LG X Venture

amazon LG X Venture reviews

Design and Build Quality

Rugged Yet Stylish

One of the standout features of the LG X Venture is its design. Unlike many rugged smartphones that prioritize durability over aesthetics, the X Venture strikes a balance between the two. The phone features a metal frame with reinforced corners and a textured back for better grip. It’s built to withstand drops, bumps, and harsh environments, yet it doesn’t look overly bulky or unattractive.

The front of the device is dominated by its 5.2-inch display, which is protected by Gorilla Glass 4. The screen is surrounded by thick bezels, which might seem outdated in today’s era of nearly bezel-less displays, but this design choice is practical for a rugged phone. The bezels provide extra protection to the screen, reducing the risk of damage when the phone is dropped.

The LG X Venture is IP68 certified, meaning it’s dustproof and can be submerged in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes without sustaining damage. Additionally, the phone meets the MIL-STD-810G standard, which means it has been tested against a range of environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, humidity, and shock. This makes the X Venture an ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts, construction workers, and anyone who needs a phone that can survive rough handling.

Physical Buttons and Usability

Another design element that sets the LG X Venture apart is its use of physical buttons. While most modern smartphones rely solely on touchscreen controls, the X Venture includes physical buttons for the home, back, and recent apps functions. These buttons are not only more durable than on-screen keys but also easier to use when wearing gloves or when the screen is wet.

The phone also features a programmable QuickButton on the left side, which can be customized to launch specific apps or perform certain functions, such as turning on the flashlight or opening the camera. This is a practical addition, especially for users who frequently need quick access to certain features while on the go.

The volume rocker is located on the left side, while the power button is on the right. The buttons are well-placed and provide good tactile feedback. On the bottom of the device, you’ll find a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack. The inclusion of a headphone jack is a welcome feature, as it’s becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones.

Display Quality

The LG X Venture sports a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of around 424 pixels per inch. This Full HD resolution is more than adequate for a screen of this size, providing sharp and clear visuals.

The display is bright and vibrant, with good color reproduction and wide viewing angles. It performs well in outdoor conditions, even in direct sunlight, thanks to its high brightness levels. This is an essential feature for a phone designed for outdoor use, as it ensures that the screen remains legible in various lighting conditions.

While the display on the X Venture is not as impressive as the OLED panels found on higher-end LG smartphones, it’s more than sufficient for everyday tasks, such as browsing the web, watching videos, and viewing photos. The touchscreen is responsive and works well even when the screen is wet, which is another advantage for users who often find themselves in challenging environments.

Build Quality and Durability

Durability is where the LG X Venture truly shines. The phone’s rugged construction and IP68 and MIL-STD-810G certifications ensure that it can handle the wear and tear of everyday use, as well as more extreme conditions. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, working on a construction site, or simply prone to dropping your phone, the X Venture is built to withstand it all.

The back of the phone features a textured, non-slip finish, which not only enhances grip but also adds to the phone’s overall durability. The reinforced corners are designed to absorb shock in case of a drop, and the metal frame provides additional protection.

One area where the X Venture could improve is in its weight and thickness. At 166 grams and 9.3mm thick, the phone is noticeably bulkier than standard smartphones. However, this is a trade-off that most users are willing to accept for the added durability.

Ports and Connectivity

As mentioned earlier, the LG X Venture includes a micro-USB port for charging, which might seem outdated given the widespread adoption of USB-C. However, micro-USB is still widely supported, and many users may still have cables and accessories that use this standard.

The 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature, allowing users to connect wired headphones without the need for an adapter. This is particularly useful in outdoor settings, where Bluetooth headphones might not be practical or where battery life is a concern.

In terms of connectivity, the LG X Venture supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2, and NFC. The phone also includes GPS, GLONASS, and a fingerprint sensor located on the front, integrated into the home button.

Performance

Processor and RAM

The LG X Venture is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 processor, an octa-core chipset clocked at 1.4GHz. It’s paired with 2GB of RAM, which is adequate for basic multitasking but might feel limiting for power users who frequently switch between multiple apps or run demanding games.

The Snapdragon 435 is a budget-oriented processor, so it’s important to manage expectations when it comes to performance. For everyday tasks, such as browsing the web, checking email, and using social media apps, the X Venture performs adequately. Apps open reasonably quickly, and navigation through the user interface is generally smooth.

However, the phone does struggle with more demanding tasks. Games with high graphics requirements, such as Asphalt 9 or PUBG Mobile, run on lower settings and may still experience occasional frame drops or lag. Similarly, heavy multitasking can cause the phone to slow down, particularly if multiple apps are running in the background.

