a 12-megapixel camera. While it lacked the quad-core power of the Optimus 4X HD, the Xperia S was praised for its excellent camera performance and unique design, which featured a transparent strip at the base of the device that housed the antenna.
4. Google Nexus 4: Released later in 2012, the Google Nexus 4 offered a pure Android experience with no custom UI or bloatware, making it an attractive option for Android purists. The device featured a 4.7-inch HD display, a quad-core Snapdragon S4 Pro processor, and timely software updates directly from Google. The Nexus 4 was also priced more affordably than many other flagship devices, making it a strong competitor in the market.

Value for Money

When it was first released, the LG Optimus 4X HD was priced competitively for a flagship device, offering powerful specifications and a large HD display at a reasonable price point. However, it faced tough competition from other high-end smartphones that offered similar or even better features.

The lack of long-term software support and the presence of bloatware in the Optimus UI were some of the drawbacks that affected the overall value proposition of the device. While the Optimus 4X HD was a solid performer in its time, it struggled to maintain its relevance as newer and more advanced devices entered the market.

For users who prioritized having the latest software updates and a cleaner Android experience, devices like the Google Nexus 4 or the Samsung Galaxy S3 may have been more appealing options. However, for those who valued the large HD display, powerful performance, and expandable storage, the Optimus 4X HD offered a compelling package.

Legacy and Impact

The LG Optimus 4X HD played a significant role in LG’s efforts to re-establish itself as a major player in the smartphone market. While it may not have achieved the same level of success as some of its competitors, it demonstrated LG’s ability to produce high-end devices with cutting-edge technology.

The Optimus 4X HD was also one of the early adopters of quad-core processors in smartphones, helping to set the stage for the performance-oriented devices that would follow. Although the device had its flaws, it served as an important step in LG’s journey toward becoming a more competitive and innovative smartphone manufacturer.

In the years following the release of the Optimus 4X HD, LG continued to refine its smartphone offerings, eventually leading to the launch of successful models like the LG G2, LG G3, and LG G4. These devices received critical acclaim for their design, performance, and features, helping LG to gain a stronger foothold in the market.

Conclude

LG Optimus 4X HD seems to be a good option for a quad-core smartphone running ICS. However, the machines are points except at low battery capacity and camera performance.