LG Phoenix 3: At First Glance
The LG Phoenix 3 looks like one of the best smartphones you can get for less than $100. Just like its previous model – the LG Phoenix 2 – this smartphone is well built.
Therefore, anyone familiar with the LG Phoenix series would be curious to see how this smartphone measures up with its predecessors. Moreover, seeing this device makes you anxious to know if it is worth the upgrade.
However, one clear fact is that the LG Phoenix 3 is not perfect. It has some shortcomings that would have made it unacceptable if its price tag was beyond $200.
LG Phoenix 3: Design, Dimension, and Weight
Although the LG Phoenix 3 doesn’t share the same name as the Optimus line of smartphones, it follows nearly the same design blueprint.
In terms of looks, the LG Phoenix 3 is almost entirely identical to most Optimus phones.
The LG Phoenix 3 is slim and light. It measures 144.7 x 73.6 x 7.6 mm and weighs 136 g.
As a result of its slender form factor, the LG Phoenix 3 feels very comfortable to hold. Moreover, its smooth matte finish makes it even better to hold.
In addition, the LG Phoenix 3 has curved corners that make it look sleeker. Also, the side of this device has hints of silver that improves its look.
Furthermore, the LG equipped this budget phone with a 5-inch screen that looks bezel-free when the device is off. A front camera, a noise-canceling mic, and a headset are positioned above the display.
The bottom side of the display houses just the LG logo – there are no physical buttons of any kind. Meanwhile, the right side houses the up and down volume button.
Turning this device over to its back, you will discover that LG took a slightly different approach in the positioning of the power button. On the back of the LG Phoenix 3, you get a physical button positioned like a fingerprint sensor.
Above the power button, you get a flashlight and a rear camera. While the LG logo and the AT&T branding are positioned below the power button.
Aside from the weird positioning of the power button, the LG Phoenix 3 is attractive and well built. Therefore, it scores an eight in this review.
LG Phoenix 3: Display Features
LG equipped Phoenix 3 with a 5-inch IPS LCD display. This display has a resolution of 854 x 480 pixels.
To be honest, the LG Phoenix 3 is not very spectacular. Although it gets the basic job done you will still notice different flaws after a while.
For instance, you will notice the average quality of this display the moment you start looking at it from different angles.
Nonetheless, the LG Phoenix 3 produces colors nicely. Considering the smartphone’s price tag, its display quality is acceptable.
Moreover, its touchscreen feature is very responsive. Although double-tapping the screen to wake the device when it is asleep isn’t very responsive, the touchscreen feature is solid.
In conclusion, the LG Phoenix 3’s display is sufficient enough for its price tag. Therefore, it scores a seven in this review.
LG Phoenix 3: Camera Features
The LG Phoenix 3 features a 5 megapixel rear and front camera.
The rear camera is equipped with the autofocus feature. Therefore, you can fine-tune the focus of this smartphone’s rear camera.
As a result, images taken with the LG Phoenix 3 look a bit better than that of its predecessor, although the color could be sharper. Generally, the picture quality this smartphone produces is just manageable.
Furthermore, the LG Phoenix 3’s camera is poor when you compare it with most android phones. In fact, this aspect is definitely not a selling point for the LG Phoenix 3.
Hence, the LG Phoenix 3 scores a five in this review because of its low camera quality.
LG Phoenix 3: Battery Life and Talk Time
LG equipped the LG Phoenix 3 with a 2,500 mAh battery. This battery is not in-built and it is user-replaceable.
The LG Phoenix 3 offers a battery life of 14 hours. This smartphone is able to last this long because of its low RAM and slow processor.
Moreover, the LG Phoenix 3 doesn’t require a lot of power to operate. Hence, its battery is preserved longer.
However, the LG Phoenix 3 doesn’t support fast charging. It also doesn’t have the wireless charging feature.
In conclusion, the LG Phoenix 3 scores a seven in this review for its slightly above average battery life.
LG Phoenix 3: Storage Options and Performance
The LG Phoenix 3 comes with a 16 GB internal storage.
For many users, this storage capacity is a bit insufficient. You will find yourself running out of space after the installation of a few large apps or storage of large files.
Moreover, it is necessary to note that you won’t be getting the entire 16 GB for storage. The smartphone’s Operating System uses 9 GB out of the 16 GB.
But thankfully, LG allows you to expand the storage with up to 32 GB microSD card. However, purchasing an SD card means you will be incurring extra costs.
Since the LG Phoenix 3 is a budget smartphone, its internal storage is not too low. Therefore, it scores a seven in this review.
LG Phoenix 3: Security Features and Sensors
The LG Phoenix 3 features some sensors commonly seen in smartphones. These sensors measure physical quantities and transmit them to the device’s application processor.
For instance, the LG Phoenix 3 features an accelerometer that measures tilt and motion. It also features a proximity sensor that detects close skin contacts with the smartphone’s display during a call.
This proximity sensor turns off the device to prevent unintentional keypad clicks.
Overall, the LG Phoenix 3 doesn’t come with a fingerprint sensor nor facial recognition. However, it features some sensors as stated earlier.
The LG Phoenix 3 features a good selection of sensors, but it scores a six in this review for its lack of security features.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it isn’t. The LG Phoenix 3 is not water-tight and it has no IP-Rating certification.
IP means Ingress Protection. It is a certification that shows if water or dust can penetrate devices.
To take a screenshot on the LG Phoenix 3, press and hold the Power/Lock and Volume down buttons simultaneously.
Yes, it does. The LG Phoenix 3’s battery can be removed.
The LG Phoenix 3 measures 144.7 x 73.6 x 7.6 mm. It has a 5-inch display.
No, it doesn’t. You can only make use of pin locks or pattern locks on the LG Phoenix 3 smartphone.
Conclusion
Even though the LG Phoenix 3 is not entirely great, it does most basic jobs you will require from a budget smartphone.
If you want to get the Android experience without spending too much, the LG Phoenix 3 is a good option. As long as you limit your expectations, you won’t be disappointed.
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