Storage

The LG X Venture comes with 32GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSD card slot that supports cards up to 2TB. This is a significant advantage for users who need extra storage for photos, videos, and apps. The base storage of 32GB is adequate for most users, but the ability to expand storage ensures that you won’t run out of space, even if you’re a heavy user.

One downside is that the X Venture doesn’t support adoptable storage, which means you can’t format the microSD card as internal storage. Instead, the card is treated as external storage, which can be used to store media files and some apps but not system data.

Gaming Performance

As mentioned earlier, the LG X Venture is not a gaming powerhouse, and users should not expect it to handle graphically intensive games with ease. Casual games, such as Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, run smoothly, but more demanding titles will require compromises in terms of graphics settings and performance.

That said, the phone does include a Game Mode, which optimizes performance and minimizes distractions by blocking notifications during gameplay. This is a useful feature for casual gamers who want a more immersive experience.

Audio Quality

The audio quality on the LG X Venture is decent but not exceptional. The phone features a single bottom-firing speaker, which gets reasonably loud but lacks depth and richness. The sound can become tinny at higher volumes, and the placement of the speaker means it’s easy to accidentally cover it with your hand while holding the phone in landscape mode.

When using headphones, the audio experience improves significantly. The 3.5mm headphone jack delivers clear and balanced sound, and the phone includes basic audio enhancements, such as an equalizer, which allows users to customize the sound to their liking.

Bluetooth audio is also supported, with Bluetooth 4.2 providing a stable connection to wireless headphones and speakers. However, the phone does not support advanced codecs like aptX, so audiophiles might find the wireless audio quality lacking compared to other devices.

Camera Performance

Rear Camera

The LG X Venture is equipped with a 16MP rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture and phase detection autofocus (PDAF). The camera is capable of capturing decent photos in good lighting conditions, with accurate colors and adequate detail. However, it’s clear that the camera was not the primary focus of this device, as it struggles in certain areas, particularly in low light.

In bright outdoor settings, the camera performs well, producing sharp and vibrant images. The autofocus is reasonably fast, and the camera app is easy to use, with a simple interface that includes basic shooting modes such as panorama, HDR, and time-lapse.

Low-light performance is where the LG X Venture’s camera falters. The f/2.2 aperture allows less light to hit the sensor, resulting in images that can appear dark and noisy. The camera also struggles with dynamic range, leading to blown-out highlights or underexposed shadows in challenging lighting conditions.

Video recording is possible at up to 1080p resolution at 30fps. The video quality is acceptable, with decent stabilization, but it lacks the sharpness and smoothness found in higher-end video recording options. The absence of 4K video recording, which is available in many other phones within the same price range, is a notable limitation. However, the Full HD video output is serviceable for casual recording and social media use. The audio captured during video recording is clear, though not exceptional, making it adequate for most purposes.

Front Camera

The front-facing camera on the LG X Venture is a 5MP shooter with an f/2.2 aperture. It’s a fairly basic camera that’s capable of taking decent selfies in well-lit conditions. The camera’s wide-angle lens is a useful feature, especially for group selfies, as it allows more people to fit into the frame without having to use a selfie stick or extend your arm too far.

Selfies taken in good lighting conditions generally come out well, with good color reproduction and a fair amount of detail. However, as with the rear camera, the front camera struggles in low-light situations. Photos taken in dim environments can appear grainy and lack detail, and there’s noticeable noise in the images.

The front camera also includes a Beauty Mode, which smooths out skin tones and enhances facial features. While this might appeal to some users, the effect can sometimes appear unnatural if set too high. There’s also a selfie flash feature, which illuminates the screen to provide additional light for low-light selfies. While this helps a bit, it’s not as effective as a dedicated front-facing flash.

Video recording with the front camera is also capped at 1080p resolution, which is standard for most mid-range smartphones. The video quality is adequate for video calls and social media posts, though it’s not suitable for more professional video work.

Camera App and Features

The camera app on the LG X Venture is straightforward and easy to navigate. It offers a range of basic shooting modes, including Auto, Panorama, and HDR. There’s also a manual mode, which allows users to adjust settings such as ISO, white balance, and exposure manually. This is a welcome feature for photography enthusiasts who want more control over their shots.

However, the camera app lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end LG phones, such as a dedicated night mode or AI scene recognition. While these omissions might not be deal-breakers for most users, they do highlight the X Venture’s position as a more budget-oriented device.

Overall, the camera performance of the LG X Venture is adequate for casual photography but falls short of what you’d expect from a phone in the mid-range segment. It’s clear that the focus of this device is on durability and battery life, rather than cutting-edge camera technology.

