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 Default software is good despite being outdated due to plenty of third-party support.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)
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Eric M. Zeman, Phone ScoopThe 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...
- Sean Hollister, The VergeWhen 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...
- Michael Gorman, EngadgetThe 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.
- Alex Colon, PC MagazineThe 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...
- Calob Horton, PocketablesDual-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...
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.
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- LG Doubleplay Manual (PDF)
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