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LG Doubleplay review

5.5/10 AVG.
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LG Doubleplay
LG Doubleplay
LG Doubleplay
LG Doubleplay
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5.5/10
Informr score
The LG Doubleplay currently has an Informr score of 5.5 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 8 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

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)


Android
Operating system
Operating system
Android
1 GHz
Processor
Processor
1 GHz
3.5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
3.5"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
1540 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Phone Scoop
Phone Scoop

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 Andr...

- Eric M. Zeman, Phone Scoop
The Verge
The Verge

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 hand...

- Sean Hollister, The Verge
Engadget
Engadget

The two-inch panel improves the smartphone experience by better enabling Android's quasi-multitasking abilities, but it's by no means a must-have feature.

- Michael Gorman, Engadget
PC Magazine
PC Magazine

The DoublePlay's double-display design sure is interesting. Problem is, it isn't all that useful and spoils what could have been an excellent QWERTY keyboard. The Sidekick 4G costs just $79.99 right now, and features a much better keyboard than the DoublePlay—it's also a full ounce lighter...

- Alex Colon, PC Magazine
Pocketables
Pocketables

Dual-screen devices are usually very poor sellers because they don't offer enough bang for your buck elsewhere. They spend big on the display panels, but skimp on the performance. Unfortunately, the LG DoublePlay falls into the same pit. However, its incredible idea of being able to use more than on...

- Calob Horton, Pocketables


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the LG Doubleplay user manual here.


LG backs up the Doubleplay with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your Doubleplay has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact LG support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find LG's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.



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Screen Size
3.5"

The LG Doubleplay's screen size is 3.5 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 1 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on proprietary operating system firmware.

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There's no secondary front camera.

Storage
No

Internal memory is No. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
1540mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 1540 mAh battery. LG's performance ratings are 11.5 days standby time, 198 minutes.

LG Doubleplay Specs

Overview
Release Date October 27, 2011
Regions Available USA
Operating System No

Compare Android Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 1 GHz
Internal Storage No
RAM 512 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible Yes
TTY/TDD Yes
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Head: 0.71 W/kg
Body: 1.37 W/kg
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Data Cable, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
EDGE, HSDPA 7.2
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
Yes
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Brightness control, Effects, Face detection, Geotagging, ISO, Multi-shot, Self-timer
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels), 30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (TFT)
Colors 262k
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density Unknown
Size 3.5 inches
Secondary Display Color LCD (TFT), 240 x 320 pixels, 2 inches, 262k
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch No
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features -
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 1540 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 198 minutes
Standby Time Up to 11.5 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Slider
Colors
Dimensions [H x W x D] 12.2 x 15.9 x 13.1 cm (4.8 x 6.3 x 5.2 in)
Weight 99 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key No
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type QWERTY
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Messaging: SMS, MMS
ROM: 2GB
Multi-Use Smart Phone / PDA: Yes
Graphics: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: Swype
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Multiple Numbers Per Contact: Email address, Other fields
Voice Activated Dialing: Yes
Photo Caller ID: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
PC Synchronization: OTA
DLNA Support: Yes
Java Application: Yes
Audio Formats: MIDI, MP3, MP4, eAAC+, AAC+, AAC, AMR-WB, WAV, OGG, AMR-NB
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: No
Vibration Alert: Yes
Downloadable Ringtones: Yes
Ringer ID: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Data Tethering: Yes
Mobile Hotspot: Yes
Radio: Yes (FM/RDS)
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
To-Do / Task List, Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Calculator, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA): LG Flip II, LG-c729

2 GB microSD card included
Related Links Manual (PDF)
LG Doubleplay Reviews
Where to buy LG Doubleplay
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