Battery Life

Long-Lasting Battery

One of the key selling points of the LG X Venture is its impressive battery life. The phone is equipped with a 4,100mAh battery, which is significantly larger than the batteries found in most smartphones in this price range. This large battery, combined with the energy-efficient Snapdragon 435 processor, results in excellent battery performance.

In everyday use, the LG X Venture easily lasts through a full day of heavy use, with plenty of battery left for the next day. For users who engage in less demanding activities, such as web browsing, social media, and occasional calls, the phone can stretch to two days on a single charge.

Even with more intensive tasks, such as gaming, video streaming, and GPS navigation, the battery holds up remarkably well. This makes the X Venture an excellent choice for users who need a phone that can keep up with them throughout the day, whether they’re on a long hike or working a demanding job.

Charging

While the battery life is impressive, the charging speed is less so. The LG X Venture supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0, which is a dated standard compared to the faster charging technologies available on newer phones. Using the included charger, it takes about two hours to fully charge the phone from 0 to 100%.

While this charging time is reasonable given the size of the battery, it’s not as fast as what you’d find on more modern devices that support Quick Charge 3.0 or 4.0, or even USB Power Delivery. The lack of wireless charging is another drawback, especially for a phone that’s designed for outdoor use, where plugging in a cable might not always be convenient.

That said, the long battery life of the LG X Venture means that most users won’t need to charge the phone during the day, so the slower charging speed may not be a significant issue for everyone.

Software and User Experience

Android Experience

The LG X Venture runs on Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box, with LG’s custom skin layered on top. By the time of its release in 2017, Android 7.0 was already being succeeded by Android 8.0 Oreo, so the phone’s software was slightly behind the curve at launch.

LG’s custom skin, while functional, is not as streamlined or visually appealing as stock Android. It adds a number of pre-installed apps and customizations that some users might find unnecessary. However, LG has made some useful additions, such as the QuickButton customization and the Glove Mode, which increases screen sensitivity for use with gloves.

Software Features

One of the standout software features of the LG X Venture is the Outdoor Essentials app, which is designed to appeal to the phone’s target audience of outdoor enthusiasts. This app includes a barometer, compass, step counter, and weather information, all of which can be useful for hiking, camping, or other outdoor activities.

The Outdoor Essentials app is easily accessible via the QuickButton, and it provides a convenient way to access these tools without needing to download third-party apps. The app is well-designed, with a clean and intuitive interface, and it’s a nice addition that adds value to the phone’s rugged design.

Bloatware and Updates

Unfortunately, the LG X Venture does come with a fair amount of bloatware. There are several pre-installed apps that cannot be uninstalled, only disabled. These include LG’s own apps as well as some third-party apps that most users are unlikely to use. While these apps don’t take up a significant amount of storage space, they do contribute to a more cluttered user experience.

In terms of software updates, the LG X Venture’s track record is not great. The phone did receive an update to Android 8.0 Oreo, but it’s unclear if it will receive further updates beyond that. Given that the phone was released in 2017, it’s unlikely that it will see any major updates going forward. This is a significant drawback for users who value having the latest features and security updates.

User Interface

The user interface on the LG X Venture is functional but not particularly modern. The custom skin lacks the polish and consistency found in more refined user interfaces, and it can feel a bit dated compared to the sleek, minimalist designs of more recent Android versions.

That said, the interface is easy to navigate, and users who are familiar with LG’s previous devices will feel right at home. The QuickButton customization and Glove Mode are useful additions that enhance the user experience, particularly for those who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Conclusion

The LG X Venture is a rugged smartphone that caters to a specific audience: those who need a durable device that can handle rough conditions and long battery life. Its design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, striking a balance between ruggedness and usability. The phone’s IP68 certification and MIL-STD-810G compliance make it a reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts, construction workers, and anyone else who needs a phone that can survive tough environments.

While the X Venture excels in durability and battery life, it falls short in other areas, such as camera performance, software updates, and overall performance. The Snapdragon 435 processor and 2GB of RAM are adequate for basic tasks, but they struggle with more demanding applications. The camera is serviceable for casual photography but lacks the features and quality of higher-end smartphones.

The user interface, while functional, is somewhat dated, and the presence of bloatware detracts from the overall user experience. Additionally, the lack of frequent software updates is a concern, especially for users who prioritize security and the latest Android features.

However, these shortcomings are somewhat offset by the phone’s affordability, especially considering its durability and long battery life. The LG X Venture is not trying to compete with flagship devices; instead, it carves out a niche for itself by offering features that are specifically valuable to users who need a rugged, reliable smartphone that can go the distance.

where can you get a LG X Venture online

LG Electronics X Venture Factory Unlocked Phone – 5.2Inch Screen – 32GB – Black (U.S. Warranty): Buy it now