Forget Windows Mobile, Windows Phone 7, Microsoft offers an intuitive and original OS. LG Optimus 7 is part of the first Windows Phone 7 available. Very close to other Smartphones, the Optimus 7 relies on its design and its DLNA compatibility to seduce. Successful operation? Response in this test of the LG Optimus 7.
With Windows Phone 7 (WP7), Microsoft imposes very strict new rules in the hardware configuration while limiting the customization of the interface. However, the Editor still allows manufacturers to choose their components, such as the audio chip, and it is what allows to differentiate each smartphone.
Like models in its class, the LG Optimus 7 proposes a LCD WVGA touch screen, 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and a camera 5 megapixel with 720 p video capture. Difficult for this smartphone to impress with a very classical configuration. That is it that distinguishes it from the competition? First proposed a design “candybar” solid and careful finishing, then with the DLNA standard accounting.
To learn more about Windows Phone 7 (strengths and weaknesses), direction our FAQ or our video test Windows Phone 7.
Design
If Microsoft has completely redesigned the look and the takeover of Windows Phone 7, can be said for LG and its Optimus 7. Really, there is a sense of robustness and strength when he was in the hands. Printing and we made strong brushed aluminum away from certain plastic hulls. The Optimus 7 is a beautiful phone, and LG disappoints not in design and finishes.
Three keys – back (left arrow), home (Windows logo) and search (magnifying glass) – are on the front. If Microsoft imposes a minimum configuration of components, it remains more flexible on the location of the keys. Thus, each manufacturer can configure the main buttons. There, the home button is slightly above the other two, which are along the hull.
For the rest, 3.8 inch touch screen displays images 800 x 480 points, and it resumed a classic with the at the top, loudspeaker design just above the screen. Note that LG has chosen a smaller screen but the quality is the appointment (for example the HTC HD7 is a 4.3 inch, in comparison, the images proposed by the HD7 seem well fades).
Similarly, not slab AMOLED as on the Samsung Omnia 7 but a simple LCD. It is on this type of technical detail that distinguished the Windows Phone 7.
On the right side of the LG Optimus 7 found the trigger of the camera, a micro-USB port, protected by a small cap plastic. On the other side, volume. At the top, a headphone jack (3.5 mm) and the button to turn off and turn on the phone.
LG Optimus 7 has a double hull in grey tones which is contrasted by metallic rear grey camera module. Resembles somewhat a timepiece with three circles, one for the objective, another for the mirror, and a final for the flash the led. As we have seen, the slightest trace of finger is difficult to clean. For the rest, the NPA itself is a 5 megapixel camera capable of capturing videos in high definition (720 p) 24 images per second.
Note that all Windows Phone integrate hull mention and logo to the new OS from Microsoft. In this case, found this at the bottom of the rear hull of the apparatus.
Overall, LG did an admirable job in the choice of materials and finish of the Optimus 7. The only reservation concerns finger difficult to avoid on the metal hull.
Characteristics
With its new operating system, Microsoft has locked the General interface and it is not of wrapper constructor. On the home screen, two columns composed of broad square to dynamic display. By default, they have basic information such as the number of unread e-mails, or the update of an application to install. Although manufacturers LG, HTC and Samsung are not permitted to modify the General interface, they can preinstall a limited number of applications.
In the future, it will be interesting to see how manufacturers will ensure to differentiate, particularly in terms of design and finish.
For the Optimus 7 LG included Play To, a DLNA media sharing application. A function that allows access through Wi – Fi, images and videos on a portable computer or a television. Of course, this kind of function takes any interest when it is several, and it therefore advise the for sharing at home with relatives. Instead of watching videos on a 3.8-inch screen, why not display his salon flat screen? Provided that it is compatible DLNA…
This DLNA sharing solution is one of the values added of this LG Optimus 7 to differentiate from the competition.
There is also Voice-to-Text, a software developed by Nuance that converts speech to text and ScanSearch, APAs Olaworks signed augmented reality application. Integrated in the camera, it displays information about a place or weather pointing the viewfinder to an object or a place. This application also uses the device GPS chip to locate and guide the user. Damage, no auto navigation solution is implemented.
This is nice, but… our enthusiasm was short-lived, and we have quickly abandoned this application.
For images, there are Photo Stylist, a program filter that showcases your photos with various effects, the most modern to the oldest. It is perhaps the most useful of all, because it gives really punch to its clichés with quality artistic effects. “I’m a musician-Guitar” and “I’m a musician-Piano” permit, such as Guitar Hero, playing music by imitating the appearance of a guitar or a piano. Let’s, these applications are quickly boring.
All this suggests that we are not impressed by these applications, and this is the case. But it’s the same thing in HTC and Samsung. In the end, it is LG which offers all the same great variety of applications, and it is clear that the DLNA function will quickly be added value. In the long term in any case.
The Optimus 7 is equipped with a digital camera 5 megapixel camera with built-in flash and the HD video capture occurs in 720 p. There are settings for white balance, color effects, scene modes, a detector of movements and an option to highlight each photo. A wizard guides you to catches of panoramic views to align five consecutive shots. You can also decide to take less shots for your panorama.
Digital zoom (which does not work in video mode) is not a progressive type. Is a setting to another, and it is therefore flexible month to adjust his shot.
The most boring? The fact that Windows Phone 7 does not retain our settings. Whenever you quit the application, he returned to the default settings. It was less a problem with the camera. In contrast, mode video, he returned permanently in 640 x 480 points while we prefer of course shoot in 720 p.
In our tests, the weather conditions were not good, and we have not been able to make outside shots. We propose you its tests when weather conditions permit. Note that the auto-focus is good, even in an environment with little light. Judging by our laboratory photos, the picture quality is acceptable and correct, but the flash appeared low.
Performance
In our tests, we could see that the audio quality was acceptable. All the same, we have noticed that quality fell inside. Even if we would have liked more power, speakers have a volume sufficient for a hands-free discussion.
With its Snapdragon 8650 1 GHz supported by 512 MB of RAM, the phone has been reactive, and he is able to make of the multitasking with applications integrated to Windows Phone 7 (and not with the added applications).
However, third-party applications are just generally more time to load. There was some delay between actions, but the proposed animations are enough to wait.
For storage, not slot for memory card, this is part of the specifications of Microsoft for its Windows Phone 7. You can either rely on the 8 GB of internal memory or by online storage.
LG 7 Optimus comes with a battery 1500 mAh lithium-ion with autonomy in conversation of 5 hours and up to 14 and a half days on standby.
For our test of autonomy, we had two Gmail accounts configured to synchronize every 30 minutes. We tested from time to time Facebook and Twitter accounts. We went on the web and play. In all, it we took a day to recharge the phone. Of course, this autonomy varies with use. By playing more, seen lose autonomy.
One of our main concerns was to know if leaving applications in the background reduced autonomy. In fact, the difference is very small.
More : Solid design, overall performance, good catch in hand, design elegant, easy to use, DLNA sharing feature captures HD 720 p video
Less : The rear hull brushed metal attracts traces of fingers, low flash for the camera, the smartphone does not retain the last settings used for the camera, not copy and paste, slot for memory card for car navigation solution
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