LG Doubleplay

Overview
Specs
Reviews
Videos

5/10

320 x 480 display
Android
World Phone
QWERTY
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Speakerphone
GPS
Memory slot
FM Radio
View full specs

If you know how hard it is to come up with an original design for a mobile phone, you will find it easy to appreciate the hard work put in by LG on the LG Doubleplay. When you first look at it, you might think it’s just another handheld Android smartphone with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. But when you finally pull out the built-in keyboard, that’s when you’ll realize what makes the this phone more extraordinary.

True, there is a hint of “ordinary” mixed in the Doubleplay’s blood, as evidenced by some of its hardware and software features, which include a 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 512MB of RAM, 2GB internal storage, 3.5-inch HVGA screen, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and Android 2.3 Gingerbread. There’s also a microUSB port and support for microSD cards onboard, plus a 5-megapixel auto-focus camera with built-in flash at the back of the slide-out QWERTY keyboard. It’s pretty well-equipped.

But going back to the subject of the built-in QWERTY keyboard, immediately after you pull it out to use it, you’ll find yourself seeing double. Double screens, that is. Apart from the primary 3.5-incher mentioned earlier, this mobile also features a second, 2-inch QVGA display, one that works with touch input and can be used to run certain compatible apps. On paper, this dual display setup offers so much promise. It certainly holds the potential to bring multi-tasking to a whole new level. Things are quite different in execution, however. The secondary screen doesn’t seem to be quite as useful as it could be after all.

Still, the secondary screen does end up adding a few extra features. Most notably, the ability to do more than can be done with one screen alone, like access certain apps and settings without changing what’s on the main screen. Some people will view this highlight feature as a gimmick. If you can get past all of that and simply want an Android smartphone that offers a user experience like no other, then you might like what this phone has to offer.

Need To Know: LG Doubleplay

1. Use of two built-in touchscreen displays is a boon for multi-tasking. (The Good)

2. Default software is good despite being outdated due to plenty of third-party support. (The Good)

3. There’s only a limited number of apps that truly take advantage of the fact that there’s a secondary display. (The Bad)

4. Battery performance is terrible at 3 hours talk time in 3G. (The Bad)

Prices (Where To Buy)

LG Doubleplay (Latest Model) - 2GB - Black (T-Mobile) Smartphone w/o peripherals from eBay

•Condition: New
•Availability: In Stock
•Carrier: T-Mobile
•Located In: USA

$100.00

LG Doubleplay (Latest Model) - 2GB - Black (T-Mobile) Smartphone BRAND NEW from eBay

•Condition: New
•Availability: In Stock
•Contract: No
•Located In: USA

$129.00

New Unlocked LG Doubleplay C729 Black 4G GSM Android Slider Phone from eBay

•Condition: New
•Availability: In Stock
•Contract: No
•Located In: USA

$139.99

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Latest Reviews

Features two screens, a split keyboard, and the ability to multitask like almost no other smartphone

Eric M. Zeman from Phone Scoop (about 1 year ago)

The LG DoublePlay for T-Mobile is a decent phone. It offers a solid user experience as an Android device, and doesn't suffer from the same performance problems that the myTouch Q does. With its trick extra display, the LG DoublePlay delivers a little but more functionality than the standard Android... More

The bar is far too high now for the LG DoublePlay to compete

Sean Hollister from The Verge (about 1 year ago)

4/10

When I look at the LG DoublePlay now, I see a great idea that went terribly wrong. There's plenty you can do with two screens, but this handset barely scratches the surface. More importantly, between conception and release the physical hardware morphed into one of the heaviest, bulkiest Android handsets... More

For heavy texters, the DoublePlay's keys and second screen are a godsend, though its weight and girth make it a less attractive option than other slid

Michael Gorman from Engadget (about 1 year ago)

We must admit: before laying hands on our review unit, we weren't sure whether the DoublePlay's second screen was more marketing ploy or useful feature. After spending some time with the device, however, we can say that it provides some significant utility. The two-inch panel improves the smartphone... More

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