LG INTOUCH MAX GW620 REVIEW
The LG Intouch Max GW620 is the first Android handset from the Korean mobile phone company and, guess what, it’s a low-end model.
This is much against the grain of high-end devices many manufacturers have released (namely HTC Desire, HTC Legend) that come with the expected price tag. Here LG have produced a low-end, cost effective model.
The LG handset is small with only a 3.2″ HVGA resistive touch screen which again goes against the grain of smartphones being ‘big’ (such as the Nexus One that has a 3.7″ OLED screen). The handset feels lightweight to carry as it’s constructed from plastic but for this reason it can also look a bit tacky against the aliminium casing of an HTC Legend, though better than other plastic cased phones.
The Intouch Max includes a full QWERTY keyboard that slides out to the left of the device and with an additional four directional buttons and numbers, messages can be typed out in lightning fast fashion. The very welcome addition of numbers means you don’t have to hold down a shift button whilst typing. Typing is a breeze, much better than the Milestone anyway.
The main issue with this handset though is that, due to price constraints, there is only a version 1.5 of Android OS on the mobile phone and so its a bit behind the times, though updates from LG are expected. There is however a unique choice of options in terms of skins: a traditional Android designed iPhone-like tiled grid of icons and an LG S-Class which allows users to swipe through loops of the homescreens. I can see why did this, as the S-Class is pretty nigly and most users will just stick with the traditional Android skin.
The resistive screen could also be better (another issue due to its low-budgeted nature) and sometimes suffers lag which might lead you to try and tap furiously to make it respond. However, that said, I don’t know too many resistive screens that are done that well, even on the high-end models.
On the flip side, despite being a low-end handset, the battery life on the LG Intouch Max is excellent and whilst under intensive use the Intouch Max won’t die for a whole day. What is the talk point of the handset though is its motion sensor ability that allows for motion sensitive gaming and a touch-controlled radio dial.
Unfortunately, due to the Android’s backdated Android OS you won’t reap the benefits of the updated Android Marketplace, but as long as the apps work it’s not a problem, right?
The LG Intouch Max is a great idea for a mobile in being a low-end version of an Android. If you’ve ever tried a Milestone (or a Droid), you’ll notice the vast difference, but this will kick start bringing Android to the masses. With the LG Intouch Max you’ll never find yourself short of connectivity (PUSH email, Bluetooth, 7.2 HSPDA, MicroUSB and WiFi) but you’ll find dents in places you’re high-end Android mates won’t.
★★★☆☆
