LG Viper

Overview
Specs
Reviews
Videos

7/10

480 x 800 display
Android
Touchscreen
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Speakerphone
GPS
Memory slot
View full specs

If you’re a person looking for a reliable 4G-enabled Android smartphone without having to spend too much money, what are your choices? One of the more affordable options is the LG Viper. It’s one of a few CDMA handsets that supports 4G LTE and at release, was available as low as $100 with contract.

Unless you’re after something special or at least a little unique-looking, the Viper is a relatively safe choice for an Android smartphone. It gets many of the basic elements right as it uses a tried and tested candybar design. It measures 12mm thick and weighs just a hair over 140 grams. Despite being fairly compact and extremely portable, it carries a 480x800 pixel 4-inch touchscreen display. And it even has a total of four soft-touch buttons right below the screen. Other external hardware features include a front-facing camera, a 5MP rear camera with LED flash, stereo speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microUSB 2.0 port.

When it comes to wireless features, the Viper has got almost everything covered. It has Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP, GPS with A-GPS, NFC, and 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi. Also, it works with dual-band CDMA networks and supports EV-DO Rev. A and 4G LTE data. So as long as LTE network coverage is available in your area, you’re going to enjoy using the Viper for downloading or Web surfing on the go. But then that’s the thing: 4G still isn’t available everywhere. And outside of that, the Viper doesn’t really have any other distinguishing qualities.

It looks and feels just like many other similarly priced Android handsets. And what’s more, it’s running an older version of the Android software. It is said that an update to one of the most recent versions of Android is in the pipeline, but there’s no clear release date in sight. Most reviewers advise that unless money is an issue, it’s best to look at other 4G-enabled alternatives.

Need to Know: LG Viper

1. Uses a 4-inch 480x800 touchscreen color LCD. (The Good)

2. Supports 4G LTE data. (The Good)

3. Runs an older version of the Android software. (The Bad)

4. Battery life is short. (The Bad)

Prices (Where To Buy)

Viper Black Smartphone - Sprint (1.2 GHz Dual-Core Processor, 1 GB RAM, 2 GB Internal Storage, microSD Slot, Android 2.3, 4G, 5 MP Camera) from Cellular Deals

•Condition: Price w/ Plan New
•Availability: In Stock
•Contract: No

$0.53

Viper Black Smartphone - Sprint (1.2 GHz Dual-Core Processor, 1 GB RAM, 2 GB Internal Storage, microSD Slot, Android 2.3, 4G, 5 MP Camera) from Wirefly

•Condition: Price w/ Plan New
•Availability: In Stock
•Contract: No

$0.99

Viper Black Smartphone - Sprint (1.2 GHz Dual-Core Processor, 1 GB RAM, 2 GB Internal Storage, microSD Slot, Android 2.3, 4G, 5 MP Camera) from A1 Wireless

•Condition: Price w/ Plan New
•Availability: In Stock
•Contract: No

$2.99

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Latest Reviews

It simply lacks the prestige and allure that should accompany a device built to show off a carrier’s new high speed data network

John V. from PhoneArena (about 1 year ago)

7/10

Talk about a smartphone that’s named after one of the most poisonous snakes out there, that’s because the LG Viper 4G LTE is missing a vital component that makes up a good chunk of its entirety – a live and robust LTE network! No doubt, we dig its $100 on-contract price point, especially when it’s... More

Reasonably fast performance and tempting price

Joseph Volpe from Engadget (about 1 year ago)

A 4G LTE phone for $100 on contract? It's hard to argue with that. No matter how unattractive the design or antiquated the software experience, the Viper is a wise buy for frugal consumers and Sprint loyalists alike. It's not as if the handset's internals aren't up to snuff -- they are -- and whenever... More

The Viper is a good mid-range device, and a perfect fit for a first time smartphone buyer or someone on a budget

Cory Gunther from Android Community (about 1 year ago)

Our initial impressions were quite favorable, after using the new LG Viper 4G LTE for the week we still feel the same way. The Viper is a good mid-range device, and a perfect fit for a first time smartphone buyer or someone on a budget. If you are looking for the best, fastest, or prettiest this isn’t... More

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